The Mill Race 2018

Hello All! I recently completed the Mill Race Half Marathon 2018. I returned after making this my first half marathon race in 2017. This year, the race took place one day after my 31st birthday. I think a tradition may be forming :-).

I feel like this race is commemorative for me. Its a reminder of what I am able to accomplish and conquer in life. All of the self-doubt, anxiety and esteem struggles become less apparent when I make my way through this particular 13.1 mile course. Its an opportunity to be reminded that I can let go of my aversion to the unknown and take risks. When I learn to take these risks I learn how to handle them, conquer them and experience a richer life. No longer will I tell myself, "I can't," instead I will say "I can try even if it doesn't go according to plan."

This is also an opportunity to remind me of a bigger mission that I set forth with my running. I want to encourage more people to say "I can," instead of "I can't." This mission begins at the race when I encourage other runners around me to keep moving forward, to not give up the fight and remember their personal goals. I can help them in my own small way to be more encouraged and to find their own confidence and strength of mind through the long distance running experience. But, beyond the running, I can show others that they can do whatever they set their mind to. You can attain whatever goals that you set, whether it be in athletics, career or otherwise. Don't let excuses or fears hold you back from trying new things and exploring more in life. I've found that when I let fear stop me I regret the thing I chose not to do because of my fear. I've learned I want to keep pushing past my fears. For me, running is one way to help me do this.

So, I pushed past the fear and felt the victory of crossing another finish line. And I was helped by the young woman who struggled along most of the race with me and shouted "Come on girl, you've got this, don't stop," when I stopped to walk and catch my breath before finishing the last .1 mile of the race. Her shout of encouragement caused me to pick up my pace again and finish the race strong. To the girl in red who passed on a bit of kindness to me, thank you!