In my last post, I wrote about whether it’s possible to run on passion without miles of hard work backing it up. I was asking this hypothetical question because, at the time, I was feeling woefully unprepared for the NYC Marathon. Unfortunately, I still feel that way and the race is a mere 10 days away. You see, I wasn’t fully recovered from my pneumonia until a month ago. And then it was still questionable as to whether I was fully recovered. A doctor might say I was recovered – I mean, I’ve been taking a daily dose of Singulair and puffs from an Inhaler prior to each run – but before every training run I am still fearful that the effort might land me back in bed with a rib-rupturing cough.
I haven’t been willing to take that risk. I am determined to at least start the race at the base of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge – even if I’m not starting it in race-ready shape. Although I may not feel physically prepared, I am passionate about what it represents. I am passionate about sharing my strength. I am passionate about raising $5,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a tribute to my friend Dan who beat Lymphoma and lives the most amazingly fulfilled life. I am passionate about giving my all to “Racing for a Reason.”
But, this passion is going to need a little boost. Now if you’ve been following my posts, I’m sure you’ve noticed the running theme – no pun intended. That sometimes how you feel about yourself can help propel you in a direction that may just be the inertia you need – to be more determined, a bit stronger, and even more successful. I write about perspective, and energy, and spirit. How clothing can channel the energy of the person who’s warn it, the person who’s made it, or the person who’s currently wearing it. It sounds ridiculously metaphysical as I write it, but it’s my brand and I believe it. It’s what RunningPretty is all about.
This is where Sabrina Winckler comes in. If you remember, Sabrina is my most devoted RunningPretty supporter. She’s been helping me design and sew RunningPretty samples from the day I showed her my rudimentary designs scribbled on wide-ruled notebook paper. Sabrina is a master at her craft. Sabrina will be the one who helps push my 26.2-mile-tired-legs across that finish line in the heart of Central Park on November 4.
Why Sabrina this year, you might ask? Sabrina is helping me design the latest RunningPretty that I will debut at NYC. Sabrina is a blessing. I am reminded of this as I stand in front of her full-length mirror in her workroom with pieces of RunningPretty pinned to my waist. When I first started working with Sabrina, she was single and designing clothing and costumes for a living. I would bring my little ones with me for meetings and fittings. I remember feeling unprofessional, but so grateful for her patience and kindness. She never questioned my vision.
Sabrina, "Girl Friday Productions"
Now, our lives had converged. As we talk about the design in her little sewing room, I feel the energy of her new world which is now complete with two young children, a full-time job, a husband – and yes, RunningPretty. After all the life changes, the joys, the challenges, the chaos, and the lack of sleep, RunningPretty is still in Sabrina’s life too.
This year, I will be wearing our new RunningPretty design in tribute to Sabrina and her little family – Livvy, Hunter, and Billy. If I don’t have the physical preparation, I will reinforce my passion with the energy and love that Sabrina weaves into every piece she creates. And, you know, I think I’ll look good too.
Please consider supporting “Racing for a Reason” with a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
