Why are we so hard on ourselves?

I recently had the honor of speaking at the Run Well Ultrarunning Clinic at the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, Illinois. My topic was training, pacing, and racing, followed by a Q&A session — and I was truly inspired by my fellow speakers: Justin Galbraith, Eric Strand, and Don Yakstis.

Yak, Me, Justin, Eric

Learning

One moment that really stayed with me was Justin sharing his love for 200-mile races and walking us through a graph of his yearly mileage over time. He talked honestly about the highs and lows, and how during certain seasons of life, other things simply had to take priority. That perspective felt so healthy and grounding.

Those of us who love to run can be incredibly hard on ourselves — missing one long run, cutting a workout short, feeling disappointed over a few miles. But what truly matters most is consistency over time, not perfection. Very few of us are putting a roof over our heads or feeding our families by running. Running is our space to reset, heal, and grow — not another source of stress.

My Personal Goals

As a Race Director- winter is a slower season for traveling to races, and in a way, it also slows the hectic pace of my life just touch. I’m still extremely busy preparing for the year ahead, but with fewer weekends on the road, I can stay rooted in one place and focus a little more intentionally on my own training.

Winter is honestly my least favorite time to train when it comes to weather. Cold, dark, and unpredictable days aren’t always easy on my motivation. But within the rhythm of my career, winter is the season that gives me the most space to be consistent. It’s the season where quiet work gets done — when base is built, and habits are strengthened.

One of my favorite things is choosing races in Arizona so I can blend training, racing, and visiting my family & friends that live there. This season, I’m training for the Lost Dutchman Marathon and the Crown King 50K — goals that excite me not just as races, but as reasons to return to a place that feels like a second home.

These races aren’t about proving anything. They’re about movement, connection, consistency, and gratitude. They’re reminders of why I started running in the first place — to feel strong, to feel free, and to feel alive.

Winter may not be my favorite season to train in, but it is the season that quietly shapes who I become in the months ahead.

Thinking about all of this also made me take a quiet look at my own goals — not just as a runner, but as a whole person.

My goals right now aren’t about perfection. They aren’t about chasing comparison, numbers, or anyone else’s timeline. They are about showing up consistently, caring for my body with intention, and continuing to choose growth even when life feels full and busy. Some seasons I will train harder. Some seasons I will simply maintain. And both are valid. Both matter.

I want my goals to support my life — not compete with it. I want to train in a way that feels steady, strong, and sustainable. I want to move my body because I love it, not because I feel pressure. I want to run with gratitude, not guilt. I want my goals to bring me energy, not drain it.

Most of all, I want to keep choosing myself in small, consistent ways — even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.

Because progress isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it looks like rest.
Sometimes it looks like patience.
Sometimes it looks like simply showing up again.

And that, too, is growth. 💛

What I want for each of you reading this….

I want each of you to be proud of what you do for yourself — no matter how small it may seem. Don’t judge your best against someone else’s season. Don’t be too hard on what is truly your best right now. Showing up at all is something to celebrate.

Get to know Justin Galbraith

I would love to do a full podcast or interview with Justin. Leave a comment to help encourage making that happen :-)

So grateful for people like Justin- steady, encouraging, and constantly reminding us that showing up is enough. An inspiration in running and in life.

This is one of the impactful slides he showed us during his session at the Ultrarunning Clinic.