# @emmajanelbates on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5CP-crH62
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/8512676-emmajanelbates-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/73a0d8ff60.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-07T12:49:34.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Emma Bates (@emmajanelbates) — https://gondola.cc/emmajanelbates

## Caption

It may be hard to believe, but I almost quit running all together (twice).

Early mornings, constant fatigue, missed social events, and crippling pressure. I didn’t think running was worth it. 
Running became a chore, only causing anxiety and stress.
My life changed. My dreams shifted. Running was out of the equation of my ideal reality.

Then, one day, I decided to let go of what I thought my life should look like. I let go of being “the runner.”
I realized I love running for the way it makes me feel.
The times, the attention, the accolades all faded out of view.
Running became a state of being instead of an identity in which I thought I was tied. 
I was free to be me. Me who runs. Who likes to run. Who loves to run. 

There was a time I didn’t see running in my future.
There was a time I no longer saw running in my dreams.
Good thing the universe conspired to create a reality far better.
Don’t wake me, I’m not dreaming.

#marathontraining #marathonrunning #marathonmentality #findyourwhy

## Stats

- **Views:** 32,601
- **Likes:** 24,025
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 214

## Tags

marathonmentality, marathonrunning, findyourwhy, marathontraining

---
Copyright (c) Gondola