Our Road to Athens

I begin this post reflecting on the last 5 years of my life and looking ahead as Rob and I begin our next adventure: the road to Athens!

I used to be very prominent on social media: Everyone saw pretty much everything I ate and every workout I did on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! In the midst, Rob and I got a little older, maybe a little wiser, and we relocated to Boston.

After arriving in Boston, we were swept up in new beginnings. We bought a home, Rob became busy setting up his lab, and I have tried hard to keep us organized. The first year was a whirlwind. I even ended up requiring emergency surgery. The reality of my own mortality became real. Life went on and I eventually found work in a fantastic lab, working long days while also balancing my work with life and school. I returned to school to earn a degree in something I admire: communication.

Fast forward

And that brings me to now. I left the lab in December and I’m currently working hard in a new role (but that’s another story for another day). I’ve put on about 12 lbs for various reasons (not enough sleep, a desk-bound professional role, etc). Oh yeah, I also turned 40!

What is this mid-life crisis thing?

I don’t believe in a mid-life crisis – then again, maybe I’m in denial. I caught a glimpse of myself as I walked past our bedroom mirror the other day and just the way the sun filtered through the window, I realized that my normally radiant dark hair appeared different. Evidence of the mental stresses, time itself and this life are beginning to show now.

The following day, as if the world was watching, a flyer arrived in my mailbox for Madison Reed hair dye. I immediately placed an order. It’s still sitting in the closet, because using it represents the transition to the next phase of this thing called life. I’m not sure if I’m ready for this.

My happy place

When I was a serious runner, I physically felt fantastic (except for the injuries). That wasn’t so long ago either! I loved the feeling of being free on those steep sun dappled Percy Warner trails and Rob drenched in sweat beside me. I have so many stories of (being lost on) those trails.

Running became my happy place: give me a good run and I can mentally solve any problem in the world! When I have a few moments to focus on simply putting one foot in front of the other, without distraction from technology or some other form of chaos, everything seems clearer, more simple and precious. One day, I remember running past an older couple, hand in hand, and I smiled thinking how beautiful that was. I wonder if they still exist somewhere other than my mind.

When Rob and I moved to Boston in 2016, my runner’s spirit slowly re-kindled itself along our beloved Charles River Esplanade.

The road to Athens

I have reached the point in my life where I still have the vibrance, determination and ability to do anything I dream of. That (somewhat annoying) voice in my heart has not learned to be quiet. Needless to say, I listened to this voice it in April, and registered Rob and I for the authentic Athens Marathon on November 10th. At the time of this writing, this marathon is 18 weeks away. It is definitely time to get serious It’s time to pull up our spandex and jump on this thing called training (or what we’ve fondly nick-named, “the road to Athens”).

Well, have new running shoes, new socks, and even a marathon training program that we are committed to. This week we put 19.2 miles on our runners and we’re feeling pretty strong. I’m proud of us. We have a long way to go (yes, all the way to Athens – haha) but we’re over the hurdle of taking the first step. We’re excited about the journey and our road to Athens.