13.1 at 6,200 Feet Elevation - My Half-Marathon in the Mountains

On Saturday, May 21st, 2022 at 11:50, I completed my second half marathon. The first, was at sea level, this very time last year. This one, well - it took place at 6,200 elevation with a gain of 1.,658 feet. It took me a total of 2:41:02 with an average pace of 12:17 per mile. At first, I was so bummed with my time, you see - it was a half hour longer than my previous one. Then, immediately realized what I was actually doing…

I was comparing where I was this time last year with where I am today. 

Truth is, the woman I was last year, is far from the woman I am today. What has transformed, been processed, birthed, died, solidified, revealed, lived from then until now, has brought me to the closest version of myself. 

Where I am, is exactly where I’m meant to be, 30 minutes longer and all.

Why?

Because I did my absolute best with the resources I have, here in life right now. What was so motivating about this whole experience is the old thinking version of me would have only focused on the goal I set and the result that was obtained. Throughout this process, what became my guiding light was the awareness I had each and every week, each and every run. I checked in with my body. I listened to my soul. I let myself cry. I let myself run faster. I let myself top although and just sit, taking it all that was around me. For this and the lessons that came, I am forever grateful. 

Why did I run this half marathon? 

• Because I wanted to and needed to tap into the strength I knew lived within 
• Because I needed something, just for me. 
• Because I needed a distraction from the heavy yet inspiring reality of expanding my business and owning being a business and life coach 
• Because I’ve made a commitment to myself to run a half marathon, every single year (trusting that my body is supportive of it) 
• Because my perseverance is stronger than my fear. 

Why am I sharing this with all of you? 

• Because all too often we stop ourselves before we can even start. The end goal, in this case that of 13.1 miles felt ginormous. But with breaking it down, step by step, week by week, run by run, it was absolutely accomplishable. If we give ourselves permission to being again, each and everyday we are stronger, more persistent, incredibly supported to bring our visions into reality, turning thoughts into dreams into lived, tangible experiences. 

How did I prepare? 

1. I researched different training options and found one that was most supportive for myself and my lifestyle. 
2. I broke it down, one large goal into 13 smaller ones. With this, I scheduled out every run and put it on the calendar, is large green marker. 
3. I listened to my body throughout the whole time and truly honored where it was. 
4. I drank tons of water leading up to push runs. 
5. I used liquid iv (the strawberry one is my favorite) to replenish myself post runs. 
6. I mapped out my runs with Footpath and tracked them with Strava. 
7. I asked for the support of my husband and my family. 
8. I began anew, every single day and ran a little further, each time. 

Photos from my trainings... 

From left to right, top to bottom : 
1. March 10th - 3 mile run! 
2. March 29th - 6 mile push run! 
3. April 6th - 7 mile push run! 
4. My post run regime - protein packed smoothie and liquid iv! 
5. May 21st - My half marathon day! 
6. May 21st - Just after half way of running my half marathon, I rounded the corner and there were my people, waiting with coconut water in hand! 
7. May 21st - My people surprising me and cheering me on! 
8. May 21st - All around our town, my husband and daughter wrote "GO MOM" on the ground! The best surprise ever!