I recently completed my second half marathon. Last year, I followed a strict training program and took it very seriously. I lived in the gym, researched extensively, and did everything by the book. I started the day off right with a bagel, peanut butter, and banana.
I finished my first half-marathon in 2:24.
My second half-marathon: 2:38
This time, I didn’t train. I didn’t follow any of the rules. In fact, I went to an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse the night before. All I could think about during the first mile was-
Why do I do this?
I don’t like waking up early.
I don’t even really like running.
So I did what any other solo runner does…
Zone out. People watch. Read posters.
I immediately came across a sign that read, “Find your happy place.” No sooner did two girls pass by with the definition of yellow on their shirts, also reading “takes you to your happy place.” By mile 2, we passed a woman in a wheelchair. Runners cheered her on as she pushed forward. By mile 3, an elderly man in a Lymphoma shirt walked forward, his walker and two volunteers steadying him with each step. Roughly an hour in, the first runners passed us and barreled to the finish line.
Each of these moments was another reminder that this is my happy place. I find myself so inspired by what others are able to accomplish. Our bodies are capable of so much if we allow them. It’s not always about finishing first or plugging in a new PR. It’s knowing that you could have given up, but didn’t. It’s pushing through every doubt in yourself, the physical pain, and just keep going forward.
I do it because looking back, “I can’t” won’t be the moments that make you proud.
Why do you run? What makes it your happy place?