I don't know about you, but I like to plan ahead, especially when it comes to my annual races and travels. So I've started putting together my 2027 calendar. But I can't be too forward-thinking as there are still dreams to be chased down this year. I'm now laser-focused on my 50K race in December. This distance is the craziest thing I've ever done. Everyone told me you would cry when you finished your first 32-mile race. However, I was all out of tears by the time I made it to the finish line. By God's grace, I had completed something that only a small percentage of people in the world could say they'd accomplished. I ask myself why I do this. I don't know. All I know is that the day after a race I know something new about myself I did not know when I started the race. It moves me beyond words to see people pushing beyond their limits, be it during an ultra or in a Greek classroom. Sometimes students thank me for motivating them to learn Greek. But really, the pleasure is all mine. I have nothing but the greatest respect for those who make themselves uncomfortable in order to dig deep and grow. That's probably why I love both teaching and racing so much.
Anyways, here are a couple of pics from today's workout. Learning to set reasonable and achievable goals is one of the most challenging things I do each year. Running can help us stop and consider our goals for today and our dreams for tomorrow. Remember: A goal is something to work toward, something to help keep you dedicated. But it's the process of working toward the goal that's most important. Small, steady steps create lasting change.
Have a wonderful day!
