& Running birthday flowers!
Complete. Finished. Rest.
To put it simply, it feels rather strange.
So much going through my mind, but no way to put into words. The past year of days and miles brought with it a myriad of emotions, thoughts, pains, respect and gratitude. It feels odd to be finished. I sit here feeling somewhat 'paused', almost confused having not run the past two mornings. Sure there is a sense of accomplishment at completing my goal, which if I'm honest, I wasn't 100% sure I could do but felt very determined to prove myself wrong. However, the end result is not what made the past year worth the effort. It was the many footfalls and adventures in between the days that ultimately matter. Looking back on the past 365 days posted here, I remember taking the photo(s), the reason for a certain shot, what running that day felt like, what I was thinking about (for the most part) and in combination it brings me back to that particular running moment that is now bookmarked in a digital world.
It was a very personal journey that I was happy to share with anyone who was curious.
A BIG THANK YOU to my family for putting up with my (not always convenient) running schedule. Thank you to friends, family and strangers for checking in and following, whether it was once, once in a while or everyday. Thank you for the flowers, the beer, the awesome sweatshirt and my new running shoes!
I appreciate all the words of encouragement and kindness. In so many ways it made the experience more worthwhile and fun (if a little self-conscious at times :)
"I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time." ~ Michale Phelps
"It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could
run. The joy was in the act of running and in the journey, not in the
destination." ~ John Bingham