All Aaron Morton expected from his weekly run was a few miles through Detroit's east side. Instead, he found the encouragement to pursue a goal he had put on hold.

Morton's story is one of dozens of anecdotes featured in We Run 313: The Pulse of Detroit's Run Club, a new book published by Wayne State University Press. The book chronicles how the We Run 313 run club became acatalyst for personal growth and connection for metro Detroit runners. Through firsthand stories from runners, organizers and community members, the book highlights how the club's weekly run has inspired people to improve their health and chase dreams.

For Morton, who is a Wayne State University public safety officer and alumnus, joining We Run 313 was initially about improving his health and lifestyle. What he found within the running community was the support, encouragement and inspiration to return to school. Now, in addition to serving the campus community, he's pursuing a master's in criminal justice in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For years, Morton viewed graduate school as a desire for a future version of himself. He wanted time to settle into his career, gain confidence and prove to himself that he could manage the responsibilities of adulthood before returning to the classroom.

The more time he spent with the running group, the more he noticed something special: People were not only showing up to log miles. They were cheering on each other through job promotions, college graduations and personal goals. That culture of encouragement made Morton want more for himself.

"I kept seeing people earn degrees, move up in their careers and accomplish goals they had been working toward. It made me think, 'What am I waiting for?'" Morton said. "Seeing others accomplish their wins showed me that it was possible."

Most of Morton's days now begin with work and end with school as he completes graduate coursework between shifts at the police station. The pace is demanding, but he said each semester brings him closer to his goal.

"Grad school taught me discipline and consistency," he said. "It's like a balancing act. Working from where you are and using your resources around you. Having that mindset really helped me."

As he nears graduation, Morton stays motivated by the successes of his We Run 313 community and hopes his own journey will encourage others to pursue their goals. "You never know who's watching your journey," Morton said. "The same encouragement that pushed me to go back to school is something I try to pass along. If I can help someone else believe they can do it too, then it's worth it." Visit WSU Press to learn more and purchase a copy of We Run 313: The Pulse of Detroit's Run Club.

By Darlene A. White