07/03/2023
Josh and I had RUTS Corydon 3 hour run on our schedule for a training day. Him- good time on feet for . Me- week 1 of my plan.
Ava wanted to run as well. I gave her many outs, but she insisted. I know how humid and monotonous the course can be and I didn't want her to be miserable. The longest distance she's ever covered is 8 miles. We agreed that she should shoot for 10.
The course is just a half mile lap. Over and over. Every time I passed her, she was moving well. I saw her hydrate, saw her take in calories, and saw her pick it up from a walk to a run effortlessly. Her form was strong, her gait smooth. I passed her once after about 2 hours, and she said that she hit 10 miles and was going to just go to 13 to get her first half-marathon.
I realized in that moment that she is me. She has the attributes I've worked so hard to build, the ones that I take great pride in. She has that slow burning, quiet determination. She has that internal compass that pulls her spirit where her body doesn't want to go. She is fierce when she needs it, and calm when she doesn't. The difference between us is that I didn't discover I had these traits until I was in my 30s. She is 15.
I don't look at my daughter and think, "Wow, I can turn her into the youngest ultra runner in the world and make her famous." I don't think that I can push her full of all of my dreams and live vicariously through her. I look at her and think, "Wow, you understand what it takes to dig deep inside yourself, control your thoughts, and push through discomfort."
This will serve you well, baby girl. Whether you run 10 million more miles in your lifetime or never again. Proud of you.
📸: Thanks for being there to crew for us ❤️
