Run Your Race

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Last Sunday my husband and I ran a 15K (9.3 miles, but 15K sounds much cooler, right?). It was called the Frostbite 15K and this year the race name could not have been more accurate– it snowed all morning.

There were parts of the race where the beginning of the course and the end of the course ran the same road. Meaning as you went out others were coming in and vice versa. We were at about mile 7 when the last runner came through (she was probably about 3 miles in). I know she was the last runner because there was a police car behind her, signaling the end of the race. Everyone on our side cheered for her as we ran by. She seemed to know one of the men behind me and made a comment about her slow progress, to which he replied “Just run your race. You’ve got this.”

It gave me chills (seriously, it wasn’t just the snow), because this is something repeat to myself a lot, though ironically never in relation to actually running a race. I heard the phrase for the first time from a friend and colleague, years before I started running. She was referencing life decisions, and doing things that were right and meaningful to you at the time that was best for you, even if everyone else questions it. Even if it seems unconventional. Even if everyone is passing you by and you know without a doubt you are bringing up the very tail end of the thing.

It’s your race. Not anyone else’s.

So roll your shoulders back and down, look straight ahead into those icy flakes pelting you in the face and put one foot in front of the other. You’ve got this. Sometimes we could all use the reminder.

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2 thoughts on “Run Your Race”

  1. “Run your race” is a wonderful reminder for life. In fact, I love how many “running” messages apply more generally to guide us. One that I like is: it doesn’t matter how slowly you’re going, as long as you’re moving forward.
    And I’m not sure I’ve ever actually run while it’s snowing, so well done on that front, too!

    1. marychrisescobar

      Yes! I also find I use running analogies a lot in my writing for that same reason- so applicable to life. That’s a great one about moving forward being the important thing, no matter how slow.

      The snow running was pretty fun! The coldest part was walking to the car after being inside enjoying bagels at the end!

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