Great runners are great inspiration

There are many great professional athletes around the world. There are also plenty of boof heads out there.  Unfortunately we Aussie's are so infatuated with our sports 'heroes' - as defined by their ability to kick goals or hit balls better than most - that we will overlook their human failings quicker than most.

But I've discovered many great inspirational men and women through the world of running. Athletes who match their words on and off field. What is interesting is that all these guys have faced and overcome adversity. I'm not impressed with just their results (which are amazing all by themselves), but with how they have dealth with them.

They may be great atheltes but, for each of them, running is about more than just results. Let me introduce you to some of my favourites ...

Geoffrey Mutai
Winner of the last 3 major marathons - Boston and New York 2011 and Berlin 2012. So how come this guy didn't make the Kenyan Olympic team?  Talk about learning to deal with injustice and disappointment.


Meb Keflezighi
Grew up in Eritrea, fled Africa, didnt even see a TV until the age of 12, started running in the USA, wins Olympic medals and major marathons.  Trains others, helps others, gives to others. Understands what it means to really go the hard yards.

Ryan Hall
This guy doesn't take the easy route. And that's saying something for a marathoner! Blessed with being the fastest American runner ever he charts his own course, choosing God as his coach.  He is a constant inspiration to me.  His pulling out of the Olympics in London was his first ever did not finish at a marathon. Wow. That is tough to deal with.

And there are more, like Lucas Lopez, but more about him another time.

Running helps you help others. But it takes the first step for you to make the difference.