When I lived in Sydney, running was a social experience for me. On every run, I would meet someone I knew, and we could share some kilometers and chat about life. I loved having training partners who could push me to be my best and join me on crazy adventures, day or night, on trails or on a treadmill. The camaraderie of running with others was one of my favorite things about it.

But since I left Sydney, I have been mostly training on my own. While I love the peace and solitude of running alone, I miss the sense of community that comes with running with others. It's not just about the kilometers or the pace, it's about the shared experiences and the support that comes with it

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about starting a running group in Tewantin, where I know I'll be settle for many years to come. I want to get out of my own head and socialize with other runners who are passionate about the sport. It's a chance to help each other learn and grow, to support each other through training, and to build a community of like-minded individuals.

As I've started to open up to the idea of starting a running group, I've seen signs all around me that make it seem like the right thing to do. And why not lean into those signs? Maybe it's time to take the leap and create the community I want to be part of.

​Things have taken an unexpected turn.

Yesterday the organizers of the Badwater 135 have updated their minimum qualifying criteria for the 2024 race, and it's bad news for me. 
Now, You need to complete four 100-mile races, with at least one completed prior to 2021, and no 24-hour track or multi-stage/multi-day races count

Unfortunately, my first miler won't be until this year, so I won't meet the new standards for the 2024 race.


It's a disappointment, but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm choosing to embrace the idea that everything happens for a reason. Maybe this is the universe's way of telling me to take a different approach, to focus on something different... for now. My commitment for 2023 was to become mentally and physically stronger and more resilient that I have ever been, and maybe this is part of the journey. 

Time to reassess my 2023 and 2024 race calendar and come up with a new plan.

​Vincent van Gogh famously said, "If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." This quote is relevant not just for artists, but for anyone working hard towards their goals, including recreational runners.

When people ask me how I can train every day and keep myself motivated, I often oversimplify things by saying something like "It's my thing," "It's my daily practice," or "It helps me feel fulfilled for the day." But the truth is, training and running every day takes hard work, dedication, and a fighting spirit. I have a daily fight with my inner critic, which tries to hold me back. The only way to quiet it down for the day is to fully acknowledge it for what it is and respond with an "Ah, really?! But I am in charge here, and we do what I say" and keep pushing forward. This boosts my confidence, with a ripple effect on all aspects of my life.

We all have our fears, struggles, and inner voices to deal with. Silencing my running critic daily gives me confidence, and that rubs off in many other aspects of my life. So, to all the painters and runners, don't let that inner critic stop you from doing what you love.

​A few days ago, I wrote about the importance of having a daily routine and tracking how I spend my time to optimize my productivity. But, guess what? I failed to keep up with it after just day 2! I didn't even realize it until today, when I was feeling frustrated and annoyed with myself for constantly jumping from one task to another without making any real progress.

So, what does that mean? Lack of interest? Lack of commitment? It's time for me to take control and find a better way forward. I can't afford to be stuck in this pattern any longer.

I have big dreams, exciting plans, and creative ideas filling my mind, and it's about time I start bringing them to life instead of constantly pushing them aside for small, insignificant tasks. It's time for action. Again. Until it's done.

It is okay to change your mind and acknowledge that something may not be for you. It's a normal aspect of personal growth. You don't have everything figured out, and sometimes you only know what isn't right for you after giving it a try.
Remaining with something that no longer serves you doesn't demonstrate dedication or commitment. Instead, it only holds you back and keeps you stuck
Today, I released myself from self-criticism, embraced the outcome of changing my mind, and recognised I know myself a little more because of it.