running is a gift

i watched the nyc marathon a few weeks ago. as the elites and the amateurs ran through the five boroughs of new york, i was inspired. 

my first marathon was the best day of my life. if that's how good it felt to finish in 4:30, i can only imagine the joy of breaking the tape and stepping onto that podium. 

running any distance is a way to challenge yourself, test your strength and be victorious.

running is a gift.

sometimes it feels like that shitty gift your aunt sent at christmas that she clearly bought from the clearance section last year. but most times it feels like the one santa brought that was hiding behind the tree.

only you bought it. you put in the work and gave it to yourself.

metaphors aside, i'm grateful for all that running has given to me. 

confidence.

friendship. 

strength.

purpose.

joy.

for my 29th (times eight) birthday, i ran a half marathon in nashville with nine friends who became family. i wasn't sure what to expect since the course promised to be hilly. after some encouragement from a sweet friend, i took off hoping to hang on for 13 miles. there were certainly times i didn't think i could but a voice inside kept asking "what if you believe in yourself just a little longer" and so i did. that belief propelled me to a near pr on a course i thought would defeat me. it rivaled the marathon for my best day ever. 

i left nashville much happier (which could be its own post) with a renewed gratefulness for this gift.

as i continue to log miles and set goals, i remember all the people, places and purpose running has given me. and while not all the miles are fast, they are all worth every step.