This morning I ran up a mountain during my 14 mile medium long run. I was solo. In my own head, in my legs, in my lungs. No one to tell me keep it up, almost there. No one noticing. Nothing to compare it to in previous marathon cycles. No real data that translates to “you’re in the shape.” Because that’s what we as runners always want and obsess over. “What does my workout say about my fitness?” Yet sometimes we are better served with what does this effort get me? It was a beautiful reminder that we are in charge of our own goals, our own training, effort, belief system. Sure we have coaches and sponsors and support and everyone who really is invested in us. But on days like this morning I relished in the fact that it was me and the mountain. Me vs me. Splits weren’t sexy but the grind was. I needed the reminder, even after 10 + years of training, who do I want to be as a runner when I’m by myself, when it’s hard by myself. #hoka #grit #nazelite #flagstaff #trails