If I were a better person, I would say that I don’t deserve to be on the cover of Runner’s World magazine in the first place. I mean, have you read some of the stories of the entrants?
If I must actually type words here to list reasons why you should vote for this kid instead, you may want to check if you have a heart. I know a lot of people who won’t even go running because it’s raining. They also have both legs are are well over the age of this kid. Don’t worry, he’s in the lead with over 2300 votes and deserves so much more then simply the cover of a magazine.
Kimberly M. of Kensington, CT (who I have the distinct pleasure of knowing)
Kimberly here had a bi-lateral mastectomy from breast cancer, discovered at the age of 41. She completed three full marathons during chemo treatments. What did you do today?
I love Shirley. I love her because she’s old and getting it done! She has qualified for Boston three times since she turned 60. Sixty, people! Try telling her that “I’m getting to old” to do anything and I’m sure she’ll just throw her empty water bottle at you as she finishes a 20-mile long run. And no, she wasn’t born this way. In fact, the first time a friend asked her to go running she weighed 235 pounds and just had her 5th child in seven years. What the…?
I could go on, but I think you get it.
However, the reason I’m asking to pull the plug (in addition to the fact that these three alone deserve to be on the cover) is that I WORK FOR RODALE. You know, Rodale, Inc?. As in the entity that owns Runner’s World magazine? Yes, it’s a cute little thing we call nepotism and I would be guilty of some sort of violation because I regularly write for Fitbie.com, which is a Rodale owned company. So, ok it took me a little while to connect those dots, but I wasn’t really thinking about it. Either that or I’m a moron. I’m going with the first one.
Thank you all so very much for voting as much (or as little) as you did. At the time I’m writing this, I have 375 votes and I think that’s pretty darn good.
I may never be on the cover of Runner’s World or any other magazine for that matter, but I’ve never suffered through what any of these people had and needed running as my anchor. The triumph of the human spirit that clearly shines though a lot of the entrants (not just these three!) is cover-worthy. I cannot wait to see who is crowned.
Who would get your vote?
Who in your life is ‘cover worthy’ and what magazine would it be? You can make it up…
Oh wow Allie! I did vote for you but I will go back in to vote again for someone else. These three are so inspirational it will be hard to pick. I am for sure not cover worthy especially after reading about these people.
Thanks for voting for me Kris!! And, I don’t want to take away from a lot of the other entrants and say they’re “not worthy” as pretty much anyone who is dedicated to running IS, but some of these people really have taken dedication and inspiration to the next level!
I also voted for you and I would say it is because I adore you (truly do), but I understand why you cant be voted in makes perfect sense and promise to go vote for someone you listed above (hard to choose though, because they all are more then qualified). Oh and by the way, this is something I would totally do and not fully connect the dots – I blame it on Mommy brain!! 😉
Thank you for saying that Janine! I will absolutely chalk this one up to “mommy brain!”
I know when I saw that little boy I started promoting him! Definitely puts life in perspective, huh? The human spirit is truly amazing. Running has “saved” so many lives.
That is such a great way to put it – running has saved so many lives! It has saved mine more then once 🙂
You are so right….I’m in the pool as well, but not deserving of it at all compared to some of the most inspirational people I’ve ever seen!!
It’s not that you’re not deserving – really, I would LOVE to see you on the cover – it’s just a game changer when you read some of these. However, if I didn’t work for the parent company, I wouldn’t be pulling the plug 🙂 Good luck!! I’ll keep voting for you too!
I will begin voting for Ben!
And thank you for bringing this to light.
You may not be on the cover of Runner’s World, but you are a shining star in both the running and blogging worlds.
Aw, thanks Alison. I so appreciate it!
You are such a wonderful person Allie, and it shows through even more with every post you write. I saw these wonderful people on the contest too, and you are right, this IS what it is all about, especially Ben! Thanks for being so humble, and for promoting them too 🙂
Thanks Tina – I really appreciate it and, honestly you can’t read some of this stuff and then feel good about being on the cover. I think RW has a problem on their hands because I would think they could dedicate a years worth of covers!!
this is why I adore you and claim you as my sissy! I did read all of those inspirational stories because I was curious about why they had so many dern votes! There was another story about a young man that has seizures while he runs, but never stops, the stories are endless and most times I end up crying at my desk thanking God for my blessings. BUT that didn’t stop me from voting for you because I still think you deserve it too!! Can’t we just have a collage on the cover?!
LOL at the Rodale thing though. SMH.
A collage is a GREAT idea! I know – just so many that deserve recognition. I bet they’ll get it in some way (more then now) as those RW people are sneaky like that 🙂
And crying at the desk – yep, I do that too. Kills me.
Just the fact that you’re willing to tell everyone about three other really deserving candidates makes you a star in my book. And you are right, there are some incredible people out there doing things that make me feel like a weenie for complaining about anything! Thank you for sharing their stories!
Thanks so much Alexa. Sometimes we all need a little perspective!
Uh…excuse me…but did you just use “old” and “sixty” in the same sentence, young lady???? Hmmmm???
Ha haha – I have nothing but love for you Aunt Chris! You know that!!! When I’m 60 I will consider myself old and be damn proud of it!! Heck, I think I’m old now at the verge of 40 but, who cares? Life is good!!
