“Run the Year.” What does a feat like this take? Grit, perseverance, and strength are a few words that come to my mind. One of my fitness goals is to run 2021 miles by midnight on December 31st. In a roller-coaster year filled with twists-and-turns, flips-and-spins, there was nothing more satisfying than hitting Mile 1000 on June 27th – exactly 8 days from prior marathon adventure. I didn’t “have to” run because it is my “reduced-season” where I can run for fun as long as the heavy weights are being lifted in the gym. After not quite hitting my recent marathon goal (despite it being a personal record at 3:43:41), I laced up my special shoes and gave it everything I had for Mile 1000 – which is very symbolic of everything I’ve faced this year.

The Year of 2020 only prepared me for the Year of 2021. During my run, I thought about so many ups and downs. I wondered that if some of the life events never happened, would I be “Running the Year?” I began to count my running blessings: the cold 9-mile run in January when tears froze to my face over the loss of a family member, the blustery long runs of February with my pandemic pacer pal who planked willingly in snowpiles, the virtual races of March and April as vaccine rollouts began, the race course preview run in May with my biggest support system, and the finish line feeling of live racing in June. As I closed in the final stretch of Mile 1000, I realized that my support system has been the biggest key factor in “Running the Year.” From my pandemic pacer pals (Bjorn and Curt), to my incredible movement coach (Garrett), and lastly the glue that holds my life together (Raul), these people have seen me at my worst and rooted for me at my best. I would not be running four marathons this year on my way to 2021 miles without each of them having a vital key to keeping my hobby of running alive and well. 2021 miles is not easy but life isn’t either. You always have to make the best of what you have and go after the goals in your heart with the best support system guiding the way.

“You should give up running.” This was spoken to me in the days before my marathon – something that I had been working at for twelve solid weeks. Talk about powering through mental toughness! I run because it helps me cope with life’s challenges and obstacles. There isn’t a more perfect time than lacing up my trustworthy shoes and burning out the emotions at my happy place, whether solo or with a pacer pal or two. Even on the hard days, you have to show up, lace up, and give it all you’ve got. All you are promised is today so you have to make the most of the day. It’s okay to cry and it’s okay to smile, because a run done is always better than the run that never happened. Why do you run? Ask yourself this very question every time you hit start on your Garmin or after you make that last loop on your laces while you chug one caffeinated Huma gel packet. I’m sure it will give you the extra boost you need to get the workout going and to run crazy miles you’ve only dreamed about until now.

If there’s anything I can leave with you with until next time, it’s this: “You don’t know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have.” #RunOnIn2021 is only getting started. We still have 1000+ miles to go! Let’s do it harder, better, faster, and more inspiring than before.