22 MILES & 8 Reasons Why you should TRAIN with a group

Less than 21 days until I will run my first marathon. Today I did 22 miles, the most I have ever run. Four more miles would have been doable, from both a physical and mental standpoint. That gives me an extra boost of confidence for race day! Running with a group has undeniably helped me get to this point. My long runs would not have been as successful if I was on my own.

My focus for 2015 was CHALLENGE. What better way to challenge myself than run a marathon right (read more here)? On January 1st, with encouragement from my sweet friend Stephanie, we both signed up for Fleet Feet Nashville's marathon training group. I used to HATE running with other people because I'm kind of competitive, so I was a little nervous at first! It was the BEST thing I could have done for myself!

Running a MARATHON

Here's something I never thought I would do but have always secretly wanted to try. It kind of feels like jumping off a diving board to say this. That might not be a big deal to you, but I HATE swimming and when I was little only a box of Lucky Charms cereal could coax me into the deep end and off of the diving board. My first big CHALLENGE of 2015.

I am running a marathon.

2015 - CHALLENGE: Intention, Connection, and Accountability

In 2014, I played it pretty safe and was armed with a heap of excuses for just about everything. I had flashes of bravery and determination, took a few risks, went out on a limb a couple of times.

Those risks felt good. I learned SO MUCH, even from the small ones. They gave me the courage to take more risks and to challenge myself a little bit more.

That being said, my focus for 2015 is CHALLENGE.