i am not defeated

this came to me as i was running about a month ago and my mind was whirring with events going on.

I AM NOT DEFEATED.

it is a good truth to cling to, to remind ourselves--our minds, our bodies, our war-ravaged parts--that we are not defeated.

so much around me works to prove otherwise, and nothing is worse than my own thoughts. but as i was finishing one of my more trying runs, i had to repeat this over and over again. eventually, my legs felt lighter and more capable.

but the scenery this morning was beautiful. i took a path my mom suggested, that was very hilly and allowed me a raw view of the mountains, shrubbery and landscape of this beautiful area.

this one was taken once i crested the hugest hill i've had to hike in a while.

i will do tomorrow's run on this path, before i board the plane bound for Indiana...