Fall Beginnings

In 2010 I ran/walked 13.1 miles in the inaugural Los Angeles Rock and Roll marathon. I trained with the American Heart Association since their fundraising goal ($500) was doable in my eyes. Training would be held on Saturday mornings at Griffith Park. Our group would gather and it was a wide range of folks. Young kids, older folks, ladies that looked like titas, and me.  

We all had our reasons for being there. Mine was to cross off doing a marathon from my bucket list while also raising money for an organization that worked to fight heart diseases like the stroke my mom suffered from when I was in college.  I thought that if I did a half marathon I could build up to a full marathon. Ultimately I learned that marathon running was not for me. Finishing that race was my accomplishment. I did those hilly 13.1 miles and no one can take that away from me.  

When we would train at Griffith Park, one of the older ladies caught up with me and saw me struggling. She struck up a conversation with me as were walking the path. I learned she had been training with American Heart Association for years. She enjoyed challenging herself. As she spoke to me I would see folks in our training group pass us. My frustration at being lapped was obvious. The woman paused and told me,  

"You know what helps me is to remember that a marathon is a race against yourself.  

You are where you are supposed to be." 

We walked silently next to each other. I let her words resonate.  Perhaps it is the Virgo, type A in me, I am one who likes to accomplish goals and it is hard for me to take a step back to enjoy the journey. For most of my life I have always looked forward, looked towards the next big thing, the next big event that I need to tackle. Reflecting on my place in life is not something I normally do.  

Summer brought on several transitions. I said goodbye to a very dear friend who's passing reminded me to keep in touch with folks who matter to me. I've made efforts to connect with folks and to not get caught up with being busy. Being busy made took me away from writing and from recording the podcast.  Being busy distracted me from the things that matter, things that keep life less stressful.  

January may be the start of the calendar year, but Fall always feels like the start of a new year.  Recently those words have resonated with me again. "You are where you are supposed to be."  It feels like I have been trying to shoehorn my way into situations and for once I am going to listen to those words. I am where I am supposed to be. Self care and intentional choices are at the forefront of this life.  I am where I'm supposed to be and I will be where I need to be in the future. This Virgo mind is going to try to calm itself and enjoy the journey.