The burning passion of running and running

Running is a grueling sport that takes stamina and perseverance. Non-runners say they just don't have the discipline to do it. Runners admit the sport burns like fire, but the thought of not running hurts even more, so -- they run. It's a healthy addiction. Cape Girardeau's Laura Sheridan runs almost every day, but this year, she took it to another level, running the Boston Marathon for the first time.

No one would blame competitors for opting out of the Boston Marathon after the terrorist attack in 2013. The images left scars on all who watched the aftermath on television as well as those who were actually there that day. But, according to Sheridan, that tragedy has made the race that much more special: "It's a pretty special race for everybody who's involved. The city is very proud of their marathon. But after the tragedy, they're even more proud that people want to come back," she told the Southeast Missourian's Katie Lamb.

Sheridan ran her personal best of 3 hours and 24 minutes, which is an amazing 9 minutes faster than her previous record in a 26.2-mile race, making the event memorable.

Here at home, Sheridan encourages others to be active also, but she is well aware of the demands on people who work and raise families. So she let us in on how she manages it. While her husband and two young children are still asleep, she's out running before work. Thus, by evening, her workout is already in the books, and she can enjoy her time with them. She runs longer stretches of time on the weekend.

Running has a culture all its own here, with many out and about running through our streets. To stay focused and encouraged, Sheridan relies on that culture; she has partnered with members of a Facebook group called Run Cape Girardeau.

"Having the support of other people and entertainment of other people always helps," she asserted. That support helps as she prepares to compete in some upcoming running events, including the Trail of Tears 50K in October.

We applaud Sheridan for hitting the pavement here at home and representing us well at the Boston Marathon, the epitome of running prowess.

A great place to start -- or further -- your running/walking goals is to participate in the sixth annual Hoops for Life 5K Run/Walk and 1.6 mile Power Walk at 8 a.m. Saturday. It's a great way to exercise and connect with others, but more important, it's a fundraiser to help fight children's cancer. The current entry fee is $30, and sign-up may be done online at hoopsforlife.net or via hard copy by picking up a form at Missouri Running Co. Cape Girardeau.

We applaud our active runners in the Cape Girardeau region, especially those who partake in charity.