The Marathon that Wasn’t

I’ve been avoiding writing this post. No one wants to admit defeat. But I will.

Earlier this spring, I decided 2013 would be The Year of the Marathon. I’ve been running consistently for a few years, working from 5ks to 10ks to 10 milers and multiple half marathons.

I love running. Running is my bliss, my passion. I love the way it makes me feel, the way it has helped transform my body, mind, and spirit.

I tried to bite off more than I can chew. That happens, right? Our bodies are powerful, resilient, but I think I found my limit.

Thinking logically, a marathon was the “right” next step for me. I love long runs, escaping for several hours into a series of back roads, getting lost in my running rhythm, each footstep easier than the previous one.

So, I signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon. It’s somewhat close to home, it was in November which is after travel season, I thought for sure this was my marathon, my race.

I even ventured up to Philadelphia to check out the course. All seemed well. I even ran half the course, charging up the Philly Art Museum steps Rocky-style afterwards.

I love training for races. I love setting a goal, and working backwards to plan different training runs.

So what happened?

I moved in August, leaving the place I’d lived for 6 years to start my own new journey. I received two new bosses, changing some of the demands of my job (for the better).

I started travel season, leaving for 17 straight days and totally changing my training plan (swapping long runs for long hikes). I kept teaching 9-10 fitness classes a week, not slowing down.

I bought a car, met someone who I really, really like, ran a 200-mile relay race, and a personal best local half marathon.

I realized I didn’t need the marathon. I realized I didn’t want to complete the race at all.

Physically, I’m in my best shape ever. I feel strong, swift, and ready to tackle anything. Mentally, I feel so together. Everything makes sense right now. Emotionally, I’m so, so happy.

A marathon may still be in my future, but for now, I’m enjoying the challenge of lots of 10 milers, half marathons, teaching 4 different fitness formats, and all of the newness of the past 6 months.