Any long relationship has its ups and downs. And for me, that hot honeymoon period lasted a really long time — what a trip we had! Running isn't so much a courtship at this point. I feel like I've become one with it. That being said, the romance hasn't died so much as it has become routine. Expected. Comfortable. Easy in its own way.

Of course I could train harder to gain speed or try longer distances to add more notches to my bragging belt — anything to spice up the known and shake up my motivation. Thing is, this post isn't about gaining motivation or smashing through plateaus. I think there's something to be said to settling into a good, healthy routine and being happy, fulfilled regardless of pace or whatever else I used to gain from lacing up at different events.

For a while, I questioned it. I searched for 'the answer' to rekindle my passion back to its previous levels. In the end, I am at peace with my current state of non-competitive forward movement as it nurtures my body and spirit. There's a calmness and confidence I have in my own athletic ability that I've never experienced before. And, though it sometimes feels odd, it's actually a great place to be.