I ran a marathon this past weekend. Why? Because I knew I could. It was a bit hard, and out of reach, but in my heart I knew I could accomplish it. Friends doing hard things this past weekend inspired me. If they could do something that pushed them from their comfort zone, then I could too.
Running a marathon without specifically training for it is not recommended! I have quite a base built, but have been training for a half marathon and not a full. Somewhere about mile 15, when I was almost going to quit, I thought about all those friends following along waiting for my next progress update. It was a rainy, dark and damp day and 26.2 miles is really, really far. Standing by the side of the road, contemplating just finishing the loop I was on, I got a message from a friend saying no matter my choice, I inspired her.
Me? Inspire someone else? How could I inspire someone else just by running? I’m not a professional athlete or coach. Just a normal woman trying to make her way through abnormal times. Inspiration can come in a variety of ways. Maybe taking a chance to do something crazy like running a marathon just because was what my friends needed to lift their spirits last weekend, even if for a short time.
I’m still searching for the why we are going through what we are experiencing now. I alternate between sadness and a feeling of inadequacy that I’m not doing enough to feeling on top of the world for reaching some long standing goals I’ve had (like making my bed every morning). Little moments of inspiration help me get through each day. And this was my small part to put some positivity out to the world to help someone else on their journey.
