I thought I would talk more about running when I started this pursuit. After all, the love of running has brought me into the life of coaching.

Running has always been more than one foot in front of the other for me. From my first runs 15 years ago, I felt a sense of freedom, purpose, and connection with myself. Reflecting on this timeline has me smiling as I write this. I joke about this truth, but running is the most consistent relationship in my life. It’s been patient with me, waiting for me to return; it’s been tough on me, it’s been empowering, it’s been gentle, it’s been restorative. Running has been something that is for me. 

From my first days of running on a team, I knew speed wasn’t my card to play, but I had endurance. I stuck through every long run, while speed work often left me folding out. I was in it for the long miles, the cross-training, the strength work, and reading the books. Running was approachable to me, giving me a sense of purpose and strength that I’m not sure I would have found anywhere else. 

With all the joy running has brought me, I enjoy the solitude of the practice. Don’t get me wrong; I am so grateful to have such a lush running community readily available, and I try to attend as much as possible. But running is deeply personal for me. There were several years when I ran infrequently. Most runs as a result of a bad day. Freedom from anxiety clicked when I was running. I was clear-headed, focused on the path before me, and aware of my surroundings. This got me into my way of consistency, bad day running. 

Like many, I left 2020 feeling beat up. I was going through a terrible break-up, moving out of an apartment to live by myself, still without a job, going back to school (why did I take 20 credits & an internship), the woe-is-me pandemic list goes on. While in transition, I was living with a friend who lived near a park. I didn’t have much, but I had a pair of running shoes. I returned to the habit and went for a run. The bitter air fused hope in me, leaving me breathless and wanting more. I went out the next day and again. Eventually, it dawned on me that I was going on a run to go rather than being propelled by a bad day. 

The habit stuck. I signed up for my first marathon. I got asked to be a part of the GRC Run Club. I formed a connection with lululemon Chicago. I continued with my miles. I showed up for myself. I haven’t looked back. 

It’s never been about the metrics. Yes, I want to improve, to be faster and stronger. But really, I want to be rooted and connected with myself, the world around me, and the community and inspire this same drive within others. Running is so much more than miles. Mindfulness flows from it, the bliss it provides for being in the moment. Present. Aware. Here.