Our ambassador Esmeralda gives us a little pick me up motivational speech.

"While out on a run this weekend, I asked a couple of friends these questions --

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? What kind of chances would you take? What risks will you take?

One friend is training for her

first marathon, the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon. The other for her first half marathon, the Erlanger Chattanooga Half Marathon. Both of their answers

involved completing the marathon distance. I listened to them discuss their goals and fears, but also listened to them encourage and support one another.

I started to think back at my 2 years of running and thought about how many training runs and races run that I had to rely on others' belief in me to get me through. One race in particular that stands out was a 10K in which I was running out of steam and felt defeated. I kept running and caught up to a girl that was running similar pace, and started a conversation with her. She was running her first 10K and was worried about completing it. So we stuck together. 2 strangers running side by side, and together we finished. She did not let me quit. I did not let her quit.

Since then, I continue to meet people at races, or while running around town. The running community has brought some pretty fantastic people into my life. People that, with their belief in me, have not let me fail. Staring down a new goal is terrifying. Whether you're looking to run a Boston Marathon qualifying time, or running your first 5K, it can be scary. But when you surround yourself with people that have the same goals and beliefs in you, you will not fail. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You will get there. You will cross that finish line, and you'll be ready to do it again.

So now, I'll ask you, what would you do if you knew you could not fail?" - Esmeralda Tokar