I finished my race.
I reached my goal of beating my time two years ago as well as raising more money.
Running a race is a lot like life. You have to reach far out of your comfort zone to reach your goal.
There were times in the run when I just wanted to stop and rest. And then someone would hold out a sign from the sidelines that inspired me a little, or the right song would come on, or I’d think of loved ones lost, or the person I want to become, and my eyes would tear up and I’d keep running.
It was pissing rain the entire time. Still, I pulled off my long sleeve jacket and pounded through the puddles and it felt so damn great to be alive. Even when I felt like hell, I felt amazing.
Life is a struggle. I’m not going to lie. A lot of times I want to give up. But when I think of all it has to offer I realize I might as well give it my all and see what happens.
After my race I grabbed a coffee and walked home alone, soaking wet, cold, tired and happy.
While in the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t a marathon, it was a huge step for me. I accomplished something.
I woke up the next day in the worst pain of my life. I could hardly walk.
If we’re looking at running as a metaphor for life, even the things that bring us the biggest joy can hurt us the most.
But if you let yourself rest, repair, and remember that tomorrow is a new day, you’ll be fine.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m so proud of you. This post touches me in more ways than you know and makes me even more glad to have you as a friend.
oh no! i hope you are feeling ok. i have definitely felt that way during a race or even during a really rough day of work. someone wise once said to me, ‘do not stress, it’s just a piece of life but not the whole of it.’
i’ve done a ton of reflection the last few weeks and made some big changes. so far, i’m much happier and less strung out on stress. there are fleeting mental moments where i try to control or grip part of the past but then i realize how much better i am right in this very moment and let it go. easier said than done but i’m on my way. hope you are too
x
oh friend. i can relate. such a joy of accomplishment and achievement can leave you feeling drained, sick, and needing rest. Take all the time you need to do so. And congrats!!
<3
Love. You accomplished so much! Congrats. I hope you are on the mend.
congrats girl!! so proud of you more than for the run, but all that you got out of it. And you are so right about running and life. Hope you feel better, wait I know you will
love ya!
wow! amazing! i don’t know if I could ever do that! congraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatzies! beautiful post as well.