Stay Playful <3

This past weekend combined two of my favorite things: the New York City Marathon and Halloween. It’s truly one of my favorite weekends of the year just to watch humans be humans. The weather, energy, love, and connection to the city are unmatched.

My weekend began with my first-ever brand event hosted by HOKA to kick off the marathon celebrations. The event was casual with intention and captured the same racing energy that drew me into this world in the first place, with a signature new york touch, of course.

Being surrounded by so many like-minded athletes and creators was inspiring and humbling - I couldn’t help but feel imposter syndrome. I kept thinking, what in the world am I doing here? and had to remind myself that my presence was intentional and that so much of my life has changed this past year due to my own agency and effort. I really believe that when you stay on a path that feels authentic and right, the right opportunities will continue to find you. Running through central park surrounded by the HOKA team on that rainy and restless Thursday night of marathon weekend reminded me how far I’ve come since last fall and how much quiet and consistent hard work has led me here.

The NYC Marathon aside, Halloween has always been one of my favorite days of the year. I love any excuse to dress up, eat candy, and feel like a kid again (to be clear, I’m not still trick-or-treating (unless you tell me I’m allowed..), but you get the vibes). In a lot of ways, I think racing shares the same spirit of halloween, the glitter, the excitement, the chaos, and (carbo loading?) that should not fade with age. In an adult world that can feel so serious and heavy, I’m comforted by any reminder that not everything has to be. I actually think we should add a few more days a year where dressing up and eating candy all day is socially acceptable - I can start the petition. 

Halloween in the Payne Family circa 2003 - XTRA GU gels if you can spot me (and apologies for what you encounter once you do..)

OK back to the actual marathon - this was my first time spectating an event that I have actually raced. The last time I was at this exact event, I was on the course, wedged between spectators, tracing the blue line that snakes through all 5 boroughs, carried by adrenaline, disbelief, and my never over-played high school playlist as I completed my first ever marathon. This time last year I discovered a part of me out on that course that I decided never to let go of. This year, watching the race from a new perspective, I felt connected to the course and the runners through the pain, self-love, and grit they carried with them to the finish line.

Some of my close friends and family asked if I was sad not to be racing this year. My answer was simply, no. It’s become a bit of a trend lately to race back to back events, and while every body is different, I’ve learned I really value giving each race its own respect and training block. I need time to recover both physically and mentally, and I’ve found that honoring that is what keeps me in love with this sport.

My endurance racing journey has become about so much more than the races themselves. As I’ve said before, what I love most about racing are the many different experiences I gain, and the data and perspective each one gives me about myself. And this weekend was no exception. Watching a race I had already run turned out to be the exact kind of experience I didn’t know I needed. 

And now… I’m excited to shift my training back to triathlon…details on my next race coming very soon!

Also, a quick reminder, our first Train Payne Q&A is happening tonight at 7 PM EST and it’s open to everyone, not just members! 

You can join using this meeting ID: 787 9763 8200

Hopefully see some of you tonight!

Caleigh❤️‍🔥