Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Toast to the New Year and the Remarkable

Happy New Year! In the final hours of 2014, I'm looking back and forward at the same time. Looking back at what I accomplished and forward to new goals for 2015.  In terms of accomplishments, I am trying to keep it in perspective and relative to me. This is a challenge for me as I am often "too hard" on  myself. This may be Oprah-esqe but I want to be in the moment and accept the everyday accomplishments as remarkable.

What is remarkable? Well, that depends. I was reading Runners World recently and the editor talked about accomplishing remarkable things through running. The magazine that month highlighted a few individuals who had done amazing things using running as a tool to motivate, inspire and support. The issue spoke to me as some of the runners had obvious challenges while others did not, but each of their stories was inspiring. Some of their actions started small and grew.  As I finished reading, I began to process and think about remarkable; what can be accomplished through sport.

In training for a marathon, it is many months of training to get to the big race. In being on the Girl Scouts Team, I am reminded there is a bigger cause- fundraising for health and wellness programs supported by Girls Get Moving initiative. My fundraising campaign was kick-started by friends and family. My first few long runs were slow slogs that had me napping for the afternoon. I've been running the Reston trails which have lots of hills but few port-a-potties. I've been encouraged by friends and family to not be discouraged and reminded that patience and consistency are key. So while the marathon seems months away and 12 miles is my longest run to date, I am going to define that as remarkable. Remarkable that I have the health and capacity to run with the support of so many.

Happy New Year!
Run Happy and Grateful
Malissa


I'm honored to be running the 2015 Boston Marathon on the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Team! 
Please consider supporting me by donating online at

Any contribution would be appreciated, even $10 for my 10th Boston or $25 for my 25th marathon.  




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