Do you ever recognize your own accomplishments? Do you even realize the small accomplishments you tackle each day? Probably not, because we only tend to remember or notice larger or life changing ones. Larger accomplishments in all forms take time, motivation, determination, perseverance and training. Well, yesterday I accomplished one of my biggest physical endeavors to date, well at least for now, because I see many more competitive races and challenges in my future as long as physically possible. Through the rain, without stopping, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon, the Philadelphia Love Run.
I ran past the river and boat house I competed with my crew team in high school, remembering rowing through the shivering cold, being wet and making memories with teammates. I ran through Fairmont Park, where I ran my first 5k, past the city hall, which I drove past weekly when I interned after graduating college. Yes, this city has plenty of memories for me, along with many firsts and accomplishments. I’m not a competitive runner per se, but I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and this was one to do so physically. I did have an intention for this race, not only to prove to myself that I could run 13.1 miles, but I wanted to honor the strength and pure kindness of my two aunts, who recently passed. I certainly felt them with me every step way, motivating me to push myself, to tackle another one of my goals. There was much love and accomplishments to celebrate amongst the other 10,000 runners enduring the same path I had.
Whether you’re crossing the finish line, or making an effort to smile at yourself each day, remember to rejoice in all your accomplishments. Christian Larson said it best, ”Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” Now that the weather is finally warming up, and I’m no longer training for a race, I’ll be enjoying effortless runs through some of my favorite trails like last week’s run through Eagle Rock Reservation.
