Dear Running, 

I never expected you to become such a defining force in my life, but here we are. You’ve led me to places, people, and experiences I never imagined. 

You made me tougher.

You kept me focused.

You taught me to stick it out.

I’ve experienced the sunrise along quiet roads and the loud cheers of crowds along marathon routes. I’ve walked more hills than I care to admit, and triumphantly sprinted up a dozen or two. Heatwaves, winter freeze, or spring showers never stop me from going for a run, well, maybe the winter freeze. 

What makes me lace up and get out the door is your ability to turn an ordinary morning into a small win for consistency, a reinforcement of my resolve, and a celebration at the end. 

While I often protest that “I don’t actually like to run,” we both know I absolutely love it. I love it not for the sake of it, but for the people I meet, the places you have taken me, and for the unreal experiences.

Run a half-marathon after dark through the streets of LA? Hell yeah!

Run a 10k in a park in London before heading to the airport? Why not?

Train dozens of women to run their best marathon? You bet!

Get cast in a brand’s marathon campaign? I know my angles!

So thank you. Thank you for the places, the people, and the proof that moving forward isn’t just about running.