I am not always the most positive person in the world. But when people approach me about their running goals, I try to be both positive and supportive. When I had decided to run my first marathon, I was nervous. I spoke to some people that I knew were runners and some had completed a couple marathons... with the exception of one person (thanks Dave) they were all a bit negative. Later, I promised myself that I would never be like that.

About a month ago, a co-worker approached me for advice for an upcoming race. He hadn't run in a while and this would be the furthest that he had ever run. I could tell he was a bit worried. We talked and the conversation ended with me saying to him, "You can totally do it." Over the next month, we would pass each other in the hall and check in. During these conversations the questions ranged from shoes to the dreaded bloody nipples... fear the cotton.

Just a few minutes ago, I received a thank you note from him... he finished the race and is looking to the next. Needless to say, this made me feel good.