Before we moved to Virginia, I was unbelievably blessed to live in San Clemente,  California, near my childhood best friend Heidi. While we lived there, I began running. Heidi was on her own weight-loss journey, and she began running as well. Before I moved to Virginia, she set a goal to run a half-marathon, and I agreed to fly back to California to run one with her. A year later, I had the privilege to run her first half with her—the OC Half Marathon in May of 2011. During that year, Heidi had lost 120 pounds and gained a world of confidence. She finished the race in just over 2 hours and 30 minutes, a remarkable first race. A year later, she finished another half-marathon in 2 hours and 5 minutes, an unbelievable improvement. One day as we discussed how amazing it was to think that we could run a half marathon, she said, “It makes me wonder what else I believe is impossible. Before I began running, I thought there was no possible way I could or would even WANT to run 13.1 miles. Now, I have done it. What else do I think I can’t do?”

That phrase has stuck with me. When I hear myself say something like, “Oh, I could never do that!” I check myself. More often than not, I sell myself short. Instead of saying, “I could never do that” I am learning to determine if:

1. It is something I would like to one day do, but I have no idea how to start OR

2. It is something I have no desire to do and I just need to congratulate and encourage someone on his or her journey.

I have learned a lot about myself from running, but I have learned more by watching so many other people overcome obstacles that look insurmountable, like my friend Heidi. She is an inspiration to all who know her. What do you think is impossible today?