Great projects always seem to begin with a great source of inspiration. Nancy Sauter was my great inspiration for Miles with Meaning™.

Nancy is the kind of person you only need to meet once and within the first minutes, you can't help but consider her a lifetime friend. No matter what new adventure I had embarked upon, Nancy was always there asking for the daily update on my progress. Whether it was running a 5K race or taking on my first ½ marathon, she was a loyal supporter.

A few months back, I was onto the next step in my training and was preparing for a race called Howey in the Hills ½ Marathon. This would be part of my preparation toward my first 26.2 mile marathon commitment. Every day, Nancy would enthusiastically ask me how my training was going. No matter what the answer was, she would give me wonderful words of encouragement.

It was at this same time Nancy had been given the news that she had been cancer free for 5 years. This was the magic number - 5 years. Make it to this mark, and you are in the clear, or so she was told.

One day shortly after the wonderful news, I called the training facility and anticipated Nancy answering the phone. I was told she was in the hospital and it was serious. I immediately phoned her husband who told me that Nancy was dying. He informed me that her liver was failing due to the cancer treatments she had been given. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. What happened to the magic 5 years?

I did get to see Nancy while she was in the hospital. I remember leaving that day, thinking there should be someway to show your support for people like Nancy. A type of “running prayer” and so, this was the start of Miles with Meaning™.

It began with a runner, a friend and the desire to let people know how much she was in my prayers, even during a race. I raced Howey in the Hills with Nancy on my mind the whole race. Later I was told she died that same day.

Heavy hearts can also be inspired ones. Out of this experience, I created this idea, this site and these shirts (for starters). It is a way of letting her family and perhaps Nancy, know that she impacted my life in such a favorable way.

She is missed by many but remembered forever.

- Lisa Leitl

LisaLeitl@yahoo.com

For those who are looking to run, walk or cycle with a purpose, be it individual or cause, let the world know. Purchase your Miles With Meaning™ shirt today.