Moved on.

A week ago I was in tears; a week later, I feel hopeful and optimistic.

Yes, even with the state of some things about life here in the US seeming almost unbelieveable, I do feel hope.

Possibly not in the way you think though:

In her book, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times (which I definitely recommend adding to your reading list), Jane Goodall says the following about hope:

Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking: I hope something will happen but I’m not going to do anything about it. This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.

That kinda hope, yep I am in.

That's not to say that it doesn't still sting a little, that I don't get excited about one of my ideas I was working on, only to remember that it is not going to happen anymore.

Here is the thing though:

I really want the ideas to live on and take off on their own.

I want a race director to see the idea of using local wood for medals, from trees that were cut down because of disease or fire, and work with a local lumber mill to make medals designed by a local designer (or even any one of those elements).

I don't need to be involved; what I grieved the most were the ideas that I did not get the opportunity to show the running world could be done, ideas that could show a new normal, a new future of running.

And yet, I have belief that in some way, those ideas will manifest. Maybe I will be involved, maybe I won't, it doesn't matter; what does matter is that the planet benefits.

Today I sit looking at my fall, which looks completely different to what it did a few weeks ago. I see space open. It is tempting to rush to fill that gap, much in the way we rush to fill any dead space in our day with time spent on our phones.

I am doing my best to trust that things will come together. All I have to do is keep putting ideas out into the world, and see who they spark inspiration in and action from.

It is a hard place to sit; I don't do well with slow periods, and while I am working hard on being better at being alone with my thoughts, that part is hard too. It is too easy for the voice of criticism to climb in and pile on fear that things are not going to work out.

This weekend I head to New York to run my first half marathon post surgery, as well as take part in sustainability events with NYRR (come plogging with us!), and while I feel nervous about my first real race back (don't worry, there is no pressure on time!), I also feel excited to put myself out there, and see where I am at.

My life is echoing that, and right now, I am okay with it.

This week on the Running For Real podcast...

Here's the official description:

Ten years ago Jeffrey McEachern found himself at a point in his life where he knew things had to change. He found happiness and purpose through running, became a Peloton instructor, just earned his Six Star Medal at the Tokyo Marathon, and motivates others through his “Good Vibes Crew” community.

Here's the real deal:

I loved this conversation with Jeffrey. I loved his genuine optimism and hope for life, his authenticity, and his heart. This one will leave you feeling good about the future, wherever you are at.

Come plogging with us in New York this weekend. The event is sold out, but if you reply to this email, I can get you in ;)

Live in Chicago?

You can come plogging with us next week as your shakeout for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. I will be running that race for the first time ever, and I am excited to host this plog the day before.

As we have some new friends on here, and I haven't shared in a while. Becoming a Sustainable Runner, my book with Zoë Rom, is available on at your favorite retailer here.​

And on the note of check it out:

I will be sharing more soon, but if you are curious, take a look at this. If you would like to support what we are building here, a donation is something we would really appreciate.​

I shared today's quote above :)

Thanks to our partner, Precision Fuel & Hydration

Precision and I will be taking a trip around NYC this weekend for the United Half Marathon, and I am excited. I am looking forward to enjoying a gel (or maybe two), and PH 1000 in my handheld bottle. I ran my ultramarathon with them as my exclusive fuel, and have run many marathons with them. After so many years of underfueling in races (and knowing I left time on the table by not running my fastest by doing so), I love that Precision gels have 30g of carbs to fuel me well.

If you are not sure how much fuel and electrolytes you should be taking, you can use this free fuel and hydration planner.​

Ready to get yourself some for racing ahead?

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Be kind to one another, yourself, and this beautiful planet of ours.

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