There are some things in life that are always celebrated. They mark a period of time. They measure growth. The new year, holidays, and our birthdays provide us moments of reflection and allow us to set new intentions. Then there are moments in life that grow to be important parts of who we are.
Shamrock Marathon weekend has become one of the dates that “time stamps” my life. Shamrock is special.
Today one of my friends and fellow pacers posted a countdown to Shamrock.
108 days.
108 days until Shamrock.
One year ago with 108 days until Shamrock I wrote about my intentions. This magical number that reveals intentions and opens the heart is a number I cherish. It’s part of my being. With 108 days of training between today and a weekend of new beginnings, growth and celebration, it’s amazing to see how much has changed in one year.
108 days until Shamrock.
108 days.
Last year this training cycle opened my heart. My confidence grew. I found my voice.
Last night as I sat in my coach’s living room with the 13 other leaders on the team, a new vibration filled my heart that echoed words I already know. This time it was different. This time I believed it. This time I wasn’t trying to convince myself. I don’t need to grown in to it. This time, I belong.
I belong not only to my training team. I belong not only to my running. I belong to me.
This year I am at the beginning of a new training cycle. There are 108 days until Shamrock Weekend. Last night I sat with our team pacers, and I belong. Tomorrow night I will meet the new faces on our team, and I belong. On Sunday our entire team will be reunited, and I belong.
I belong on this team.
I belong as a pacer.
I belong as just me.
I believe that this is what I’m meant to be doing, and I have the priveldge of sharing 108 days running beside my pace group. I have 108 days to help my pace group find their belonging too.
“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” ~Brene Brown
I know how I got here. I know how I waded through hot summer days of being stuck. I know how I quit looking backwards and start chasing my dreams forward. I know the panic, the tears, the insecurities and the doubts. But I pushed through, and today, with 108 days until Shamrock, my heart, my head and my running shoes belong.
“Nothing to Prove. Everything to Share.” ~Eoin Finn
I have no idea what lessons will be hidden over the course of the next 108 days, but I do know my one intention is to share the road with my team.
Kristy Maute 