Looking In The Mirror & Introducing Me to Me.

It has been over a year since I picked up my iPad to blog. I usually blog on Sunday afternoons. Something happened. For the second time in two days, fellow Toastmasters raved how much they loved my website and how I inspired them. I immediately felt like an imposter. I considered letting my domain go at the end of December. Perhaps, revamp and rebrand the site to reflect the passion I have acquired for public speaking.

As I perused the comments placed on my website a few moments ago, my spirit became overwhelmed with emotion. The last blog post I penned prior to today was right after Mothers Day as I reflected heavily on the fact it was my second Mothers Day without my own mom being here on this earth. I don’t know when I gave up on blogging, gave up on my website. I do know that I never gave up on running.

After taking the time to navigate through my grief and set aside marathon training last year, I made an impulse decision to enter the lottery for the 45th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I said, “God if I get this, I know my passion for this sport is not dead” When I received my email, the only words I remember were “Congratulations, Linda” Tears flooded my eyes and I vowed to dedicate this race in honor of my mother, who we lost to dementia in March 2022.

October 2023 I lined up at Grant Park. My training wasn’t perfect. I put on quite a bit of weight. I definitely wasn’t in the best shape of my life. One thing I wasn’t on that day was a quitter. My mother fought to the very end and I promised her that I would do the same. My 6th full marathon was a roller coaster of emotions. Even now, one month later, I’m still not sure if I have the same energy for the sport. I do know that my love for it remains steadfast.

I know that I have added to the list of hobbies that I am passionate about. Added to running, there is now Toastmasters, public speaking, leadership, personal branding, networking. When I look at the “About Me” section of my website, I marvel at how that now represents a fraction of who I am. That young woman wants to marry running with the message of how this sport has changed and saved my life many times over. There are stories in my running shoes. Get ready, 2024 – you’re about to hear them, reads them and feel them.

Stay Inspired,