I was pretty lucky throughout the past 2 years. The pandemic never affected me (other than getting covid) in a negative way. School, work, personal relationships; all good. In these areas, I’d go so far as to say I thrived. However, trying to get the ball rolling again with my training (running) has been a different story. It has been the measuring stick of toll the past 2 years has had on my motivation to get out on the trails and push hard. It’s also illuminated how much my mental health has been affected. The struggles I’ve had over the past couple months to re-engage my mental motor reminds me a lot of free diving. A discipline much more mental than physical. Going down is the easy part. It’s sometimes difficult to gauge exactly how deep you’ve gone until you’re at the end of the rope. Turning back towards the surface can be terrifying. Not only do you then realize the distance that stands between you and the surface, but you’ve got the entire weight of the ocean bearing down on your shoulders. Those first few kicks don’t feel like they get you anywhere. Negative buoyancy and compressed lungs make the struggle to the surface that much more difficult. Contractions start, the real discomfort sets in. Stay calm. But stopping is not an option. Davey Jones locker ain’t the resting place for this pirate. 🏴‍☠️ The most relieving feeling on the journey towards the surface is the moment when your spotter swims down to make sure you’re safe and moving upwards. You work together, engaged in the simple task of making it safely to the surface to fill your lungs with life-giving air once again. That’s where I’m at right now. Still kicking, still feeling those contractions in my chest. But I’ve got not one, but multiple people helping me back towards the surface to ensure I don’t sink back into the depths. The true beauty of trail running isn’t the nature we immerse ourselves in. It’s the support of community that surrounds us. More than anything, that’s what makes this pursuit worth it year after year. Thank you to those of you who are helping to lift me back from the deep. I couldn’t do it without you. ❤️ Can’t wait to see you all on the the trails. ✌️-PL