I Run Like A Girl

It’s been a while since we’ve talked about running here! This is a running blog after all 😉

First off. Who watched Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt at a sub-2 hour marathon on Saturday?! Well…HE DID IT!!! It was seriously the most inspiring thing to watch. I’ve been following Eliud for years and he’s one of my favorite athletes and role models of all time. He’s so humble that after breaking 2-hours, he gave all the glory back to his family, team of pacers, and to the world by saying that he expects more athletes to break this barrier. He’s incredibly mentally tough and is known for his big smile during the final, most difficult miles of every marathon (which really shows his love for running). I honestly never thought I would witness sub-2 in my lifetime…I couldn’t help but be brought to tears watching him cross that finish line and giving this amazing gift to the running community and to the world. ❤

Now for my own running reflection…

After racing the Eugene Marathon in April, my motivation for running went from 10 to 0 in a blink of an eye. I loved my spring training cycle, but afterwards I was SO ready to hop on a plane to the Philippines and start my fun-filled summer. The summer was filled with lots of travel, partying, time with friends…making the most of the lack of structure to my schedule that not training gave me.

Needless to say, I didn’t run that much over the past few months. Like, at all. I’d be lucky it I got in one run per week. During the few times I did run, I remember feeling so uninspired and nervous that I was going to get stuck in this lazy mode and lose my love for running. I was scared that a huge part of my identity was going to slip away.

I think it stemmed from my all-or-nothing approach to running. I am the type of person that needs a race to stay on a consistent running schedule; and when I do sign up, I’m 110% committed.

I tried not to worry too much since I truly believe running will always be there for you. And you shouldn’t force training for a race if your heart is not ready. I believe in being kind to yourself and letting yourself explore other things if that’s your heart’s calling. And that’s what I did for a few months. I put running in the back seat, knowing when the time was right, it would be there for me like it always had…

Entering fall meant starting a new chapter. I slowly adjusted to my new routine, which has included less travel, more stability, and more running. This past week as I laced up my shoes to run at sunrise, I felt like I actually wanted to run (a feeling I hadn’t had in months!). I was grateful for the time in the morning to clear my thoughts and enjoy time by the water…and for the first time in a while, I didn’t just see it as checking a box for completing my one run for the week. Slowly but surely, running made it’s way back into my life, and I actually envisioned myself doing a race in the near future.

And so, I think it’s time to share that I recently got into the Big Sur marathon lottery for April 2020!!! This has been my dream marathon ever since I laid eyes on it a few years ago, and I felt like everything came together when I finally got a slot for next year. Words can’t describe how excited I am to race Big Sur which is known as one of the most beautiful marathons in the world, and now in my home state. ❤

Even more than the race, I’m excited for the amazing journey of the training cycle. I’m excited to feel the ups and downs, the pains and the highs. I’m excited to wake up to an early alarm clock at dark and feel sore climbing up stairs. I’m excited to watch inspiring documentaries of my favorite runners and nerd out over the latest running gear and nutrition. I’m excited to grow into a better person, because every race shapes my life in some way…

I honestly didn’t think I would be able to say these words anytime in the near future given how the past few months went, but as always, running has a way of creeping back into my life. Running will always be there for you. I couldn’t be more grateful for this gift in my life.