Embracing the Long Run: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. (Neale Donald Walsch)

Most Sundays (or Saturdays) find many of us hitting the trails or roads, tackling the essential long run—a cornerstone in every long-distance running plan.

Let's delve into this pivotal workout, and I'll kick off with a confession: When I first ventured into distance training, the long run didn't exactly spark joy for me. It was a necessary commitment to achieve my distance goals, a bit of a "must-do" on the training calendar. Anyone else feel the same?

However, as I embraced it more, I came to a realization—it wasn't the long run itself that I found unappealing. It was the solitude, spending time alone with my thoughts. Some long runs flowed effortlessly, while others tested me physically and emotionally, pushing me beyond my comfort zone. In those challenging moments, doubts about my abilities surfaced. Am I capable? Am I good enough? And it's not just about running; the long run can unearth every personal struggle, some of which may be hidden from our awareness. It's a daunting moment, but therein lies the magic! Beyond the physiological gains, pushing through these challenges becomes a catalyst for personal growth and perhaps even healing. Life unfolds at the edge of your comfort zone. So, lace up those running shoes, spend time alone with yourself, and cherish those transformative moments.

Go run!

(Ghost Train 100 miler, 2019)