Yo run gang,

Randy gets a week off as his partner Steve shares some running thoughts...

As most parents I have been to my fair share of band concerts, science fairs, and athletic events over the years. Available to congratulate or console as needed. It is part of the parenting package, one of the rewarding parts.

But this fall I have discovered a more selfish agenda in being a "cross country dad".  While I have certainly enjoyed witnessing my son race and compete for his high school cross country team, I have also found this experience to be immensely inspirational. From the warm-up jogs around the course to dry heaves in the chute I am inspired. I am not talking about reliving any glory days like a Springsteen song or being born again. More and more I just had a desire to feel what they were feeling. So I took an inventory of my own dedication and appreciation of this sport of running. I really didn't change the quantity or quality all that much, just dialed it up a notch and got a new vantage point. I like to think my running is now like my TV, in HD. I became more consistent, more connected, more inspired.

And as I got more self indulged in my training, this carried over to other areas of my life. Suddenly I was not just inspired to go for a run, but to go chase a dream, to take a risk, to feel desire, to get out of my comfort zone. I was inspired to look at how I could be a better husband, neighbor, co-worker. All this from witnessing a bunch of teenagers laying it all on the line, totally exposed, grinding out five kilometers. Selfish me. Thanks kids.

--Steve Angerman, a lifelong passionate runner.

PS: Help inspire the youth of America to this running life and perhaps find some inspiration yourself. Check these out:   Martian Kid's Marathon    Girls on the Run