Training update, goals, perspective, real talk, coaching updates, and finding my flow again!

It’s an overcast Monday morning as I sip on my second cup of coffee, my body aching slightly from the big weekend of training I just left behind. I read through my emails and begin to make a game plan to tackle the day. As I glance up at the calendar I feel a wave of emotion tighten up the knot in my stomach as I realize it’s already mid-August. It seems like summer is just getting started - how can this date be accurate?

Rewind to the spring, my training took a pause when I found out I had a stress reaction in my shin. As all athletes can relate, I was gutted when I heard this news. I felt like I was in the best shape of my life and I had set some lofty goals for myself this summer. As the weeks slipped by and it felt like my fitness faded away, I stayed positive by telling myself there was lots of time left to get fit again and hopefully accomplish a few goals.

Now that it’s mid-August, I feel like I had the first weekend of training where I felt like “myself” again. While I still have a long way to go and my shin still isn’t 100% healed, I felt a slice of confidence come back as I was running up Cascade mountain on Saturday, feeling strong all day. Turns out the endless hours of physio, strength, rest, cross training, and of course, running, was starting to feel like it was paying off. What a feeling!

While healing from injury, I allowed myself a lot of time for self-reflection to make sure my perspective and goals aligned with my values as an athlete and a coach. I was forced to withdraw from a few races I had been really excited about doing, which allowed me a broader perspective of how racing and running both fit into my life as a whole. I’m looking forward to a few races this fall with a fresh outlook and healthy body.

Aside from my own personal goals that were put on pause, I feel incredibly lucky to watch the athletes I coach achieve great accomplishments. Seeing the athletes I coach level up and succeed is immensely rewarding and provides me yet another perspective of running and training. Thank you to all my athletes for allowing me to be a small part of your journey, and congrats on all you’ve achieved so far!

As I navigate finding my flow in running, coaching, and life, I continue to check my perspective, evaluate my “why”, feel grateful for the wonderful people in my corner, and provide as much kindness to the world as I can. Thank you for being a part of my journey and I look forward to connecting with you in person or online!