Category: Running Motivation

Posted on

Spiritual Muscles

Spiritual muscles today. Not trying to let in anything that doesn’t serve me. Not trying to let anxieties of the past or future infiltrate in as they often do.

Not trying to be anything today but grateful with a deep presence and appreciation for that which is right now, in this moment.

My feet glide today. My iPod plays songs that resonate both survival and strength. The sun warms my skin and I am reminded of all of the wonderful things that summer brings.

What you are not choosing, you are allowing. I needed this shift today to be more awakened. To be reminded that my deep spiritual needs are the foundation of strength that holds this body together. To let go of what doesn’t matter, and fight for what does.

That. Is. All. 👊🏻

Posted on

Adapt or Transform?

Adapt and Settle? Or Erupt and Transform?

Lay down everything that is conforming you to stagnation.

Pick up your inner reasons, your dreams, and your spirit.

And when the “it’s not worth it”s, the “settle-for”s, and the “it’s not possible”s deliver their speech of fear and resignation…

…tell them I sent you. 👊🏻.

It’s time. Let’s make today into something wonderful.


Stay in Touch with Runner, Writer and Visionary Suzanne Swanson.

Sign up for running and health motivation emails from Suzanne. 

Join our running, healthy lifestyle and emotional support group on Facebook!

Posted on

Arm Yourself with Kindness.

Sometimes when I reflect back, I can’t believe how my journey has unfolded. This is not about what you weigh or what your size is.

I have learned that the representation of a number to our self worth is BS… and being connected and comfortable in our skin comes in beautiful forms of all shapes and sizes.

This is about treating yourself with kindness.

I spent half of my life nearly drinking myself sick. I allowed foods that were not serving me to rule my decisions, and give me a false sense of comfort. I lived in a rat race of comparisons, instead of allowing grace to move in for healing.

On occasion I still may wobble… life sometimes tries to sway me back to a place that I know will leave me empty and without joy.

Arm yourself with kindness. Focus on feeling your best, leading by example. Shut the toxic opinions of others out, and choose what is best for you.

Today the sun is shining. My head is clear. My body is fueled with nutrition that I can pronounce, my coffee is hot, and I’m grateful for another day.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t wish your life away. Don’t false-idol the people who you think have it all. Start simple… be kind to yourself… and be amazed where that takes you.

~ From the Diary of What Running and Life Have Taught Me


Love these words? Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for running and health motivation emails from Suzanne. 

Join our running, healthy lifestyle and emotional support group on Facebook!

Posted on

Memorial Day Race: Tortoise and Hare 5K in Wind Gap, PA

Today is a day we race to honor all those who have and continue to fight for our freedoms, liberty, and our safety.

The sacrifices you have bravely suffered is a debt that can never be repaid.

This weather doesn’t usually work in my favor, but today everything clicked. To be able to podium after a long fight of trying to get it back after Covid feels wonderful.

There is magic in every mile… and happiness at every finish line.

Lucky are those who find joy on the pavement.


Not Just for Runners… Our Community Welcomes Health Enthusiasts and Wellness Seekers of All Kinds. Follow Along for a Daily Dose of Encouragement.

Join our running, healthy lifestyle and emotional support group on Facebook!

Sign up for running and health motivation emails from Suzanne. 

Posted on

A Perfect Morning.

I love these mornings… the kind when you know the air is breezy. No sounds except the birds… there is nowhere to be at this second.

Yesterday’s mascara smeared on my face because I fell asleep reading… just me and God out here. I take for granted so many things sometimes. I get consumed about crap that’s ridiculous.

This morning I’m only thinking of all the wonderful moments… of how lucky I am, and how truly good life has been to me.

I sip my coffee, tie my laces… and go.

Simple = Serenity. Less = More. Contentment = Joy. That. Is. All. 👊🏻.


Not Just for Runners… Our Community Welcomes Health Enthusiasts and Wellness Seekers of All Kinds. Follow Along for a Daily Dose of Encouragement.

Join our running, healthy lifestyle and emotional support group on Facebook!

Sign up for running and health motivation emails from Suzanne. 

Posted on

Run Lucky.

Some days I am fast and others are very slow.

Some days have music while others are just the echoing sounds of my surroundings.

Some runs, my mind is clear as a blue sky and sometimes it’s murky like deep water.

Sometimes it’s just because… while other times it’s pushing my body to limits I never thought possible.

Despite it all, I know this is a gift. How blessed to get to do something you love… in a place that you love… just making memories on the pavement?

Why do you do it? Some ask.

Because “I’m lucky enough to.”


Join Our Community of Health-Minded Friends. Some Run, Some Walk… All are on the Path to Self-Betterment.

Join our running, healthy lifestyle and emotional support group on Facebook!

Sign up for running and health motivation emails from Suzanne. 

Posted on

St. Luke’s Half Marathon 2022

Today wasn’t about PR’s or disappointments, or expectations or failures. It was about a community of runners racing a live race… some, for the first time in years due to Covid.

To say that I am HAPPY is an understatement! This course presents hilly challenges, and while today is absolutely picture-perfect… the sun out bringing the heat sometimes can get this fair-skinned girl in trouble!

When my feet hit the starting line today, I reminded myself how lucky I am to get to be here. (Truth is, I forgot I was running this race up until about 2 weeks ago when someone reminded me 😂😂.)

I took a minute to come to terms with the fact that I am still working hard to get my pre- Covid pace back. And in that moment, I remembered that no matter what, my love of why I do this, and what these miles have taught me… are true gifts that no pace-setter, medal, or timing chip can ever take from me.

With that I looked up, asked my Dad to guide me and mouthed “This one’s for you.” ❤️🐞 The last mile I was tired but steady… and asked my Dad to get me around that stadium to the finish line.

I finished in 2:11:57. My dad’s birthday was 2/11; sometimes it’s the little things that bring you the greatest joys.

A big thank-you to my dear friend Josh DeVoe who listens to my mouth 🤣, and who pushes me out on those roads to never give up. And of course to Davey who cheers me on, believes in me, and never stop making my dreams possible. ❤️Today is a good day!

Posted on

Running is My Therapy

Maybe you’re lost, or maybe you’re on your way to finding the freedom of your soul.

Maybe you’re longing for change… or maybe you’re just right where you need to be.

Either way the more grateful we are… the more blessed we become.

This road… this blacktop… these moments, are my teacher…

My saving grace and I am forever thankful 💛.

Posted on

Strength and a Smile

I can’t think of a better way to start my Monday other than with strength and a smile.

Wake up joyful on purpose and declare your intentions…

We don’t get there by wishing… we get there by doing 👊🏻.

Let’s get it 💙.

Posted on

Speedwork.

I had Covid in December. It knocked me flat on my ass, quite frankly. As a runner… it took me years to develop speed, to train wisely, and set the goal of my dream someday… the Boston Marathon.

It wasn’t until about mid-January that I could start to slow jog again. By February I got back out there to try and start increasing my mileage to what it was.

My point… my pace is way off from where I left it… My joy, however, my love of this pavement… the lessons of what these cracks and bends in it have taught me… and my drive to train even harder… and come back stronger is amplified.

Sometimes you have to step back… see the bigger picture. Give thanks for where you are… be grateful for your true friends who inspire you, who encourage you, and who believe in you.

Dust settles… I don’t 👊🏻. Focused and ready… we’ve got some training to do.💜