Posted on January 5th, 2025

On November 28th, I laced up my running shoes and achieved a milestone I never imagined—completing my first Thanksgiving Day half marathon. This was a journey of personal growth and resilience. At the start of this year, the idea of running even a 5K seemed out of reach. I remember the first time I struggled to complete a mile, and now, here I am, grateful for the divine alignment that led me to take on this challenge and discover the person I’m becoming.

My journey began last Spring when I craved more excitement in my weekly workouts. That desire motivated me to train for my first 10K at the 55th Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Peachtree Road Race, a July 4th tradition. What began as a physical goal quickly became a more profound gratitude, reflection, and resilience journey.

Building on that momentum, I embraced the 2024 Triple Peach series, including the PNC Atlanta 10 Miler in October and the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Half Marathon on November 28th. These experiences taught me that long-distance running is much more than physical endurance. It’s about cultivating resilience, pacing yourself, and, most importantly, leaning into community. The support and camaraderie I found in my fellow runners were unexpected but invaluable, and the lessons I learned resonate far beyond the race day.

As we recently observed, Global Grief Awareness Week. I wish to extend the sentiment of grief awareness throughout the holiday by encouraging us to acknowledge and support those coping with loss, strained relationships, or unforeseen challenges. Here are lessons from my race that can help us approach the holidays with mindfulness, resilience, and compassion.

The Power of Community and Gratitude

This journey wasn’t something I could have accomplished alone. My heart overflows with gratitude to the people who supported me every step of the way, including you, my dear readers, who are now part of this journey.

• My rock through the highs and lows of training was my husband.
• Running alongside me, my children laced up their sneakers for training runs and kids’ mile races.
• My friends, family, and colleagues, whose encouragement and belief in me, gave me the courage to keep going.

Most importantly, I owe special thanks to my beloved friend, Mrs. Hansen, who gently nudged me into this experience over the past six years. She set inspiring examples and showed me that even the most ambitious goals are possible with the proper support.

The Atlanta Track Club and its in-training community were unexpected gifts. From training groups to race-day camaraderie, I found strength and joy in the shared experiences and mutual encouragement of people with similar goals from different walks of life.

Lessons for the Holidays and Beyond

This journey taught me lessons that extend far beyond running principles, which are especially helpful as we navigate the challenges of the holiday season.

• Find Strength in Community: Just as the running community supported me, the holidays are a time to lean on the people and networks that uplift us—connections, whether loved ones, neighbors, or shared interest groups, bring strength and joy. Holiday Strategy:

1. Join local or virtual groups that share your passions.
2. Consider letting your support system know how they can help.
3. Volunteer or serve others to foster connection and purpose.

Relevant Reading: Explore how community-building supports mental health in the “Social Support and Emotional Well-Being” (APA article) link.

• Pace Yourself: Long-distance running taught me that balance is key. The same applies to the holiday season—overcommitting or chasing perfection leads to burnout.

Holiday Strategy:

1. Prioritize what truly matters to you.
2. Set boundaries by saying no to things that don’t align with your well-being.
3. Could you make time for rest and restoration? Relevant Reading: Read about strategies for work-life balance in the “Setting Personal Boundaries for Better Mental Health” (APA) link.

• Practice Self-Compassion While struggling during mile 10, I found strength through self-compassion, love, and grace. The holidays, with their emotional triggers, require the same approach.

Try Loving-Kindness Meditation:

1. Repeat phrases like, May I be safe? May I be happy? May I live with ease?
2. Please extend these wishes to loved ones and even strangers to create a sense of peace and connection.

Relevant Reading: Dive into the science of self-compassion in “The Role of Self-Compassion in Resilience” (APA article) link.

• Breathe Through Tough Moments Focusing on my breath grounded me in the most challenging stretches of my race. Breathing exercises can ease stress and grief during the holidays.

Practice Pulse Breathing:

1. Feel your pulse on your wrist or chest.
2. Inhale for a count of five, matching your pulse.
3. Exhale slowly for the exact count.
4. Repeat for 5–10 cycles.

Relevant Reading: Learn mindfulness techniques in the “Breathing Exercises to Reduce Stress” (APA) link.

• Prioritize Self-Care and Gratitude Just as training requires rest and celebrating small wins, the holidays call for balance and reflection.

Holiday Self-Care Ideas:

1. Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
2. Move your body with activities like walking or yoga.
3. Limit social media to avoid comparison traps.
4. Honor, your emotions, grief, and joy often coexist, and both are valid.

Relevant Reading: Explore gratitude’s impact on well-being in the “Practicing Gratitude Daily” (APA article) link.

A Season of Reflection and Support

This half marathon taught me the power of community, resilience, and gratitude—for running and life itself. As we navigate this holiday season, I hope we can all embrace these lessons to find connection, balance, and compassion.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• How do you cope with holiday stress or grief?
• What practices help you find self-compassion and resilience?
• How do you pace yourself during the holidays without feeling guilty?
• What’s one minor act of self-care or gratitude you’ve found transformative?
• What strategies help you stay grounded?

Let’s support one another and create a space for understanding this season.

#Gratitude #CommunitySupport #Mindfulness #HolidayStress #SelfCompassion #GlobalGriefAwarenessWeek #InvestcoQQQ #ATL10Miler #RunCityUSA #AJC #PeachtreeRoadRace #AtlantaTrackClubIn-Training #AtlantaTrackClub