I’ve been at this for a while. Oh no, not the blog. In fact, today is my first entry for the blog that I’ve decided to call “RunningPretty, Writing Real.” It’s RunningPretty that I’ve been at for a while. It started with an idea more than six years ago and I have yet to go to market with my skirt-inspired running apparel. I know, six years is a long time to work on an idea and still not have it ready to sell – especially in the garment industry. But, as my closest friends know, there have been some bumps in the road to making RunningPretty the go-to sports apparel for women of all ages – from celebrities to college athletes to weekend warriors. But, I love the idea. I love the product. And I love the fact that I know RunningPretty will be important someday. I am devoted.
But, this blog really isn’t really about RunningPretty. It’s about sharing my journey with people who are passionate about making every day count, letting go of the past, putting their heart into a dream, who value what they have, and realize that it’s okay to fail as long as you try. Oh, and who recognize that a genuine smile can take a person from a very dark place to a much brighter place in a matter of moments – and this holds true for both the giver and the receiver.
So, this morning at 4:45 a.m. as I started my three hour 20-mile treadmill session – the last long run in my Boston training plan – I decided I would just start writing. Put it all out there. “You just have to commit,” said my friend and Boston-qualifier, Erin, when I was on the fence with the idea. She confirmed what I knew in my heart already. This is just like everything in my life. Make a plan and stick to it. Be authentic. Be passionate. Erin also emphatically reminded me that, “If you cannot be real, there is simply no reason to do this.”
I will be real. Yes, I will share a lot about how RunningPretty started and where I envision it going, but I will also share my fears, my motivation, and my inspiration. I want you to know who has helped me along the way – with their wisdom, their support, and their faith. Why I won’t give up. And why RunningPretty is less about a brand of sports apparel and more about the brand of my life. Sometimes our stories are what make us relatable. I hope I can live up to this. Hang in there with me, won’t you?
-C
Callie, you are truly an amazing person. You share a bit of your life every time you talk to and reach out to someone. You have been inspiring people with your words and actions for a long time. You are an incredibly real and honest person. I am constantly inspired and motivated by you. Thank you for sharing a bit of you with me!
Erin
Couldn’t agree more Erin! Well put. Keep pushing and sharing the inspiration Callie. Thank you for all the long talks, positive support and kicks in the. butt! 😉 you are truly inspirational! Keep pushing !!
Erin, you and I met randomly at 6 a.m. at the start of the 2010 Denver Marathon for a very special reason. It’s friends like you that continue to give me the courage I need to move forward, feel grateful, and share all of me. We learn from each other with every interaction. Your support is priceless.
Callie – While I am not a marathoner (and probably will never be), you’ve inspired me to start running (and actually enjoy it) and do a lot more. I’ve known you a long time and I am so happy to see that you never give up on a good idea. You don’t let life’s curve balls deter your determiniation. I admire that most of all about you. I remember when RunningPretty was just an idea in your head. I’ve looked forward to your updates and I am excited to see where you take this venture in the future!!
You are a runner now Staci! I’m so glad to know that you have found enjoyment in it and love to hear the feeling of accomplishment in your voice. You are what RunningPretty stands for – feeling confident in your own skin no matter what you are doing. Thank you for encouraging me along the way and providing your marketing guru insight every step of the way. I hope we can always be a motivation for each other.