Aren't you afraid???

"I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit."- Dawna Markova

Fear is so safe... Is hiding under the smothering shelter of "what if I fail" more comfortable than trying and failing? Is wondering what you might be more rewarding than fighting for what you wish to become? Is cowering alone more rewarding than standing up and asking others to help strengthen you? Is the cage of safety better than the freedom of risk?

I've been asked every form of "aren't you afraid" since I began training for this marathon. The simple answer, is "yes". There is fear in struggle and challenge. In hard work. In perseverance. When fatigue creeps in, when strength wanes and weakness takes it's place, there certainly is fear.

...But what am I here for? In every aspect of life (not just endurance training) isn't fear the ultimate opponent? What would I be living for if I continually let it win? Really... What purpose would my life serve for me? (or anyone that I love and value?) I would be robbed. Daily. And every word of encouragement I tried to feed my loved ones would be completely hollow. Good intentions are nothing. Action through living is everything.

I'm afraid. I'm living. And I'm ready to run.