Marathon #10!

I have immeasurable gratitude for the marathon, particularly the Richmond Marathon. It conditions my soul in a way that I haven’t experienced elsewise. It’s a strengthening and a softening at the same time. It breaks me down and yet enlightens me. It’s always a wild ride.

Mile 9 can feel like easy running on a cloud, mile 19 can feel like an endless slog, followed by the exuberance of the realization of only 6, then 5, then 4 miles to go, and a bit of excitement mixed with sadness at mile 24 realizing that it’s almost over. It’s quite the metaphor for so many of the feels of navigating life. The highs, the lows, and the ambivalence of the in-betweens.

It’s always a wild ride – from the training and dedication, to the supporting of and being supported by others. THANK YOU to EVERYONE who came out and supported me and everyone on race day. It is truly a magical day. Thank you for the encouragement as I navigated this training season.

Some race details: I unfortunately went into it with noticeably tight hips that knocked my gait off-kilter in the latter miles as I got tired. Mile 19 brought sharp knee pain that I decided I wasn’t going to ignore or try to force my way through. (Not without the initial negative reaction – I was not pleased by this!) However, I interval walked/ran the last 6 miles. My preference and greater intention was to be able to healthfully run this week, and I’m grateful not only for actually experiencing that (I had a *great* run yesterday) but having the awareness and wisdom to make that call.

I’m grateful to be here to run another day, to continue asking questions/learning and navigating in this life, and here to continue practicing present moment awareness, finding the ever-present magical opportunity for gratitude.

Thank you! 🧡 🏃🏼‍♀️