The year was 2013. I had set my sights on qualifying for the Boston Marathon. A goal that stretched me and tested me in ways that I had not experienced before. Life is going to offer up both good and bad circumstances and sometimes at the same time.

What happens when you spend several years doing something you love and it starts to move into other areas of your life? Well, if you are anything like me, it becomes part of your identity. A big part of your identity. And that’s fine and mostly good until it isn’t. Tune in to hear about how running broke up with me.

When I set my sights on trying for a Boston Qualifier, I knew I would need to be about 20 minutes faster than my previous marathon. I wasn’t confident that I would be able to achieve that, but I had no reason not to try.

Self awareness can be your superpower too. Developing self awareness can benefit all areas of your life.

Link to my  Reclaim Your Life Without Abandoning Your Loved One Workshop: https://youtu.be/L5JEMYC2AA0

Join me for a short, fun episode that includes an appearance from my bestie and running partner, Jacki. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this is THE picture to represent the story for this episode and every race that Jacki and I have run together. In fact, it was seeing this picture that gave me the idea for today’s topic. It’s funny how pictures from long ago can bring up such distinct and specific memories. In case you didn’t notice the picture for this episode, I want you to pause right now to look at it. This photo was taken during the 2011 Valparaiso Turkey Trot. Take a moment to soak in the details.

Sometimes you share an experience with someone that takes on a life of its own and becomes one of your shared core memories in your relationship with that person. That is what I have for you today.

The race was over, now what?

We are taking a little side trail on today's episode. Get something to write this down, I think you are going to like it!

Race day was fast approaching and as we prepared to fly to Washington D.C., I was experiencing a mix of nervousness and excitement. I had never been a spectator at a marathon, let alone an athlete, so I had no idea what to expect.

Other than the marathon itself, the 20 mile run is the biggest milestone of a traditional marathon training program. And the time for my first 20 miler was getting close. We had it all planned out. What could possibly go wrong?

I did NOT want to do it. I worked really hard to avoid it, but she caught me and convinced me to give it a try and ultimately I’m so glad she did.