1-2-3...Be An Athlete

A reflection....{unedited}

11 years ago, I completed my time as a three sport athlete.
7 years ago, I competed for the last time as a collegiate shot putter. 
4 years ago, I ran my first half marathon. 
2 years ago, I ran my first trail ultra distance race. 
Last, year I couldn't run 2 of the 3 races I registered to complete.
I did manage the horribly hilly 100k bike ride. 

Two weeks ago, I couldn't run the Madison half- marathon. I have really focused in on being well in all aspects of my life in the last 2 years. Yet, something I did with ease a year ago, was impossible. I've spent most of my adult life identifying as an athlete. I have removed most of the labels I attracted over the years, but this one I gave myself. I hadn't let it go. 

So, instead of running, I worked. I colored {NEVER underestimate the value of coloring for meditation!} for nearly 4 hours. What I learned about myself is this,
- running and biking have set me free
- I am so blessed to run and when I do I often run for those who can't, their tenacity for life fuels my passion to run
- I gave myself a label so other's could understand, this label is thrown away. Many won't ever understand. Those that do, have access to my soul.
- My health MUST come first
- Life is not a sprint, it is the Kettle 100 {which I WILL run next year}, it is an Iron Man {YUP doing that too in 2018}

To be fully myself and authentically encourage others to do the same, I am not selfish in doing what I love and putting that time first. Over the last year, being an athlete has meant anything from getting out of bed and finishing a work day to riding over 60 miles. Whatever being an athlete means to you, persevere and do it for you. Take care of your self along the way and enjoy being brutally honest with how you feel about yourself after hours of sweat and hard work. When you train for distance, the lessons become less about race day and more about each workout and each opportunity to explore a new part of you.

Rachel Thiel, Physiobin

Passionate about Movement