So today I focused on gentle movement, and working to shake out the lingering soreness that I still have from Sunday’s run. That will be the focus for tomorrow’s run too. And then it’s race day! I hope it feels like coming home.

After a month of running every day, I’m finally starting to get into the distances where it really starts to get fun.

I worked to loosen my body. To surrender to gravity, to the flow of the trail, to the rocks and roots freckling the path ahead. With each exhale, I relinquished a little more control. I told my body that I trust her. I told the earth that I trust her too.

I wouldn’t have even noticed the bald eagles today if they hadn’t called. I ran as they circled overhead, taking in the moment. They stayed with me for a long time.

Rarely do I ever do something that’s remarkable when it stands on its own. But every day, I can do things that become remarkable when they add together over time.

We all met together for a trail run, then gathered for a presentation from Nike Pro Athlete and world-class trail runner Rachel Drake. What an honor to share a trail with her tonight.

It's okay if I don’t do everything. And even if I let go of these details that are stressing me out, I trust that it will come together right on time.

I wish I could wrap her up in a tight hug and tell her how deeply proud I am of her. That her running is enough. And that she’s enough with or without it.

I used to say that the first month of running every day is miserable. The second month is neutral. And by the third month, you finally start to understand why people do it.

The more I see myself, the more of me there is to see.

The world around me will carry me where I need to go, if I let her.

As I maneuver around boulders and up and down hills, I move as water. I move as rock. I flow, alive.

Sometimes it’s fun to put 14-year-old me back in the driver’s seat.

Eventually, my inner demons started to look stupid. I found myself believing that I could do more. And now I am! I’m doing it! I’m returning to running! I’m returning home.

I love this earth so much. I love the gift it is to move throughout the world with so much beauty to greet us.

If I could run that trail at any speed, I am so much stronger than I thought I was.

In spite of everything, I was out there this morning. In spite of everything, I got to be a part of it.

Coming face to face with the reality that my foot is complaining about a max weekly mileage of 18 is humbling. Sigh.

I’ve been thinking a lot about silliness and play ever since. Nothing makes me feel more alive than laughing so hard it hurts. Why don’t I do it more often?