Run HARD…Run FREE…Run for FUN
Running has felt differently the last few months and I am embracing everything that it is giving me, because it feels GOOD and it feels good, even on the hard days…I feel strong…I feel inspired…And I am ready to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible at the age of 45. Running is a form of therapy for me and I think when running become free and fun, you are doing the work both physically and mentally. Running is HARD, but there is a reason why so many people these days are doing it and taking it to a whole new level. I am embracing my crazy and that I am extreme, especially when it comes to my training. This is who I am and honestly who I have always been, but I have been hiding her. No more hiding. I am letting my inner crazy mermaid come out and I will hope you will join and be inspired.
When I was running the Nantucket Half Marathon this past weekend, I saw how far I have come as an athlete and as a person. This next chapter is intense and beautiful and seeing myself continuing to evolve as not only an athlete but a runner is allowing me to see that this is just the beginning of a new passion. I am so freaking HAPPY! Being outside, pushing my body, surrounding myself by inspiring people, continuing to educate myself, and most importantly being OPEN to new things, new. And most importantly, I am choosing ME! I am running hard…free…and most importantly for fun, because damn this feels really really really freaking good!
COMMUNITY
Joining the Monument Running Group has been a game changer for me! It is truly wild that at 45 years old this is when I decide to join a running group, but I believe that everything happens for a reason in life and the timing of it couldn’t have been more perfect. I needed them physically and emotionally and they delivered and keep delivering. I brag about this group constantly because I have found a group of athletes and friends who get me, who inspire me, who are teaching me, who make me feel at home, and who are pushing me towards new goals that I never thought were possible. I have found my team and having a team is my happy place.
Not only in life, but when training, you need a support system. It is hard to do these things alone and for years I did that. It is lonely, exhausting, and definitely kept me stagnant. Between this group, my Mom, my friends, and the community, I feel inspired and ready to take it to another level. I have realized that there is only so much I can manage and tackle as one person and learning to ask for help and allow those who love me help me is opening up space for me to succeed personally and professionally. I know at 45 it seems late to be figuring this out, but who cares, as long as I am healthy and happy and doing what I love on a daily basis. Even when I write this out, it gives me chills of motivation and joy.
FUELING
Fueling is a game changer and with the help of Dave Desnoyers, I have been learning and being open to making changes in my nutrition. My old habits and my knowledge has NOT been serving me or helping me truly train like I want to, so I am getting out of my own damn way and allowing myself to learn new things and try new things. And…those small changes already have me kicking ass and improving my speed and my recovery. For me it is more mental, to make this changes, but I have been doing really well so far and I am proud of myself.
I am keeping it simple right now and sticking to real foods, like I always do…But what I am doing is adding more food and damn it is wild how differently I feel during my runs and after my runs. When I woke up on Monday, my body felt great. I was sore and doing the duck waddle on Sunday evening, but Monday I felt good. Thank you BODY and thank you FOOD for nourishing and replenishing my muscles!
As time goes on, I am going to dive more into this, because I find it fascinating to learn about nutrition, now that I am more open to making changes to help make me a better athlete. And with the help of Dave, I think this is going to be pretty amazing!
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL
Let’s face it…I am extreme and I am emotional and I am no longer sorry for that! I am an athlete and it is who I am and it is something that I love about myself. Running is SO mental and emotional and the day in and day out of this training is really hard, but it keeps me sane. It helps me perform better professionally. It helps clear the noise in my head. It inspires me to write better and show up better for those around me. It is truly my happy place. And NOW that I have found my people…NOW that I am allowing myself to be supported…NOW that I am willing to change…The game has changed and I am showing up stronger, happier, and more powerful than ever before.
Are you getting crazier as you get older? Come join my crazy and let us have fun and be FREE!
xoxo
