13.1

i ran a half marathon this weekend. it was the race i wanted to run last year but got injured instead and spent most of the fall limping around on a swollen foot.... but this year! this was my year. i trained, i knew the route (mostly because it's practically just around my own neighborhood), and i was super excited. but then i got pneumonia and didn't run for 3 weeks and got kinda chubby on halloween candy. then the election took some wind out of my sails. i pulled myself back together and trudged out on some long jogs and convinced myself i was ready.  and when the morning of the race came, i think i really was ready.

the run was on my own. no friend by my side. my dear friend amy at the start line took off a good 10 minutes before me to conquer the full marathon. i ran solo, lost deep in my head, while my body pounded the pavement in a pack of sweaty community members. it was therapeutic. it lifted me up and reminded me that i am strong and capable and ready to be part of the good.

so i ran with a smile, and i saw my little band of merry cheerers twice on the route. i felt good. i felt strong.

mile 2, 7:20 am, and my first encounter with my little pajama-clad gang of cheering children and husband:


mile 11, 9:00 am, my second encounter with my sign-holding and tambourine-shaking cheering section:


so i flexed my muscles for them. as you do.


and i got a medal, but more than that, i got stronger, braver, ready for whatever is to come.