Everyone is a Runner

Everyone in this photo is a runner.

You read that correctly. Runner.

They move their body in a forward motion with intention and purpose. Some are speedy-fast and work daily to achieve a personal record time. Some strive for confidence in consistency in their paces/miles. Every age, gender, pace, shape, size, and ethnicity of runner is represented in this beautiful picture.

A few months back, one of my counterparts within the running community posted a thought-provoking post.

They posed the question: “What is a runner?”

The words resonated with me for weeks. As we started kids crew at pdsF.U.S.I.O.N., it really hit me – the power in her statement. We are all runners.

Our mission – Be FIERCELY UNITED, Be STRONG, Be INTENTIONAL – does not have a cookie-cutter application. If you have a body, you can be and are a runner whether you know it or not. One size does not fit all. Perhaps someone has passed judgment on you before they knew you and what you’re capable of or what you’ve accomplished. You know what? You are capable of more than you realize. Do not let those people bring you down.

Today is your opportunity to appreciate that all bodies are capable of so much. Support yourself, find a welcoming environment for reaching your own goals, work toward motivating the next generation and each other.

Stephanie Pereira da Silva is the executive director of pdsF.U.S.I.O.N. Inc., an organization with a mission to fuse all elements of wellness: spiritual, social, emotional, career, intellectual, environmental and physical as well as all levels, abilities and interests. Learn more about the organization at pdsfusion.org.