11357463_fc442ad946_oAs the race director for the Fifth Third River Bank Run, I have the pleasure of talking with hundreds of runners and walkers each year about the event – something I most enjoy about my job!  One of the comments that comes up most often is, “I’m going to participate this year, but I’m really worried I’m going to be last to cross the finish line.”

Don’t ever let that thought stop you from doing anything — whether we’re talking about a road race or a new project at work.  Sure, we all wish we were born gazelles, but the fact is, most of us are penguins – kind of silly and not really meant for moving between point a and point b very fast (unless there is water involved).

John “the Penguin” Bingham is one of my favorite Runner’s World columnists, delivering messages of hope and inspiration to people of all fitness levels – plus a dose of humor.  Because, after all, John is one of us.  He’s not the fastest and, in fact, he’s often the slowest.  But rather than worrying about it, he just keeps plugging along, enjoying the words printed on the backs of countless pairs of shorts that pass him on his trek to the finish line.  Check out one of his articles at http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-243-332–13208-0,00.html.  Then take up his mantra:  ”The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

So, if you’re thinking about the second Saturday of May in downtown Grand Rapids, about running or walking (or a combination of both) your way to the Fifth Third River Bank Run finish line, stop thinking and begin training.  Like John “the Penguin” Bingham, have the courage to start.  Waddle on!