Coach Sofía's Return to the River Bank Run

February 2024. We're already halfway through this short month, and I'm still coming out of hibernation. I feel the aches of sitting and slouching for far too long, and I know the strongest medicine is a few days of long, lovely walks.

I also know that for a lot of us that enjoy long-distance events, one of the biggest, most frightening, and often-times most successful foe is our own self-doubt. The mind's eye— or how we envision ourselves in the past, present, and future all play a major role in our performance. Over the years of attempting long distances, I've sometimes woken up with an acceptance of defeat even before leaving the house. Sure, telling myself I'm great and lovable even if I don't meet my goal today is fine and all, but am I trying to play it safe? Trying to prevent my own heartbreak by breaking it myself before I even make it out the door? "You probably won't be running those x miles today. x-n, maybe, but not x." 

I've learned from several years of limiting myself that I don't have much to lose if I wake up on race day this year and think to myself, "These x miles are mine." Whether it's delusion or a fair guess, it's at least a different strategy.

Aside from my attention to my mindset, I'm also shaking off the winter rust with some of those long, lovely walks I so love. I'm not at the frequency I'd like to be, but I savor each and every outing. This January, I was extra lucky to get some of my miles in in my quaint hometown of Mexico City 😉. The bulk of my cardio last month was dancing with my family in the patio. I'm back in the arms of Michigan's false spring, and I couldn't be more ready to start ramping up my time on my feet!

Thanks again to everyone who has participated in, volunteered for, donated to, and shared the work of our club! It's an honor to run with and for No Surrender Running Club, and I hope you continue to follow our 2024 season!

<3 Coach Sofía, 2/16/24

Hanging out in Cholula, getting in a little "vert" ⛰️ Check out the No Surrender hat!!

Despite what it looks like, I am NOT running into traffic, but I did get some good steps in!

I take rest SUPER seriously.

Getting a few more meters of elevation in before the party. Peering *REALLY* far down Reforma with my dad.

Clearest days I can remember in Mexico. Check out that Sleeping Woman and the smoking volcano!! (Iztaccíhuatl & Popocatépetl)

*"No Rompas Más" plays loudly* You know the dancing is good when you need to sit down for an ice cold Sidral Mundet (apple soda).

Back in the mitten, ready for spring!