Personal Record and Reflection (PR & R)

Today happens to be a day of pride as well as a day of reflection for me. Today I ran the farthest I have run to date. Until now, 13.2 (a half marathon) had been my greatest distance. But today, with the encouragement of my amazing teammates and a close friend and mentor, 14 miles were gone. We all braved some pretty interesting elements: 80% humidity and 70 plus degrees. But we did it, and the sense of pride that is within myself today is immense. 

Any great moment (and really even the tough ones) cause me to reflect. The person that I used to be (and gladly kissed goodbye long ago) would never have been capable of 14 miles. That person wasn't capable of physical challenges, nor was she equipped to live an examined, self aware, mindful life. But the blessing is that I am not that person today-and today I get to set the bar higher for the next things I get accomplish. I mean that in the running sense, the personal growth sense, and overall in this glorious journey of life. I mean, aren't we simply surviving life if we don't live it each day overcoming challenges, embracing change and all that comes with it, and learning/growing from it? All of those things are crucial to actually living life.  Don't like something? Change it! It might be excruciatingly painful and difficult and crazy-but that helps us know we are alive in the end. Braveness is just fear turned on itself. 

I owe so, so much to the people who are in my life today. They help push me physically, mentally, and remind me of my abilities and strengths in moments of doubt. The most random hellos and introductions have led to the most rewarding, amazing experiences to date. I'm going to be 100% honest and say that without them this moment of pride would be nowhere near as sweet. 

And with that-I will share one of the pearls of wisdom that I have pretty much learned to pattern my life around: 'don't settle for less than what you deserve, but also be prepared to give 110% to get it.'

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!