Furthest I have ever run

I have never run more than 4 miles before.

Three months ago, 3 miles was my limit. Running always sucked.

One month ago, I ran 4 miles and my ankles hurt like heck.

This week, I ran 5.5 miles; the furthest I have ever run. I never thought I could do it.

Now, I am doing it for so many reasons.

Before the start of some of our group training sessions, TNT invites special individuals to lead a "mission moment," where they share why they are doing this and for whom. I am so amazed and touched by these people who open themselves up to strangers, talking about something that would generally make most people cry or fall apart. These people are survivors, fathers who are proud of their survivor daughters, daughters that are proud of their fighting fathers, with so many other stories and reasons. It reminds me of how much bigger training and racing is. And why 5.5 miles is just a small, yet critical, step in a much much larger journey.