“It’s a Thing”

“It’s a thing,” I wound up telling someone the other day before the marathon about how this was #11. I feel like having gotten to my tenth last year made a mark within my soul – a question mark – to keep going, or not?

My soul said yes. I truly enjoy the training – the structure, the long, hard sweaty runs in the heat and even the cooler rainy ones that I don’t feel like going out for that make me feel like a badass afterwards – because saying “no” to it would rob me of the feelings of accomplishment, all the other psychological benefits, the many thoughts I process on the pavement, and of course, all of the physical benefits.

I’ve logged 729 miles this year since May .. anywhere from 9 to 21 hours per month total. Even at peak training in October, which took 21.5 hours, that’s still only about 5 hours per week.

This was the first year since 2014 that I went for a time and accomplished it – with that, I am super pleased! I was excited to see what my body could do last Saturday. It was so fun and incredible to have that joy back.

As I head into my birthday, I note what a ride 36 has been. Today, I’m wiser, stronger, smarter, more aware, and more honest. I have hope and excitement for the future and so much gratitude both for the past and the present. I wouldn’t trade my journey for another – I’m enjoying it!

I totally know that not everyone is a runner. Please take this as encouragement to find the movement that you do enjoy and do it! Often!

Oh, and – dig deep on something worthwhile to you!
💕