A Week Out

"Only those who will risk going too far, know just how far one can go" -T.S. Elliot this quote has been floating in my head the past year as I have gone through some of the hardest and most rewarding times of my life.

Over the past year I have completed my undergraduate studies, written a thesis, survived an hour oral exam and three hour written exam. I also interned in D.C. while attending school this past semester, it wasn't easy, but I know better than most my age, nothing rewarding comes easy. I am reminded daily of this on my routine runs. Something about pushing my body to the limit reminds my brain how incredible it is to be living. One of my idols once told me, "Marathoners say the sky's the limit, but ultra runners say there are footprints on the moon."

Unfortunately not everything this year was peachy, I had a stress fracture and for a few months so I was also reminded that my brain has to listen to my body. Right when I thought I would start running again, I got sick, and had to have surgery. I am now one organ less, it took awhile to heal, but anyone who knows me, know, I never give up. Its okay to be a glow stick. Sometimes we have to break before we shine. I am still fighting and healing, I will never be back to who I was, but I am glad. As humans we are constantly changing, and we strive for change. Even if in the moment change seems awful, unfair, just plain crappy, it all happens for a reason.

So when my dad asked me what I would like for graduation, I of course answered, I would like to be deprived of oxygen! He replied, "I wouldn't have expected anything less". I have been extremely fortunate to have a lot of wonderful role models in my life, professors, teachers, runners, coaches, my brother, friends, family, and number one: my dad. Out of all of them, my dad is the only one that hasn't said "If I was your age again, I WOULD have done......" part of the reason is he still lives like he's young, but also he was willing to take risks, go to the unknown, experience new things, even if they were uncertain. "Don't be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try." I think about this quote almost daily.

So with this bumpy, but fun year behind me, I want to end on a high note, a REALLY HIGH note!! I think I can guarantee a white Christmas for me this year! Mt. Everest here I come, I will try to blog before I actually start hiking!

Happy Holidays Y'all,

Hannah