Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Here's to 2014-a little late, but better than never!!

   Well well well, its have been quite awhile since my last post; but it has been some much needed time off from everything.  2013 was a hell of a year for me.  It was filled with a lot of ups and downs, and a lot of change- both running wise and personally.  Although I had an amazing first real year of training and racing, and I had some great success in racing, I didn't accomplish my 100 mile goal. Personally I was struggling with a lot of emotional issues, and having a great deal of difficulty deciding what to do with my life. Ultimately my relationship fell apart forcing me to take a hard internal look at where I have been and where I was going.
    I made the decision to take the bull by the horns and learn to let go of fear of change and anxiety, and live to the fullest.  2014 has been a damn good year so far.
    I was asked to be a part of an ultra racing team, Team Simple Hydration, and couldn't be more pleased. If you haven't had the chance to run with one of thee bottles, do yourself a favor and pick one up. They are perfect for shorter races, and the most perfect bottle for front race vest pockets.  (If you do order any, add promo code "maggie" for 35% off!!)
Mile 62ish at Oil Creek

      Although I am racing less this year, I will one day be back at Oil Creek to take my revenge on that course.  I will be doing a few smaller races throughout the year, but nothing else set in stone.  I am running and racing for the pure enjoyment of it this year.  I also have a kick ass trip planned this summer and will have the chance to run through the canyons in Utah...um yes, checking that off my bucket list!
    Perhaps the wisest person I know would follow up my millions of anxious worries with "what's the worst that can happen" and you know what...it has become my motto, well that and "say yes in 2014."  You know...it works.  This has been the best start to a year that I can remember.  Not only has the ever pressing anxiety been lifted off my shoulders in so many different ways, but I really took the time to figure out what I want in my life, and what makes me happy. I realized that living with regrets is a worse feeling than being afraid to try something new, or make a big change just because it seems scary.
 I finally applied to school after years of being terrified of leaving work to go back to school.  I got in, and even have my last day of work looming.  I have been revisiting those things in my life I've always wanted to do, see and experience and I will continue to do the same.
  If there is one thing I can say to anyone searching for their own something better, but are afraid to step further toward the edge it would be just that- "What is the worst that could happen?"  You may find the answer is only good things.
  So, better late than never, here is to 2014:
 To surrounding yourself with positivity
finding the people who bring out the best of you 
people who challenge you to be yourself and hold on tight to that,
 to doing the things that you love
and exploring those things that you long for.

just say yes.