This past weekend, I finally felt like I’m getting back to normal. I ran 13 miles, 7 of which were on trail in Rock Creek Park. I laced up and headed out the door by 5:30am, in an effort to beat the crowds that would surely descend on the park later that morning. Social distancing has been good for one thing - and that is introducing everyone to the art of walking & exploring - which means the paths and trails I love are full of new people who maybe had never been out there before. Not a bad thing - but for someone trying hard to keep a distance - early bird definitely gets the worm!

As I dropped in to the park, and hit the first mile of trail, I felt incredible. The early morning smell of the trees around me, the birds chirping as they awoke, and the dim light of the sun barely scraping the horizon all put a huge smile on my face. 3 miles in on the trial (6 miles in on the run) and I barely felt tired. 7 miles in on trail, and I felt like I could keep going forever.

It was amazing to finally feel that sense of love and appreciation for the sport once again. It takes small steps, small moments of zen, and the fortitude to push through and allow my mind and my body to reconnect once more in athlete pursuit.

I’m gearing up for a virtual challenge at work right now, that is challenging the public in the Bay watershed to team up and cover 200 miles together over the course of 2 months. Me, being the running and masochist that I am, figured I should try and tackle the challenge myself. So, starting this coming Friday, I’ll be logging miles for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and highlighting really rad trails and paths in the DC area that are part of the Bay Watershed. Might sprinkle in some history (pulling from my time working for our National Parks) and some science (pulling from my education) and if you’re lucky, a little advocacy as well.

Here’s to feeling strong, being strong, and persevering.