10/24/2026
Ten years ago on this exact day was one of the best days of my life. I ran a mile in 4:52.
For years, breaking five minutes had been a goal. I ran track for six years, kept training after college, and followed a six-month plan after graduating college with no team and no friends to motivate me. It was me showing up every day out of pure discipline.
My first time trial was 4:59. Two weeks later, with my friend Sisay Gillock pacing me for the first three laps, I pushed through the last lap and ran 4:52.
Iāve never felt exhaustion in my legs like that before or since. It was a beautiful feeling being that tired but also knowing that all the training and time I put in had paid off.
I didnāt know how much Iād return to that memory later. Through divorce, becoming a single dad, and running a full-time wedding photography business, it reminded me that I can keep going when things got hard.
That mile was more than just a time to me. It represented so much about myself I still hold onto today.
It was proof that I could commit to something, keep showing up, and do something I once thought I couldnāt.
So happy 10yr anniversary to myself for continuing to show up, persevere through hard times, and doing things I thought I couldnāt do.
Whatever youāre doing, whatever youāre going through, believe in yourself. Keep showing up, keep putting in the work. No one will be more proud of you than yourself, because only you know what it took to get to the end.
Stay strong šŖ
