It's the rainbow socks for me.
Since March 2019, if you've seen me on race day then you've surely seen my rainbow socks and race bib "LivLikZain." & here's my why.
On February 16, 2019, the world lost Zain. At just 13, Zain was gone far too soon, but not before so many lessons learned. A few weeks after, her mom - one of my rooster sistas, McCarren - gave a beautiful eulogy. Ironically, I tuned in on Facebook live in those pre-COVID days. And as I listened to McCarren share her daughtter's life, it was when she asked us to "Live Like Zain," that struck me directly in my heart. Here's how to Live Like Zain:
Z - zest for life
A - always be kind
I - invest in others
N - never miss an opportunity because of fear.
Never miss an opportunity because of fear. It was in that moment I heard words I didn't know I needed. Words that have empowered my goals, been my motivation when things get hard, reminder to slow down and embrace the suck, to give myself grace.
In her 13 years, Zain was wise beyond her years. She truly taught everyone - adults too! - everyday. All she wanted was to live life to its absolute fullest while learning about those around her and conquering the fears in front of her.
So when race day arrives, I put on my rainbow socks, because Zain loved rainbows. And I proudly pin on my bib with LivLikZain across my chest. It's my reminder to keep going, to enjoy the journey, push passed the fear, and smile along the way.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the PRs, the competition, the goal chasing. And recently I found myself sucked up in the wrong parts of the journey. I was watching Strava closely, seeing all the challenges I wasn't completing, watching others get better and in doing so, I hurt myself. I wasn't focused on myself, but rather how I looked to others. I didn't win. It was then I was failing because I allowed pressure to build for nothing. Until one week, I just decided go run and do. not. look. at. your. watch! Why? I was watch watching during my runs. And it was doing me no good. But those runs without watching watching I felt amazing, I went negative splits, I didn't feel the pressure. I just ran. And sure there's been run/walks miles and I am ok with it. Because I am moving!
Goals don't always have to be glamorous! Sometimes, the goal is to just be.
I challenge you, what is your why? Why are you lacing up and getting after on the pavement? Why are you pining the bib across your chest? Why are you...?
My why has pulled me through recently. And I wholeheartedly know it will continue to pull me through the days. Here's to more race days with the rainbow socks, you won't miss them.
Always Live Like Zain.
In Memory of Zain, consider becoming an organ donor. Zain was able to save lives through organ donation, something she would truly be proud to do. Read about Donate Life America
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