Why do I run marathons? This is the one question I am asked most often. 

WHY? 

Why do I put my body through it? It is hard. It hurts. It sucks a lot of the time. I have cried, prayed, made deals with God, Allah, Buddha, and the angels to just get me through this one last time! So why do I do it? 

Two weekends ago, I traveled to Maine to complete my 13th marathon.

I did not start running seriously until I was in my 30s. 

I wanted to get in shape for my wedding, so I signed up for a half marathon the week before the big day. I started training with a group every Saturday morning 14 years ago in January.  I created a training plan and started running consistently throughout the week building my endurance. 

I completed the half marathon and thought, “Wow, that was fun!” So, I signed up for another year of training and developed habits to support the goal.  I distinctly remember saying, “I will never run a marathon! That is crazy!”  

Yet every time I completed a new challenge, I felt this rush of adrenaline that gave me a boost of confidence. Not only was my body getting stronger but my mindset was changing. With every new accomplishment, I wanted to go a little further. To achieve a little more.  

So eventually I made the BIG LEAP to the Marathon group. I ran my first marathon in March 2011. 

I have now completed 13 full marathons. 

I have traveled from Miami to Montreal. They all have stories that are unforgettable. And, I have learned so many valuable lessons that train me for the daily grind of this gig we call adulting.  

Here are a few of my takeaways:

You can do anything you put your mind to when you are committed.

I have completed marathons while being in so much pain, I could barely walk. Clarity of a goal with commitment is powerful! Grit and determination get me to the finish line.

Surround yourself with people who push you to be the best version of you.

I run with people who are faster, smarter and are achievers. I learn from them and they push me! I always have a little more in the tank when encouraged to go the extra mile. Furthermore, the accountability is priceless! You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.

The habit of going to bed early and getting up before the rest of the world has even rolled over FEELS GOOD! 

I have been known to be a party girl and stay out past my bedtime, but it doesn’t feel good. One of my favorite coaches once told me that if I play with the fiddler, I have to pay the piper the next day! Your day starts the night before! I love the feeling of walking in the door after an early morning run and knowing I have already achieved a goal! It sets the rhythm for the rest of my day. I love a good challenge!

This is a huge part of my personality as an 8 on the Enneagram. I am a goal-setting fool who loves to be challenged. I need to feel strong and in charge. Running marathons provides the intensity I crave!

Self-mastery is a work in progress. 

Coaching matters if you want to thrive rather than just survive. Reflecting on experiences with a witness provides valuable feedback! My coaches have helped me to manage my big 8 energy so that I have enough fuel to use in the last 6 miles rather than going out like a racehorse has been the most challenging part. I have injured myself so many times by going too big too soon. So for this last marathon, I ran slow and steady for the whole race. 

I finished strong and was able to celebrate my success with a smile rather than hugging a tree (which I have done several times…) Just like in life, you have to stay calm in storms and be the cool head that prevails. 

Life is not a 5k. It is a long arse endurance journey! You’ll have to develop habits to stay strong and have a mindset that is unbreakable! 

Namaste,
Jen