Jennifer Brown’s post fully resonated with me, reminding me of my own journey as a runner. I started running 16 years ago when my youngest son was born, just a block in Brooklyn, to see if I could. That first step turned into a 5K, and a year later, my husband gifted me a registration to the Newport, RI half marathon. It was terrifying, but I did it.
He saw that I had more in me, and for Christmas, he gifted me my first marathon registration. Years after watching the NYC Marathon from my Bay Ridge building as an expectator, I ran it myself as my second marathon, while my children and husband cheered in the sideline. I've completed four full marathons so far, and multiple Halfs, despite undergoing two hip replacements (genetic arthritis, unrelated to running). Just 8 months after my second hip surgery, I finished a half marathon in February this year.
This isn’t about losing weight—it’s about consistency, grit, perseverance, and building on hard work. Like Jennifer, I made a decision, stuck with it, and discovered what I’m capable of. Her story inspired me, and I hope mine inspires others to challenge themselves and discover their own grit.
#perseverance #grit #runningjourney #challengeyourself #consistency #inspiration
“Trained a lot. Cried a lot. Discovered my grit.”
She challenged herself. She intentionally DECIDED to make a change in her life. That was my favorite part about Jennifer Brown's post. She simply made a decision and stuck to it—and it paid off. Not only did she accomplish what she set out to do, but she learned so much about what she was capable of.
Any one of us can learn from this. It’s all about challenging ourselves, pushing past the limits, and discovering just how much grit and resilience we truly have. Your Monday mantra, as she puts it: You are wildly capable.
🎥 @thisiowamom via Instagram
