Triumphant

Why are you running a marathon?

At first the answer was because my friend is doing it and it is in California. Yet, as I was asked that question today I realized it is so much more now than when I first signed-up and I need support from you, my tribe. I cannot do this alone. There will be days when it hurts, when I question why I am doing this, when I can't stay in warrior 2 for more than a few seconds. There will be aches, pain, tears and yet I will still get out of bed, still go to work, teach yoga, practice yoga, see my friends and family. I will do it as I know what my body is capable of. I know I can do this and I know why I am doing this.

I am doing this to push the limits with this amazing body I call home. This body is a miracle and one that sometimes I am even surprised as to what it can do. What it can do when I let go, feel, breath. I am also doing this for the sense of accomplishment, pride and growth. I'm running in Monterrey, California by the ocean. A landlocked girl, who feels more alive by the ocean than anywhere else will be running 26.2 miles on April 27, 2014. I will have practiced for this in the fields of Kansas and the ocean will give me strength. I tear up a little just thinking about it.

I started running to try something new, which I love trying new things. I love adventure. I have friends who I run with, met a great running coach, ran my first 5k, then 10k, then half marathon, saying that I would never run a full marathon, yet here I am. Dedicating my time to this journey, much like I dedicate my time to yoga. I see a lot of similarities with yoga and running. The mind, body, connection. The freedom, breath, strength. It's tuning into your body and listening to what it is telling you. It's the feeling I get when my toes gently raise up as I go into headstand like they were meant to be there. The feeling I get running outside with the sun, trees, wind, rain, snow. Running in these conditions (which I've done all) is a lesson in life. You have a choice how to handle what life throws at you, to keep going, choose your attitude, choose to be happy. Yoga makes me happy and free and connected and so does running. I took eight weeks off of running and now it's time to begin again.

Today, my running practice starts for the Big Sur full marathon. I'm ready, I'm excited. Will you be part of Nici, the marathon runner, as you have been with Nici, the yogi? My tribe, my friends, I need you as it won't be easy, but it will be worth it.