From 0 to 100k: The Introduction

Often when I sit down to write, the hardest part is figuring out exactly where to begin. My last blog post was written almost 11 months ago, and it was part 2 of an intended 3 part series documenting my experience around the 2019 Chicago Marathon. I acknowledged then that I had no idea when part 3 would come, and it turns out that it never did. I sat down and tried to write it on a few occasions, but the words never quite flowed the way I wanted them to.

After completing my 100k run this past weekend, I think I understand better why that is: the conclusion to that chapter was really the beginning of this next story, and I wasn't ready to write it partway through the journey. Now that this goal has been completed, I think I'm in the right place for the story to flow.

The title I've chosen, "From 0 to 100k", has multiple meanings. At the most basic level, it neatly summarizes the distance that was covered this past Saturday. Taking it a step further, it references the fact that I signed up for a 100k trail race before I had ever done a single run on the trails. And finally, on a much deeper and more personal level, it's a nod to the internal personal journey that I have taken throughout this entire process.

In consideration of those layers, this story is obviously going to be about much more than a single day running 100 kilometres. It's going to discuss my thought process and motivation in deciding to start down this path. It is going to look into my training, the impacts of the pandemic, and the cancellation of the race I originally signed up for. And it's going to get quite personal and introspective at times, in a way that may be a little uncomfortable to write at times, but that I think can be both cathartic for me, and hopefully beneficial to others that may read it.

I don't know how many "chapters" this will take, but the rough framework in my head sees an introduction, 3-5 main pieces, and an epilogue of sorts. The most common phrase I use to describe my writing is that "brevity is not my strong point", so I'm going to do my best to make these a manageable length. That could mean more total posts, but with each one being shorter and more digestible. I also want to get this written while the memories are still fresh, so I hope to have a post up every day or two. We'll see how that goes.

Before I conclude this introduction, I want to address one thing that I'd ask anyone who is reading to keep in mind as they follow along: I am an extremely privileged person to be able to even consider undertaking this journey.

That privilege manifests in countless ways. From the fact that I was raised in a loving family who have supported me my entire life, to having the financial flexibility to absorb the costs associated with training and preparing for my run, to having a body that can withstand this punishment and keep functioning on a daily basis.

I don't bring this up to detract from the work I have put in. I bring it up for two reasons that are very important to me.

First, I think it is essential that we all do our best to acknowledge our privilege whenever we can. It allows us to keep our lives in the proper perspective, to see opportunities where we can use that privilege to help others, and to just generally appreciate how fortunate we are sometimes.

Second, and on a more personal note, I want anyone who is reading to keep what I have done in the proper context. I've had the word "inspirational" thrown at me quite a few times in the last couple of days, and it is equal parts humbling and challenging for me to hear it. The challenge does not come from a lack of gratitude, nor from judgement, but rather from knowing that my privilege plays a huge role in allowing me to get to this point.

I bring this up now because this story is going to talk a lot about pushing limits. As you continue to read on, if you continue to read on, I simply ask that you keep my privilege in mind throughout. My limits are not your limits and vice versa. So, if you do happen to feel inspired to challenge your own limits from witnessing my story, take pride in wherever that journey takes you. It may be running a 5k, or it may be in another venue altogether. Just know that it's about where that challenge takes you personally that matters, not how it compares to anyone else's accomplishment.

I feel as though this is the right place to end this intro. I promise that I will do my best to limit my preachiness to those last few paragraphs, and if you do continue to read on in the future, I hope you find what I have to say enjoyable. Please feel free to share any thoughts or comments you may have, and until the next chapter, take care.


A mid-July sunrise from the start and finish line of my 100k

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