Runner's World Magazine. Seriously.

This is Runner's World magazine:

This is the description of the magazine:

RUNNER'S WORLD is filled with powerful information that will help you run faster and farther?and have more fun doing it! Every issue brings you the strategies, tips and advice to fuel your performance, prevent injuries, burn fat, shed stress, and achieve your personal goals.

Sounds good enough, but it doesn't scratch the surface of what the magazine is. Runner's World is THE source for runners, whether you are a world-class ultra-marathoner or a walker looking to add some running to your neighborhood stroll. It will take you from first stretch to home stretch, from lace-up to race day. It will do everything for you but the actual running.

And here comes the big news. My running team, featured in the Media Meld Studios documentary, From Fat To Finish Line, will be featured in the April issue of Runner's World magazine.

Yes. Seriously. In Runner's World. Let that sink in for a moment.

This guy, who went from depressed couch potato to six-time marathoner, is going to be in the pages of THE magazine for runners. Along with my eleven other team members, I will be part of an article that talks about who we all are, what running has done for us, and where we hope to go from here.

I've known about this since June 2013, when I had my first phone interview. I spent more than an hour pacing back and forth in the Philadelphia Reading Terminal Market (I think), talking on the phone and sharing my story.

Believing it was going to happen is one thing. Having it confirmed and knowing it is definitely happening is something very different.

Yesterday, I received this email from the photo editor at the magazine:

Hi John,Your inspirational story of weight loss and running marathons is planned for our April, 2014 issue of Runner's World Magazine.
We would like to photograph you for the story. We will need about 3hrs of your time within the next two weeks or by 1/21. What date and time would work best for your schedule? What is your address so we can find a photographer near you? What are your current sizes (shirt, short/pant, shoe)? We will send wardrobe to you. 
Thanks. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yeah, that's right. A photo shoot. And they're sending me wardrobe. Even typing those words makes me smile and... yes... giggle a bit. Come on, who doesn't want to be treated like a celebrity for a day?!

I'm going to be in Runner's World magazine. Why? Because in June 2010, I decided to change my life. And in December 2010, I decided that running would be good for me. Now, three years after that fateful decision, I can proudly say that I am a runner. I think so. My teammates think so. And apparently, Runner's World magazine thinks so, too.

I hope my story... all of our stories... sparks something in all of those people who are stuck on their couches, desperate for a change but afraid to try. Because we are proof that a first step is all it takes to begin a truly amazing journey.