I’ve had a love of running - the true purity of running - for over 2 decades now. There’s nothing like the meditative pitter patter of your feet on the ground beneath you as you breathe in, breathe out.

I’ve struggled with my running for the last few years. I never stopped loving it, but I wasn’t enjoying the day-to-day. Somewhere along the way, I lost my mojo so I decided to make some changes. In 2018, I found a coach, and switched my focus from running trail ultramarathons to road marathons. My coach was exactly what and who I needed. Not only did she keep me accountable to my training plan, she was the emotional lift I needed to keep me honest on my true goals.

In January, I had the opportunity to join Nike’s Project Fearless team and race the inaugural Nike LA 13.1 in April. Now without a coach, I had to embark on this journey alone, but I saw this as an opportunity to test my self motivation. To be my own champion.

With only 3 weeks until race day, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the race to be cancelled. While it was the right choice, it had an impact - I didn’t touch my runners for 2 days. My motivation had dipped and I was worried I would fall back into a slump again.

By the third day, I forced myself to get out the door. And you know what? It was GREAT. I haven’t set a new goal yet, but it’s as though my body’s been able to shed a layer of rigidity. A big sigh.

Running has always been a solitary sport for me. The connection and community gained from group runs is soul filling, but in this time of social distancing, it has brought me back to the basics of why I love running.

• Running, fundamentally, is simple. Shoes on and out the door.
• Running is time invested in myself, my well being, my mental health.
• Running provides clarity in times of uncertainty or stress.
• Running is empowering as I feel the strength in my body carrying me through miles on road and trails, powering up hills, flying down hills.
• Running is an unconditional bottomless well of no judgement. It doesn’t care if you hit pace or distance. It is always grateful that you participated.

I can finally feel the joy creeping back from within and I am free again