Each year that I have ran I slowly made things a bit harder for myself. Last year when I finished the Pittsburgh challenge (5k on Saturday and half on Sunday), I decided that I wanted to aim for a full. I knew it was far-fetched but it was a goal I had.

I felt completely overjoyed and overwhelmed. Crossing the finish line was something I had dreamed of for a year but at points during the race I wasn’t so sure I was going to make it. I am just proud to say I didn’t quit.

The hardest part was remembering that this race was all about mind over matter. I knew going in that it wasn’t going to be easy but I also knew I had done everything I needed to do to be ready. When the split between half and full happened, I mentally struggled with not seeing anyone else around me.

The most rewarding thing about this race was the privilege to see my little girl at the finish line. The privilege to look into the eyes of my 6 year old and know I showed her through my actions that girls are brave, and strong, and we never quit. The privilege to show her that no matter how hard things get, no matter how many times life knocks you down, never ever stop moving forward. Never stop fighting for the things you want.

My mother was the world’s biggest supporter. She was my strength whenever I was weak. She babysat so that I could train at odd hours of the morning and night. She FaceTimed me every few miles of the marathon to encourage me and remind me that I was strong enough.

No matter the fight, no matter the journey, no matter how hard life is, we are never alone. Never stop pushing forward. No matter how slow you go, you are moving forward and that is all that matters. One of my favorite quotes is “She believed that she could, and so she did”.