As I have shared many times over on this blog, I believe living each day to the fullest is my chosen path to finding joy in this life I am blessed to be living. Seize the day. I also do not want to waste a moment and I am learning more and more just how important every second is. Today it was three seconds.

This morning I ran the Towpath 10K, which took place at the same time as a half marathon and full marathon, and I set a PR (personal record) time. By three seconds. I have run races where I surpassed previous times by five, ten, even 48 minutes (my second marathon over my first). I rarely have the opportunity to run 10K races, my last one was two years ago at the same venue. I think beating my previous PR by 3 seconds on the same course is just as exciting as surpassing it by a large margin. This has been a tough year – I am dedicated to my training. With what is within my power I am doing all possible to improve. And I am seeing the results. Outside of my control – a sprained ankle and now asthma – I am still working within the parameters of what now really could be minor set backs to excel. That is why three seconds means so much. My lungs held up just fine today, thanks to the inhaler I made sure to use before the race.

My mantra Believe is helping me through the challenges I face every day. Another motivation I am focusing on is Transcend. It is not a mantra as much as it is a destination. Which makes it such a good destination – to Transcend one exceeds, or rises, to the next level. Where there is always room to grow. So each second counts, it is along the journey of each day in this so not linear life that I learn and grow. And Transcend. By Believing I am able – to take the swim stroke, the bike peddle, the running step – I reach new goals that take me to new levels. Even by just three seconds.