"There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met." – W.B. Yeats

These words are attributed to W.B. Yeats, the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet, who believed in the power of connection.

I often hear, “Oh, I could never run,” or “I’m not a runner.” To me, that doesn’t mean running isn’t for them—it just means they haven’t met running yet. Running isn’t about speed or distance. It’s about showing up, trying something new, and figuring out what you’re capable of. For someone who says, “I’m not a runner,” it’s just a matter of meeting running on their terms, whether that’s a jog around the block or a first mile on the treadmill.

Even seasoned runners face this idea when they look at a new goal—a 10K, half marathon, trail, or ultramarathon. Fear and doubt show up, but that’s just part of the process. Tackling a new challenge isn’t about being fearless; it’s about being curious. You start small, meet the distance one step at a time, and build from there.

Running is a connection. If you haven’t met running yet, or you’re meeting a new distance, it’s waiting for you. All it takes is showing up.

"The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper."
– W.B. Yeats