Banana Blossom Press greeting cards provide miles of encouragement for the runner in your life

I run, but I'm not really a runner. What's the distinction? I run when the sun is out, my iPod is fully charged and I have optimistically committed myself to training for some race or another in hopes of becoming, well, a runner.

The new greeting cards from Seattle stationery company Banana Blossom Press were created for both fair-weather runners like me, and the rain-or-shine variety of runners, walkers and fitness fiends who suffer through blisters, aching muscles and long miles in the rain to reach their goal, their personal best or their bliss.

The cards come with sentiments that will resonate with anyone who has set foot on a starting line -- or anyone who has offered support to a loved one in training. "3 miles -- you've come a long way," encourages one, while another gives props to busy moms: "errands playdates walk bathtime -- it's not easy but you do it."

Banana Blossom Press was created by Maria Millsap, an avid runner who lives in Licton Springs, and Laura Ciszek, a former running enthusiast who lives in Ballard. "We live the messages on the cards," says Millsap. "They are true for us, and we knew that they would be true for many people as well."

Millsap and Ciszek thought Seattle would be an ideal market for their sentiments because there are so many runners, walkers, races, boot camps, training programs and mommy exercise groups here. In fact, in 2005, Runners World magazine named Seattle the 12th best running city in America.

Banana Blossom Press offers greetings for birthdays ("happy birthday -- may you enjoy many more years of keeping fit"), the arrival of a new baby ("stork + stroller -- congratulations on your new running partner") and injuries ("shin splints -- ouch take care of yourself.")

Special-event sets include five cards that can be given to runners as they progress through their training. If you know someone who is preparing for the upcoming Seattle Marathon, consider doling out the messages of the marathon set: "starting line," "hills hills hills," "nice hammies," "26.2" and "post-marathon blues."

There are also holiday cards, including one that reads, "Yes, I know it's Christmas morning, yes, I'm still going for a run," which was inspired by Millsap's own dedication, even on a day when many runners take a break from training. "Yes, come December 25, we will be out there running first thing in the morning," she says. "Rain, shine, hail or snow -- who knows in Seattle, right?"

In addition to supporting the fitness community, Banana Blossom Press assists local nonprofit organizations by donating 5 percent of its profits to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Society's Washington chapter and Carbonfund.org. The company also donates its products to walking and running events. You can meet them in person at the Seattle Marathon on Nov. 30.

Banana Blossom Press cards are printed on recycled cardstock, and come in either white or tarragon with black type. Individual cards are $3.25; boxed and special-event sets are $10. The collection is available online at www.bananablossompress.com.

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