26.2 and then who are you?

On November 4th, 2018, I did something I honestly never thought I would do…  the NYC marathon. This was an amazing experience! Probably one of the few times I’ve felt so speechless, where the only way I could convey my feelings were through these confused, unidentifiable tears. Were they driven by happiness at the finish, exhaustion, relief, bewilderment at the sheer idea of completing such a momentous act? Honestly, those tears were filled with all of those feelings and more.

This journey has been ongoing for more than a year. I did what they call the “9+1,” where you run nine New York Road Runner races and volunteer at one. You do this the year prior to your marathon and this gets you guaranteed entry. Then I started the training in July, after running three half marathons at the start of the year. So once I crossed that finish line, felt the glory and then rested for a few days, I was faced with quite the scary idea.

So now who am I?

For two weeks, I lost that part of myself that I know so well. My training had become me and I became it, so while I rested my body, I almost felt like I had lost a little bit of myself. Who am I if I am not following that regimen, my schedule?

Today, 17 days after running my first marathon, I went back to my gym. Two days ago, I got my first run in since that day. I’m starting to find myself again. So for my first post, I inspire you to do something that is intrinsically YOU. Because if you aren’t you, then who are you?