I have spent the past 17 years of my life in a classroom and at practice. From soccer games, to basketball tournaments, eventually to the track, I had a clear routine: school then competition. Now, just a month since my last collegiate race and just graduating, I have no practices that I have to attend, no races to wake up early for, and no upcoming exams.
What always seemed like a very distant life transition, is now happening. I am becoming an adult. Sadly, this is talked about as an end of times scenario, like all the fun in your life is about to disappear with one fatal blow. Which so far does not seem to be the case.
But I do keep asking myself, well who am I now? Will I identify myself solely off of my work like I did with my running? Looking back on the heartache I felt after finishing my last collegiate race, I realized that I have tied myself too closely to my identity as a student-athlete. In reality, my value is not limited to the narrow scope of athletics and academic achievements. My value should never be determined by only one aspect of who I am.
Now coming into the Nest and joining a new team, I hope that I learn to embrace all of the different nuances, that make me, me. During any life transition that leads people to question their identity - I think it’s important to take a step back, let go of narrowing in on one central attribute, and remind yourself of all the attributes that have led you to that single culminating moment.
I am a runner, but I am also…
A loyal friend
A professional
A self-starter
An avid story-teller
A lover of documentaries and punk rock shows
An incredibly loud laugher
An outdoor enthusiast
A strong-willed individual
And so much more.
So come at me adulthood, because I am a well-rounded woman, excited to take on a new challenge.
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