Hannah, I loved reading this. I also started a "whole person" transformation, a step into a life of confidence, by beginning to run at age 44, something I never believed I could, or would do. Two years after my first miserable day of group training, when I never believed I could put in a single mile, I ran and finished the Boston Marathon as an invitational runner, on the clock, at a solid and consistent 12 minute, 15 second mile. The same year, I got certified as a USA Triathlon Race Director.
I was never an athlete as a young person, but like you, I wanted to be that dedicated person who ran, who didn't give up. And I'm still that person.
It is never too late to build a fuller life. People often asked me how I became a marathoner at 44. I tell them, "One foot in front of the other." That's my mantra for life now. It takes time to build the life you want, truly find home, and become the person you want to be. But if you break it down and don't become overwhelmed, it is achievable to find and center around your "home."
I loved this part of what you wrote. SO beautiful:
"I started becoming a runner the day I stopped believing it was too late.
The day I chose to begin again– for no one but myself.
The day I recognized that breathless steps, aching legs, and the quiet thrill of showing up for yourself, beating your own expectations, could feel a lot like coming home.
And maybe that’s what home really is.
Not a place.
Not a finish line.
But a return. A remembering. A rhythm that says: this is who I’m becoming.
I’m in it for the long run."
Hannah, it makes me smile now when I realize that I have, in a small way, also been a part of your journey, when I lent you my cheap running jacket on a cold and rainy day at No Longer Virtual in Missoula. Hugs friend!
Hannah, except for the running, I can identify with so much here, especially “It’s too late for me.” Beautifully written.
Hannah, I loved reading this. I also started a "whole person" transformation, a step into a life of confidence, by beginning to run at age 44, something I never believed I could, or would do. Two years after my first miserable day of group training, when I never believed I could put in a single mile, I ran and finished the Boston Marathon as an invitational runner, on the clock, at a solid and consistent 12 minute, 15 second mile. The same year, I got certified as a USA Triathlon Race Director.
I was never an athlete as a young person, but like you, I wanted to be that dedicated person who ran, who didn't give up. And I'm still that person.
It is never too late to build a fuller life. People often asked me how I became a marathoner at 44. I tell them, "One foot in front of the other." That's my mantra for life now. It takes time to build the life you want, truly find home, and become the person you want to be. But if you break it down and don't become overwhelmed, it is achievable to find and center around your "home."
I loved this part of what you wrote. SO beautiful:
"I started becoming a runner the day I stopped believing it was too late.
The day I chose to begin again– for no one but myself.
The day I recognized that breathless steps, aching legs, and the quiet thrill of showing up for yourself, beating your own expectations, could feel a lot like coming home.
And maybe that’s what home really is.
Not a place.
Not a finish line.
But a return. A remembering. A rhythm that says: this is who I’m becoming.
I’m in it for the long run."
Hannah, it makes me smile now when I realize that I have, in a small way, also been a part of your journey, when I lent you my cheap running jacket on a cold and rainy day at No Longer Virtual in Missoula. Hugs friend!