If I could talk to my younger self
Same shorts….13 years later.
This is a recent photo that came up on “Facebook memories” of me running Lean Horse 100 mile race. I saw this and thought, “my taste has not changed, I still have those same shorts and wear them.” I can also see the necklace I am wearing peaking out under the ice bandana, it is a white colored version of the same necklace I wear today. Mine today is pink and my daughter wears one just like it. It is made by Tracy Thomas. Tracy is one of the first female ultra running inspirations for me. She owns “Marvelous Mud” and still makes beautiful art. Fanny packs are still a staple of mine. My Inov-8 branded hat and shirt is now swapped out for Ornery Mule brand.
This picture was taken just before I put on my first ultra marathon, Earth Day 50k. I have been through a lot between then and now. Some very stressful times in life, as well as many beautiful events.
Both photos show a “healthy” me. I competed well at this Lean Horse 100 race. My race results typically were very good at this time in my life. Yet, I can see in my body language a lack of confidence, and I am missing the same sparkle for life I have today. I am not saying I was not happy, I was. I adore my family and I am so grateful for the life I live with them. I just think at that age I was still learning to be comfortable in my own skin. I had some things within myself I needed to work through. We are always learning and growing.
What would I say to “13 year younger Michele” if I had the chance?
Strive for happiness, not perfection.
Be kind to your body when speaking to it.
Don’t waste energy on people that tell you that you are not good enough.
When you build a life around your passion (Trail running) don’t work so hard that you stop finding time for yourself.
Fuel your body with healthy foods.
Celebrate food, work on your creative passion for cooking.
Don’t feel guilty resting.
Take your Mom on a trip of a lifetime. Ask her questions and write them down. I lost my Mom a few years later.
You have an amazing husband, which you know already, he is somehow even better 13 years later.
Get a few cats earlier in life.
Start saving up now for all the tattoos you will want later on.
Comment on what you would add to this list for your younger self