(Again and again and again)

I like to try new things and take risks. I like to better myself. When I was a freshman in college, I felt like my life was about trying new things. So I started to run. It was an okay experience, and I had the support of my friends, but a few weeks later I got a cold and I stopped running. Over the summer I joined a gym and started running again a few times a week. Yet again, once school started up, I stopped running completely. I was alternating between feeling great and getting discouraged. After falling off of the horse consistently every few weeks for the past 3.5 years, I’ve decided to run the Broad Street Run. My (athletic) college friend convinced me to join her in the 10 mile Philly race after making her own decision to train for a half-marathon.

Up until a few weeks ago, I had never run more than 4 miles at a time (and that 4 mile run was only one time). You’re probably asking yourself, “What makes this girl think she can run 10 miles when she has never committed to running before?” Well, I don’t think I can. Or, I didn’t. I can’t commit. I can’t run that far. I had so many good reasons to not take the plunge and sign up for this race. But forking over $40 to run for almost 2 hours straight isn’t a form of torture. It’s a promise to myself to do something I never thought I would do.

I’m a notorious dreamer, but I struggle with actually accomplishing my dreams. I’ll start something, abandon it, and never look back. I haven’t been loyal to my Broad Street Run training program, but I’m determined to have a different outcome this time. If I don’t run for a week, I just push myself harder the next week. I can run 6 miles now without even being exhausted. I didn’t even know that was possible. Little by little, I’m getting closer to my goal. In 6 weeks, I will be running 10 miles and owning it. Take that, horse.

I bet you’re struggling with your own horse. Maybe it’s a relationship. Maybe you want to get a promotion or do more community service. Whatever it is, I encourage you to take the reins and show that horse who’s boss. Write out a plan. Dream a little. And if you don’t stay on track, don’t you dare let that slow you down.