Mile markers

Dear Younger Me,

Big things keep happening! I will update you in the letters to come, but for today I need to tell you about May 3rd. 

I did it. 26.2 miles on my wheels with no stopping. When I crossed that finish line, I felt a wave of emotion like never before. Proud. Tears filled my eyes and a shift happened internally because it was the first time I understood how strong I was. You are stronger than you think. Not physically but mentally. 

Back story, I started running 7 years and 7 months prior to my marathon. For the 3 months leading up to race day my training took a hit as it felt like life was knocking me down from every angle. I didn’t run more than 8 miles straight in that period. 

I came to peace with, “If I only run half today, I am proud of myself for showing up and I will do my best.” 

At 13.1 miles in, I thought, “I feel great, I’m going to do it.” 

At 15 miles in, I thought, “I hurt but just keep the pace.”

At 18 miles in, I thought, “If you can run 18 miles then you can run 22.”

At 24 miles in, I thought, “I just lost a toenail. Continuing to go is easier than stopping and starting again.”

At 25 miles in, I thought, “I’ve done this 25 times I can do 1 more.”

At 26 miles in, I was overcome with emotion. 

Finishing was memorable, but it was the 7 years and 7 months prior of training not only physically but mentally that carried me that day. I didn’t just cross one finish line; I crossed 26 mile markers. Completing a marathon wasn’t an end but another mile marker in the larger journey at hand. 

I love mile markers because you can pinpoint spots on the map and at those spots are indicators that inform you how far you’ve come. Sometimes, there are people cheering and that support alone is enough to carry you further. They also remind you of how far you’ve come. Each one under the belt builds your confidence that you have what it takes to make it to the next. 

Finish lines and mile markers aren’t the point of life. There are 2,000 steps in between. I urge you to take in where you are at and be filled with anticipation for not only what’s at the corner ahead but for exactly where you are. 

I know you will do great things. I know you have countless miles ahead. 

What if what looks like an impossible marathon right now is another mile marker in life? What if it’s where the next water station is placed? What if you realized you are capable of more than you give yourself credit for? 

We all have completed marathons of our own this year. What seemed impossible yet you made it through? When you look back, what moments were your “mile markers” reminding you that you have moved forward and you can continue to put one foot in front of the other? 

Whatever that is, I am proud of you. You did it and you can go farther now because of it.

With Love, 

Older You

P.S. Those are well earned salt marks in the photo ;)