I teeter between skepticism and optimism on most New Year’s Eves, but I still always end up making a list. You know, of all the things I want to accomplish in the New Year. And, honestly, I’ve forgiven myself for not accomplishing past list items because it’s not like you ever REALLY get a fresh start. The list just continues to be revised and there’s no reason to beat yourself up for being a loser and not getting sh*t done. LOL.

Last night, I inadvertently boycotted the stupid ball drop and worked on my 90 Day Game Plan instead and at approximately 1:24am EST, I registered for the North Face Endurance Challenge 50K Trail UltraMarathon – just a tiny bit longer than a “regular” marathon, but nonetheless, it’s an ultra! This, after I also committed to a bikini competition in November of 2015, seems a bit much, even for me. But in the past month of not really running and working more on the bodybuilding, I found myself just irritable and nostalgic all at once. I’d drive every day into DC, seeing all the sites that I ran through during the MCM, and in my heart of hearts, I knew that I couldn’t stay away from the long distance racing.

This morning, ok, this late afternoon, I laced up my brand spanking new Altra trail shoes and got some mud on them! I had the husbo drive me to Roosevelt Island, where I’d heard there were some decent running trails, suitable for a beginner trail runner. It’s so funny, even at 43 years old, trying something new and different always has some nerves involved! Will I get lost? Will I die? Will other people be friendly or mean? Ah…the neurosis of being human. How exhilarating it was!

Running through the woods is a completely different animal than road-running.  I didn’t want to listen to music, I was so much more attentive to my ever-changing surroundings. The trails on Roosevelt Island aren’t difficult but still a bit muddy with a few fallen trees requiring a little navigation. No crazy elevation gains either, so it is perfect for a beginner!  I took my time and some selfies as there is a cool memorial of Teddy Roosevelt in the middle of the island.  Some tourists even stopped and asked me to take a picture of them. I know, right?! Of course, I’m a friendly gal, so I obliged. I didn’t even stress about how this would affect my overall pace.  That’s what being out in nature does to ya!

After mile 1, I was like, “Ok, gotta do this 30 more times!” That wasn’t the happiest of realizations. But, it’s always good to have a clear understanding of what the challenge ahead entails. The wonderful thing about marathon/ultramarathon running is that you learn to trust the training. Sound nutrition, a little cross-training, and just getting out there consistently is what gets the job done. You can push yourself so much farther than you think you can!

Today’s Lesson:  Do what your heart tells you to do. Stop doubting yourself and living life according to someone else’s rules. Live and enjoy your life with ease because dammit, it’s YOUR life, no one else’s!