I’m up to 4 miles & getting ready for a big challenge now but as you know, it wasn’t always that way.

I still remember the days when a mile was hard, when I would only walk and after 3-4 miles I would be tired-but now, I’m running three miles easily, 4 has been my next hurdle.

Despite all the momentum & progress, some things stay the same.

The kindness of strangers. Every time it happens, it really amazes me beyond words. But I always worry that I’m not grateful enough in the moment. Don’t misunderstand, I love compliments but these always seem to come when I’m feeling most vulnerable or down on my workout but when I most need it.

Lately, I’ve run the hills with Yao. Seriously, it’s been like the streets of San Francisco it’s so steep. But, it’s made my running so much better. During Monday’s workout, I was pushing very hard to make it up the hill for the 6th time (we do 8 of these) and the mail carrier stopped us on the way back down and told me how great I looked, how much improvement I made and to generally keep going, he knows I can do it.

It was hard not to start crying. I think I’m overwhelmed at the time with gratitude, that someone actually noticed and took the time to tell me what I needed to hear. Each time this has happened, I find it so hard to find the words to show how grateful I am that I come across as aloof or rude. I never mean to but in my own selfishness, I’m battling the demons in my head and it’s hard to change gears.

So to all those people who have been so kind, who have stopped while I’m running to give me a kind word-I appreciate it, you make my day and I’m so very grateful.

Thank you.