You’re so awesome, Ali! So gracious!!! 🙂
Thanks Erin and right back at you! Also, you can spell my name with one “l” anytime. Just you though 🙂
Allie!!! 🙂 sorry!
Well, I still would have loved to see you on it. There are lots of deserving folks out there trying for this one–I’m sure the final two will be cover worthy. Me? I’m too boring for a cover!
Boring?? Never!! Thanks Amanda. 🙂
You’d still be a great cover story! I’d probably vote for the kid; young ones and old people get me every time.
Wait until you have a baby!! Thanks Jaclyn.
ohmygosh these stories!! They are absolutely incredible. Thanks for sharing them. I would have loved to have seen you on the cover too!! PS If it were me, I totally wouldn’t have put together the dots re: Rodale. I’m not quick like that 🙂
Thanks Christine. I really appreciate knowing I’m not the only “slow” one out there…even if you’re lying to make me feel better. Ha ha.
I still think you are definitely cover worthy! I would never have figured out the Rodale connection!
Ugh, I can’t choose just one. I am pretty impressed with Kimberly. When my brother was undergoing chemo he had absolutely zero energy and his was not even the kind that made you sick or lose your hair. I can’t believe she completed three marathons! That is bananas! But then running over the age of 60 AND qualifying for Boston. That is pretty impressive too. They are all so impressive! I hope one of them gets the cover!
It’s just so cool to read so many stories of everyday people. Inspiration like this is just the best. When I’m out on my runs and feeling less then stellar, you bet I’m thinking about some of these people and how they must have felt. It turns me around pretty quickly 🙂 Thanks Britt.
You are an amazing person and athlete. Beautiful inside and out. I voted for Ben.
I can say the same about YOU! Thanks so much Tara.
Well, you’re my cover girl anyway. Not in a creepy kind of way, but an inspirational kind of way. You’re right – the runners you highlighted are amazing, but so are you. We all are in our own ways, and I think most people deserve to be on the cover of a magazine for one reason or another. Of course, which magazine is another story…
Right! Ha ha ha – thanks Dana. I definitely think there are so, so many “worthy” people, but obviously these three kind of stuck out. I’m also insanely proud to be YOUR personal cover girl. That’s really all I need. When is my photo shoot? 🙂
When I read the title, my first reaction was NOOOO, let me keep voting for you! lol I’m convinced that the whole world is related in someway. And therefore connections like this are completely normal. You’re still cover worthy in my book though! xo
I wonder if Kevin Bacon also works for Rodale? Ha ha/ Thanks so much Kimberly and I really appreciate all the voting you put in!!!
If you can’t win, these are some great alternatives!! What inspirational people!
I thought so! Thanks Ali.
I have a funny story. I have been waking up super early to workout before I go to work because I just never have the time or I’m to tired at the end of the day to exercise. I came home super late last night and when my alarm (which I use my phone for) rang this morning I was ready to hit the snooze button, but instead i started looking at my email and saw your latest post. The moment I read the stories, I got my butt out of bed and went to exercise. The stories of people like YOU and the people you have featured in this post serves as such an inspiration for us all. I admire you for sharing the stories of others. You my dear are awesome!!
YES!!!!! This is exactly what I want to read!! Thank you for sharing this. Perfect example of how we can all inspire one another. So glad you got out there and got it done. It’s NEVER easy 🙂
I honestly don’t even know if I could choose from these three. Probably Kimberly but ask me again tomorrow, and I may say otherwise.
What a beautiful and SELFLESS post. It makes me want to vote for all four of you.
Don’t worry – you can vote for them all. You are the sweetest, Tamara. Thank you!
Awwww- this is so selfless telling people to vote for other people!! (yes, yes theres the whole rodale conflict of interest thing but pish posh- you are taking the high road here) if i ran a magazine for runners, i would put you on the cover!!!
This is why I love you! THANK YOU Charlotte!!!
I’ve been voting every day! Bummer. But yes, these three runners are AMAZING! I would be thrilled to see any of them on the cover.
Thank you so much Carly!!! I truly appreciate that you were voting everyday!!
I think the only cover I would be worthy of is IBS Daily.
AHHHH HA HA AH AH!
Love it and would read every word 🙂
I read this at work and some of these choices you made are so awesome! I hope Ben wins. It would be awesome to see a kid on the cover!
Agreed! Thanks Carla…and I think he’s going to.
I had no idea about this contest, but as a BC survivor, I had to go and vote for my fellow Warrior Sister. Thanks for the opportunity. Hugs, Holly
Excellent! Thanks Holly.
That courageous little boy! Wow is about all I can say. What an inspiration!!
Found you from the Sits Sharefest. 🙂
I know – truly amazing! Thanks for stopping by Heather!
So, I’m a few days behind but in my book you are an inspiration, too. There are multiple ways that people inspire us – the stories you shared are very much amazing BUT so are you!!!!
Oops on the tiny little oversight about working for Rodale:)
Thank you Kim and yes, I definitely agree about ALL the ways in which people can inspire. And yes, just a tiny “oops!” there 🙂
You are a rockstar, magazine cover or not. I loved your perspective in this post. Thanks for your honesty and humor. xoxo
Thank you Jesica!! I feel the same about YOU!