The Right to Run.

I wish I could have attended one of the Women’s Marches that took place yesterday all over the country and the world. I am so proud of all my sisters and misters who were out there, standing up for our rights, together, as one, sharing their love, support, signs (which were absolutely fantastic, by the way), strength, and positivity with the world and each other. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done to stand up against the potential loss of some of our hard-earned rights, and for doing it peacefully and arm-in-arm. I’m lucky to be able to call some of you “friend” already and would gladly become a friend to the rest of you. You’re amazing.

Although I was unable to march, I realized there was still something I could do – run. “But Jeanine, you run all the time anyway.” Yes, yes, I do. But yesterday, when I headed out for my run with thoughts of the women marching swirling through my head I began to realize that I run because I choose to run. Because I have the right to choose. I run to be a stronger woman, not only for myself, but for my family, for my friends, for my coworkers, and for everyone who depends on me. Heck I even run for my cat! And sometimes I run from her (she bites).

yikes.

No one is forcing me to run. No one is stopping me from running.  It’s MY choice. I have the right to run. Or the right not to. As I ran my 9 miles through the park yesterday, I thought to myself, I will never take my runs or my rights for granted. Someone years ago worked hard to give me the freedom to choose how I want to live my life.  The first Olympic Marathon event was in 1896. The first WOMENS Olympic Marathon event was not until…1984. Almost 100 years later!!

I serendipitously stumbled across this book last week:

I haven’t started it yet, but after the events of this past weekend, I cannot wait to. I can’t wait to read about these women, their lives, their goals, their strength. I can’t wait to be inspired to be a better woman – and runner – myself.

So for all the women out there marching, running, standing, loving, living – I run for all of you. And I thank you for the right to run.

I am woman; hear me run.

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