There is something about the scent of running in the summer that brings me back to my childhood. As I breathe in the smell of freshly, cut grass and flowers in full bloom, as I hear the birds chirping and as I feel the sweat dripping from every inch of my body, my mind goes back to those early morning summer practices where my only thought was on the popsicle I was going to devour after my run. Running always finds a way to bring me to a happy place. 🙂
The past couple months, I took a semi-hiatus from blogging due to a hamstring injury which led me to a pretty dark place emotionally. With so much hardship going on in the world, I feel completely selfish and irrational admitting how upset I get over something as minor as an injury, but to me, not being able to run is utterly and completely heartbreaking. These days I consider running like my job (obviously a freaking DREAM JOB), but still a job where I commit most of the hours in my day to training, fueling, and/or taking care of my body in an effort to reach my maximum potential as a marathoner. My closest friends and family know that I constantly struggle with the decision to focus solely on my training and take a pause on my career as I pursue my running dreams. There are some days when I am at peace with this decision and other days when I feel so guilty for not working that I can’t sleep at night. It’s pretty crazy to think that I am taking a few years off of working in the real world to try and chase down a goal that many days seems out of reach. I am eternally grateful for my parents who are supporting me in every way imaginable, and I am fully aware that many people wish they had the opportunity to do what I am doing. I am so lucky!!!
As much as I love running, I realize that my pursuit of greatness in the sport steers me to lead somewhat of a selfish lifestyle. My running takes priority in almost every aspect of my life. I train 2-3 hours/day, sleep 8-10 hours/night (I know don’t hate me!!), I eat nutritious and delicious meals, I get massages, and many times to the dislike of my boyfriend, I am in bed by 10pm. Is this selfish? 100% it is. However, to perform at the levels that I want to perform at, being selfish is a necessity. I am so thankful for the friends and family who love me and support me in this lifestyle, and I hope that one day I can do the same for others. As my dad always says, “Pay it forward.” I know my days as a competitive runner will not last forever and there will come a day when it will be my turn to support and encourage others to become the best versions of themselves. I look forward to the day that I too can “pay it forward.”
Last night as I was getting in bed, a thought crossed my mind. We only get to live our lives once. There are no second chances. As terrifying as this thought is, it is also quite empowering. We have one shot to do the things we love and chase down the goals we dream about. It is important to be grateful for every opportunity, but also to ENJOY the life that we have been given. Take chances. Pursue your dreams. Follow your heart. Most importantly, live every moment grateful that you are able to do what you are doing, because at the end of the day, all of these little moments will somehow make up the entirety of your beautiful life.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoureau
Keep running after your dreams! We all believe in you! Olympic Trials here we come!