A new year and fresh start!

"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. Just focus and keep aiming...."

This year, I'm aiming for progress not perfection. Run by feel and not pressure myself by numbers on a watch. I think it's taken a couple months to feel "normal" again after my God awful marathon in November, but for the first time since then, I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me this year as far as running is concerned. I'm not going to pressure myself with those two, bold letters...BQ.

I believe it will happen when the time is right. I know I have it in me, but I think last year I just put way too much pressure on myself to achieve it. Running has always been something I looked forward to and enjoyed. Training as hard as I did last summer and obsessing over numbers on a training plan really kind of made me dread the thought of it. This time, I'm running by feel. I'll write my own training plan, but the only things that will be in concrete are my long runs and ONE speed word session a week. Every other run will be whatever my legs feel like doing that day. Whether they want to run a 9 min mile or a 7 min mile. I'm going to log my runs and thoughts into my Believe Journal every day and really just get in touch with myself instead of ignoring how I feel. I'm not treating myself like a robot anymore.

I'm already starting to look for races to do this year. I definitely want to run another marathon and 50K ultra. I'm hoping to do Chicago again and get in the lottery that will hopefully open up in February or March.  I want to get out and explore new running routes and places. Maybe run with other people more often. Spring can not come quick enough for me!

I'm totally excited to be a part of the 2015 Nuun Ambassador Team. I'm a nutrition and hydration geek and anything that is going to enhance my running and allow me to connect with like-minded people, I'm there!  I'm also looking forward to continuing to represent the Oiselle Team, which is a HUGE honor. Being on a team of such inspiring women means the world to me and not mention, the super cute clothes are just an added bonus :) I can't wait for my next race so I can sport that singlet again.

I'd like to extend a shout-out to my mother, who just joined the blogging community. Along with my 2015 goals that I mentioned here, I'm going to also try to establish a closer relationship with God(another reason I love running, because that's when I feel closest to Him)
If you're interested in a more spiritual blog, check out hers and send her some love ----   http://kathyayers.wordpress.com/

Here's to 2015 and some amazing miles ahead. Thanks to everyone that takes the time to read my blog or follow me on Instagram. Looking forward to following everyone's journey!

Where do you find inspiration?

What gets you to lace up your shoes everyday....

 

 

Each day we have a choice.  Either we run or we don't.  So what is it that gets us out the door or on the treadmill? 

 

 

For me, it's just a normal part of my day like getting up and brushing my teeth.  If I DON'T run, I don't feel normal.  Some days it's easier than others but I make sure to surround myself with inspiring, positive things.  One of the reasons I love Instagram!  All I have to do is open up the app and my screen is flooded with inspiring posts and images of other runners going out there and running their hearts out. 

With every accomplishment or goal, opens another door of possibility.  My next goal is to Boston Qualify in a marathon.  I'm running a marathon on May 31st, but I'm using it as a "test" to see what my strengths and weaknesses are so I have an idea on how to train this summer for my marathon this fall.  I know it's not going to be easy to maintain an 8:12 pace for 26.2 miles, but I know that if I train hard and believe in myself, anything is within my reach.

And that's really what it's all about....BELIEVING in yourself.  Even in your most difficult moments.  When things are dark and you're not sure how to keep going, search deep inside of yourself and push through it.  For years I told myself that I couldn't run marathons and I've done one and even went beyond the marathon and finished an ultra.  A negative mind will not take you anywhere amazing.  When I lace up my running shoes, my "normal" life is replaced by dreams, hope, and possibility.  That's what inspires me.  If you look for inspiration, you will find it.  Just open your eyes to things you think are not possible...because they really can be.  Be your own inspiration and then reach out to others and help them.  It's a beautiful cycle. 

Sacrifice, commitment, tears, and tenacity always prevails.  It may take weeks, months, even years, but it's always worth it.  So where do you find inspiration?  Is it a goal or dream?  Family, friends, or looking in the mirror and wanting a change?  Whatever it is, let it fuel you...let it feed your passion to get up out of bed and hit the pavement at 5am.  Use it to get you to whatever finish line you're chasing and then to the start line of the next goal.