Today I went for a run on what would have been my 40th marathon in Tucson. This year has had many pits, but also many blessings in disguise. Although I am devastated to not be in Arizona seeing my first tall cactus and celebrating a desert terrain run, I am thankful for the many great “instead of” moments that have occurred this year.

First, I’ve checked off many bucket list runs – many runs and challenges I would never, ever have dreamt of doing if I was in a regular training cycle. Including – The Yeti 50k 24 hour challenge, 100k in a week, 200 mile month, covering over 30 miles of a coastline in two runs, charity virtual runs with teammates, my fastest unofficial 5k, and so many new routes. I’m thankful for trying new things and not allowing negative self talk to talk myself out of runs

Second, I’m finally comfortable in just being the runner that I am. I don’t need virtual runs to stay motivated. Instead I just need a goal that makes me happy and feel accomplished. 40 by 40 really means the world to me being a goal ten years in the making!!! Despite my climbing age, I’m wearing tighter shorts because I can stash my phone and not miss capturing an awesome running moment. Being able to allow myself to have my own goals and not feel FOMO or pressured to run a certain way has been refreshing.

Third, I’ve made new running friends, kept in touch with old and value my solo runs that have been MANY! I’ve enjoyed running while my injured husband biked. I’ve stayed in touch with co-workers by early morning runs before virtual teaching. I’ve run marathons with long time friends and plan to take a new marathon next week solo. Its been a great way to enjoy the run however it comes with whoever is there. It has even been nice running at different times so I could enjoy breakfast with the kids, late night family movie nights or whatever else might be missed by a regular running routine. And I’ve cherished watching teammates and others in the running community who are still on the hunt for a new run or race – feeling inspired by the next ‘what if?’

And lastly I’ve enjoyed each new turn and adventure – even if it’s only been a new speedwork run, new shoes, a new hydration plan, or a fun new pair of sunglasses or hat. My super exciting news is that I was selected to be part of the Alter Ego running team as a hat ambassador. It’s more than taking a photo with a hat – it is the journey and adventure you crave each run you begin. Just like Clark Kent has his branded S and hidden cape, I have my ponytail, trusted shoes and hat. We both take on that invinsible feeling as we flip our roles and take on our alter ego. I’m ready to see where my hat takes me and what adventures await in 2021.

Today I hit the harbor with two friends for a twelve miler. We stayed along the promenade, recharged near the Domino’s Sugar Factory and dodged puddles and wind gusts. It was a cloudy start, but eventually the sun peaked through to wake up the city.

I’ve missed these harbor views, fun conversation and energy of a solid run. We had negative splits, maybe with the help of the wind, but it felt good.

We shared stories, random thoughts and problem solved ALL the unanswered questions. It was just what I needed to remind me that even though I was not in Tucson completing my 40th marathon I was still doing what I loved in a familiar spot and loving the scenes of the city where I sarted my marathon running journey.