Running into Resilience
We all go through seasons where things feel a little heavier. Sometimes they’re filled with transition, grief, uncertainty, or just that nagging sense of stuckness. Other times, life feels expansive, joyful, and full of momentum. But one thing I’ve learned—both as a coach and as a human—is that none of it is permanent.
When I’m in a tough season, I try to remember this:
I’ve survived 100% of my hardest days.
And so have you.
A Training Cycle That Broke Me (and Then Built Me Back Up)
In one of my most recent marathon training cycles, I was preparing to earn my third World Major Marathon star at the Chicago Marathon. While it wasn’t my first race, it was by far the most physically and emotionally demanding. Throughout my life, running has become more than just movement—it’s become one of my greatest teachers.It has stretched me mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. One moment, it makes me feel like a superhero; the next, it humbles me to my core.
Even if you’re not a runner, I bet you’ve had a goal that really mattered to you—one you trained for, prepared for, dreamed about. That’s where I was. I’d hired a coach, was coming off a great season, and felt stronger and more confident than ever. But five weeks into training, everything changed. I got injured. And not a little tweak—I’m talking doctors, MRIs, physical therapy, dry needling, rolfing… the works.
At the same time, other areas of my life felt like they were unraveling too. The one thing that usually kept me grounded—running—was suddenly taken from me. It felt like my legs were literally cut out from under me. I was angry, scared, and completely disoriented.
Resilience Isn’t Built in the Easy Seasons
No matter what you’re working toward—whether it’s building your confidence, managing a team, applying for internships, navigating a breakup, or leading through change—obstacles are inevitable. And while they might feel like detours, they often end up being the exact route we needed.
This training cycle taught me four big lessons about resilience I now carry into every part of my life, including how I show up in work, relationships, and leadership.
- It’s OK to Not Be OK
I’m someone who can talk about emotions easily, but sometimes struggles to feel them. Especially anger. My default is to intellectualize or explain things away, but that doesn’t mean the emotions disappear. They just get stored in the body.For me, that looked like tight calves that contributed to my injury. And the injury brought even more emotions I didn’t want to face—frustration, loneliness, helplessness, and yes, more anger. Thankfully, I was already working with a therapist, and this became a central part of our work.It’s still uncomfortable for me to really feel those harder emotions, but I’m learning that growth doesn’t come from bypassing the pain. It comes from walking through it—with support. - You Can’t Do Big Things Alone
Marathon training may look like a solo journey, but there’s no way I could’ve done it alone. I had to ask for help (which can be hard for me at times), and more importantly, I had to receive it. That meant building a team of practitioners, leaning on my run crew, texting friends when I was spiraling, and letting people cheer me on—both in training and on race day.Whether you’re launching a new idea, navigating burnout, or just trying to get through your semester—your people matter. Letting others walk beside you doesn’t make you weak. It makes you real. And honestly, sometimes someone else’s belief in you is what keeps you going when your own belief wavers. - Adaptation Isn’t Failure—It’s Maturity
My original race goal was tied to a specific time. But after my injury, I had to rework my plan and redefine success. Finishing the race pain-free became my new goal. At first, this felt like giving up. But slowly, I started to understand that adapting wasn’t about lowering my standards—it was about honoring where I was.In life, we’re often sold the idea that success = perfection. But that’s not real. Real success is learning how to pivot when needed, grieve the goals that no longer serve us, and keep showing up anyway. - Mindset Will Make or Break You
In the final weeks before the race, my mindset was shaky. I wasn’t just nervous—I was scared. I wasn’t trusting myself or my training. So I pulled out the same tools I teach my clients: affirmations and mental rehearsal.I wrote down phrases like: “I do not give up on myself.” “I can do hard things.” “I am stronger than I think.”
And I said them out loud (yes, even in public sometimes). They became my anchors when I wanted to quit. The last five miles of the marathon were brutal, and without those reminders, I don’t know if I would’ve made it across the finish line.The truth is: resilience isn’t just about grit. It’s about compassion, mindset, and the belief that you’re worth fighting for—even on the hard days.
I Finished. Not Perfectly. But Proudly.
After all the uncertainty, setbacks, and mindset work, I made it to the start line pain-free. And I crossed the finish line.
It wasn’t the race I had originally envisioned. It was slower. It was harder. And those last five miles tested me in ways I didn’t anticipate. But I finished—and with a new PR (personal record). And honestly, it meant more than I expected. Not because of the time, but because of everything it took to get there. It marked the closing of a chapter—one that was raw, vulnerable, and challenging, but also empowering and deeply fulfilling.
In the Marathon of Life…
Setbacks and challenges are inevitable. The path rarely unfolds exactly how we planned. But when we keep putting one foot in front of the other—both literally and figuratively—we build resilience and uncover strength we didn’t know we had.
Finishing this race reminded me of something I now hold close in my work and my life:
Progress isn’t always about speed.
It’s about staying with yourself.
It’s about perseverance.
And it’s about learning to trust the journey—even when it gets hard.
I invite you to reflect:
- What goal are your working toward right now?
- Where are you being asked to pivot or adapt?
- How are you building your resilience – mentally, emotionally, or in your leadership?
You don’t have to run a marathon to prove your strength. Just keep showing up. One step at a time.