A Thankful Note To Running

Written by Bonnie Wilson, 2016 San Francisco Marathon Ambassador
At 240 pounds, Pacific Northwest native Bonnie Wilson knew something needed to change — but she never expected running to become both her passion and her freedom. It did (after a few tries!) and today, she’s completed multiple marathons, is on a journey to becoming a personal trainer, leads Zumba classes as a fitness instructor and shares inspirational and insightful information on her blog, Zombie Running Princess.

In addition to her work on Zombie Running Princess, Bonnie works as a freelance researcher and writer, and enjoys anything to do with Pacific NW coffee, beer and professional wrestling.

Dear Running,

As we get ready for Thanksgiving, I found the need to tell you again how happy that I am that you have come into my life. I don’t know where I would be without you, so let me explain to you what makes me thankful that are in my life.

You give me peace: Any time I feel like my real life is spinning out of control you give me the chance to find peace. A good run always gives me the chance to work out whatever is going on in my head and helps me find solutions amidst the chaos. Bad runs remind me how strong I am and how much I can keep my head up and keep going “up the hill” even during the chaos.

Friends: Some of the best people in my life are my running friends. They inspire me, they encourage me, and they support me. They don’t care that I am always towards the back of the pack, they are always willing to be out there to cheer me on.

The Experiences: Running has opened me up to opportunities that I never thought possible. I have ran five marathons, met amazing friends from all over the world and this is the third year I will be representing The Biofreeze San Francisco Marathon as their ambassador. I have gotten to talk to and meet so many people.

Pushing outside the box: Running has forced me to push myself outside of my box. I have gotten more comfortable with talking to people, which is a huge step for someone with social anxiety. I have been volunteering at events and have gotten more comfortable with being on center stage. And I have been able to share my story of weight loss with people and have learned that I have inspired people to take their own journey.

Being able to give back: I have been able to use my running to make a difference for animals looking for a home, I have been able to bring attention to veterans needs through being a part of Team RWB, I have been able to help raise books, food and money while volunteering at events. It is incredibly empowering to know that you can make a difference.

Running, I don’t know where I would be without you. We have had our good times and our bad times. But you have always given me a reason to dream big and look at the best parts of my life. I am thankful for you.

Sincerely,

Bonnie