It's Not How Fast You Run, It's How You Cross The Finish Line.

Just yesterday, I ran my second half marathon in Toronto, Canada with 26,000 people from all over the world. But there was more to my weekend than just running through "The 6" with my woes. It was about connecting with over 300 runners from all over the globe who share the same passion for hitting the pavement as I do.

Bridge The Gap was established by Charlie Dark and Mike Saes in order to "connect the dots between running culture, lifestyle, music, art and creativity with events around the globe where crews come together to meet, run, create and party together." Their one idea has given birth to a global movement that continues to inspire people not only to become better athletes, but also better human beings.

During the running expo, Charlie spoke to the crowd about living in London, working in the music industry and why he decided to start Run Dem Crew. And while he shared a number of notable gems, the one thing that stuck with me was this quote:

"It's not how fast you run, it's how you cross the finish line."

Hearing that the day before the race was definitely inspiring, but the words didn't deeply resonate with me until after I crossed the finish line yesterday.

For those of you that have run long distances, you're fully aware of the fact that running sucks. Every time I lace up my sneakers to prepare for a run, I know that I'm about to push myself to the limit physically, mentally and emotionally. And sometimes, I've found that it is necessary to reach the edge in order to see what I'm truly made of.

Yesterday was definitely the hardest race I've run to date. It was COLD AF (pardon the language, but it's true) and my body was completely shocked by the elements. My focus was slightly off and I was in unfamiliar territory, but I knew that there was one goal: to cross that finish line. Despite my slow pace, frost bitten hands, wobbly ankles and aching muscles, I had to keep telling myself that I was going to cross that finish line. 

To have that extra support from my friends as well as thousands of random strangers cheering me on (even when I felt like I was at my lowest) was truly incredible. But when I crossed that finish line with my arms raised above my head, I couldn't help by burst into tears of happiness, joy and relief.

If there's one thing that yesterday's race taught me, it's that there will be times in this life when I will be uncomfortable  and down right scared out of my mind. But it is in those times when things are a little hairy and unfamiliar that I'm being pushed to shine my brightest.

I'm learning that these feelings of doubt and uncertainty are only temporary. And while I'm blessed to have the support of my family and friends cheering me on from the sidelines (and even sometimes jumping in the race to run it with me) I know that ultimately I have to pace myself, push through those moments of pain and celebrate crossing every finish line successfully.

-Chasity

What I've Learned Since Becoming A Runner

"The people who are the most successful know who they are, what they believe and why they are pursuing what they’re pursuing." - Paul Angone For as long as I can remember, I've always loved to try new things. From a new dance move to a new dish, doing something other than the norm is totally my jam.

So when I decided to pick up running two months ago, I didn't think it would be any different than other 'new things' I've taken on in the past. (Boy, was I in for a rude awakening.)

The first time I ran 3.2 miles with District Running Collective (DRC), I honestly didn't think I was going to make it. While I started off at a decent pace, the moment I saw people whizzing past me, I got flustered and self-doubt set in immediately. I griped, complained and damn near cried for half a mile. But luckily my good friend Ashlee was there with me every step of the way to cheer me on until we finished. ☺️

Now for those of you that aren't as familiar with the art of distance running, there's more to it than lacing up your sneaks, pressing play on your favorite Spotify playlist and putting in miles. Just like anything in life, we must prepare, focus and see ourselves completing the course that is before us. Running has not only become a new hobby, but it has made completely impacted the way I pursue my goals on a daily basis.

Stride. Your stride is like a snowflake – it's not going to be nor will it ever be the same as the person you're running next to. In life, we may find that some of our peers are cruising through life and accomplishing goals left and right – and that's fine. Remember that your stride determines you being one with YOUR personal journey, no one else's.

Breathing. This is pretty self explainatory. But you can't forget to breathe! During my 10K this past Sunday, I caught myself getting ahead of myself mentally because of all the runners that were way ahead of me. This caused me to panic and then hyperventilate. Needless to say, I had to stop, catch my breath and remember that I was running this race for myself. Not only does breathing send the oxygen we need to our brains to function, but it also provides focus. This is one critical element that I will continue to work on in running (physically) and in life. And trust me, it's okay to slow down and take a breather if you need it.

Pace. Similar to stride, your pace determines this speed in which you travel. As a novice runner, I'm not runnig 6-7 minute miles yet, but I'm going to work hard to get there one day! You can't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. I admire the hell out of elite runners, but never will I front like I can keep up with them EVER. My current pace is a reminder that I can always improve and become better, but I need to conquer this level before I look to advance to the next.☺️

Support. The support that I've received from family members and friends has been unbelievable. And it also helps to be apart of a community of runners that is always encouraging one another. I've learned so much about myself and running as a sport in the last two months, and I hope that I can inspire those who are contemplating hitting the pavement to do so.

If anything, running has taught me to get shxt done. Whether that be working on a project I've been putting off, answering that email or finishing a book, running has motivated me to push myself one step further. It also has reminded me not to put so much pressure on myself. It's literally impossible to go from walking to Usain Bolt in one day. (thanks for the analogy J. Nesi, 😉) Progress is a process, but as along as you stay the course and keep your focus, you see the fruits of your labor in no time.

Welp, gotta run – these miles aren't going to run themselves!

Thanks for the love everyone,

Chasity

P.S. – I'm heading home to run in the 16th Annual Race Against Hate next month, and would appreciate your support in helping me reach my fundraising goal. Click here to learn more – thanks in advance!