Running is a passion. For those who participate and for those fans who appreciate the will power and determination of those runners who keep on pushing, even though their bodies are telling them different. Running is a relatively new obsession for me. Most of my family runs. I was married to runner who made it to UIL Texas State Track and Field Championship in the 800-meters. Our son Deric was an All-City runner at El Paso Eastwood in 2014, went on to become an All American in the 5,000 meters at South Plains College in 2017 and earned a scholarship to run at East Carolina University.
As for me, I detested running. I mean, I would run to stay in shape to officiate high school basketball games but now I run just for the sheer enjoyment of it. My true love of running didn’t find me until the summer of 2016. Once I was bitten, it was all over. Running and I began our love affair and our love has only proven stronger as time goes on.
There have been some set-backs along the way – injuries, lack of motivation, sometimes claiming to be “too busy” – but I have always come back. It has become a part of me, an opportunity to clear my mind of the daily rigors of life, to use my God-given ability and to realize how lucky I am to have two strong limbs to carry me through the best and worst times.
Running provides a place where runners can draw strength from places they have to discover for themselves. During a very challenging part of my life, I became severely depressed and felt overwhelmed by the things happening in my life. Running became my solace, my only guaranteed ‘me time,’ where I could sort through life’s complications.
What I have realized is that you don’t have to be young to start your journey. I started my running odyssey when I was 49 years old. You can start at any stage of life. I have also learned it’s not how fast you are or how far you go that makes you a runner. It’s all about the adventure and the people you meet along the way. And what an amazing supportive group of people. It doesn’t matter how fast you are, other runners will be there encouraging you and building you up. It’s a community that cares.
And this is why I created this blog, to tell the many stories runners have locked up in their hearts and souls. A place where people can share their innermost thoughts about what does for them. A place where people will appreciate others and to realize that running is a gift.
On this blog you will find weekly profiles on runners of all levels and ages, top 10 high school cross country boys and girls teams along with the top 25 times. You will be able to find schedules and results for high school cross country and track, the USA Track & Field Border Association meets and the many road races in El Paso.
Community, commentary and profile pieces will be a big part of this blog so input is vital in the success of this endeavor. We will seek videos, photos, and written content from your users.
El Paso Running 