One Way to Get Inspired: Watch a Marathon

If you're new to running, there's nothing more inspiring than watching other people meet their goals.  (And you think, "Yeah!  That could be me!")  This morning we found some fast runners near the end of their Houston Marathon, working HARD in COLD, RAINY uncomfortable weather at mile 22 and 23.  It didn't look easy.  It didn't look like something a person would do unless they had a darn good reason for being out there. 

It was a good reminder:  Every runner has a story.


That's what I love about watching races.  Motivations differ: to get healthy, to lose weight, to face personal demons, to distract oneself from sorrow, to inspire someone else, to just plain take control of one's life....every runner has their own story.

What we don't see are the days of self-doubt.  We don't see the miles logged in the dark cold days of winter, nor the wet blanket humid days of summer.  We don't see the decisions made--to work or to run?  To spend social time with friends and family or training hours pounding out mile after mile?  Yet there they are, running in pain after 20+ miles, and they just keep going.  It inspires me every time.

It is also fun to cheer the runners.  "Way to go!"  "Good job!"  Your encouragement does make a difference.  Be noisy, be exuberant!

Here's another way to get in the groove:  visit the Expo, especially one before a big city marathon.  There are bargains to be had--discounted shoes and running clothes--yahoo!  Want to know about heart rate monitors?  Talk to the product representatives.  Eager to try new sports drinks and energy chews?  Check out their samples.  Looking for a new challenge?  Visit with volunteers and race directors from other runs and marathons...perhaps you'll be inspired to set a new goal.  Best of all, you'll see runners of all shapes and sizes there, each excited about their upcoming run.

Big city marathon expos may schedule talks or autograph sessions with running legends.  Last year's Houston Marathon Expo had Frank Shorter (r) the 1972 Olympic Marathon Champion and Rod Dixon (l) Australian Olympian and bronze medalist at 1500 meters.  This year, Ryan Hall was at the Expo, and there was a long line waiting for an autograph from the first American to break an hour in the half marathon.

After the race is over, check the final results for your age range.  You might find your training run times are closer to the top of your peers than you realize! What inspiration for next year's goals!

Why do I ride? "You will eventually FLY down the other side," Artist, Carola Locke

Through friends, we met artist and cyclist Carola Locke, and loved her work so much, we wanted to share it with all of you!  And her story about getting on the bike for the first time as an adult?  Inspiring!  Take a look at her work, below...they're PAINTINGS, not photographs!  Wonderful, right?

Carola visiting Fort Davis' historic Indian Lodge
in Davis Mountains State Park

So first, why I do I ride?

"My husband did it. I had ridden a bit as a child, but never even considered it as an adult. It was one of those "impossible" things that gifted athletes did. However, shortly after being married, my husband found me an old steel road bike, rebuilt it, and gave it to me. I fearfully started riding it, but soon enough remembered what to do, and was thrilled with the rush and freedom which riding invokes. That was about  ten years ago. Riding a bike, whether for exercise, to commute, for socialization, or for therapy, has encouraged me to tackle fears which, otherwise, I never would have been brave enough to encounter. Riding has taught me to pace myself in life, and not to expect instant results. It has helped me learn that like riding up a hill, sometimes everything sucks, but it is only for a time; you will eventually fly down the other side.

"The Guru" by Carola Locke

My husband and I came out (to Fort Davis, TX) together to ride Cyclefest, and while it is the hardest ride I've done yet, it is also my favorite. The clean air and clear night sky, being able to see for miles, this area is my favorite in Texas. I've ridden the 75m route three times now, and hope to ride it many more times."

As for the art:

"I have always been artistic. But, about ten years ago (oddly the same time I began riding), I picked up a paintbrush and began trying to hone my skills. I painted a lot of people, beer, and nature themed pieces, but it wasn't until three years ago that I found my niche in painting bikes and their riders. The first piece I tried, "The Guru", floored me with how well it turned out. Usually, when I finish a painting I stand back and am amazed. It doesn't even feel like I painted them sometimes. I began showing my work two years ago. I love watching people enjoy the work I've done. Art allows me to meet people and travel and connect. As I meet cyclists at events I am flooded with new ideas and inspiration.

"36 Trinity" by Carola Locke

Sometimes, I'll be at a ride and see a really neat bike and will walk up and say "I don't know you, but you have a great bike. Can I photograph it and paint it?" Let me tell you, that's a great way to make a new friend!"

We asked Carola how we can see more of her work, how she shares and sells it, and her thoughts about being a working artist:

"There is much truth to the term "starving artist", as it is a difficult field to make a name in, but I consider myself lucky that I've managed to incorporate my gift (painting) with my passion (cycling). If I make money at an event, great, but if I leave having talked to other cyclists and gained new inspiration, that is often better. At this time my cycling paintings are exclusively displayed at Knobbies and Slicks in Colleyville, TX. It's website is http://www.knobbiesandslicks.com/ My website is www.artistcarolalocke.com My email is artist@artistcarolalocke.com I have 2013 calendars available and prints of most of my paintings. Most of the originals are for sale as well. Also, I am on Facebook at facebook.com/artistcarolalocke "

"Calf, de Calf"
by Carola Locke

We say, "2013 Calendars?"  Sounds like holiday gift possibilities to us...and thanks to Carola for sharing her story!