Balance: This is 2020

Feeling unbalanced

How is it already the last day in January? 2020 has been a whirlwind with starting a new full-time job and part-time freelance work, revising my novel, moving my son back to college, trying to keep up with my dating and social life...the list goes on. Happy New Year ! I hope yours hasn't roared in quite as fiercely as mine.

I've been trying to define my goals for the year. I even sat down and wrote myself a letter of the things I wish to accomplish in love, career, and health this year. But I've been searching for a word to use as an overall theme. A word that I can say to remind myself to stay on track if I go astray. I've struggled all month to think of this word...as you can see above, I've been a bit busy.

Then three seemingly ordinary but actually significant events happened.

I never get postcards in the mail. Cards, yes. Letters, occasionally. But never postcards. I got two in one week from two of my illustrator friends wishing me a Happy New Year—both hand designed. The first postcard had the word "HOPE" incorporated into the art (check out @beautifullworldshop artwork on Instagram; Kerrita's designs make my heart happy!) The second postcard had an illustration of my friend, her husband, and children (check out @larissadrawsstuff on Instagram; Larissa's designs make my young self shine). Larissa addressed the postcard to the pseudonym she jokingly created for my writer persona. The words "FAMILY" and "WRITER" popped into my head.

Pondering, pondering

I mulled these words around in my head as I continued to struggle with MY word that would encompass 2020. Then yesterday, I had lunch with a colleague of mine that I hadn't seen in over five years when she left the publishing house we worked at to work at the college I started working at this month. As we updated each other on the past years of our lives, she said something like: "You're still as busy as ever. I've always envied how much you do in life." I laughed and swore I wasn't as busy as I used to be.

But as I walked through campus back to my office, the word "BUSY" bounced around my head. And then my mind quieted just before the word "BALANCE" whispered to me.

"Balance," I said out loud to absolutely no one. My word for 2020 is "BALANCE."

Diving all-in

I have always struggled with balance. When I do something, I dive all in...if I'm writing, I'm writing a novel AND a short piece of fiction on the side. If I'm running, I'm training for a marathon or an ultra marathon AND trying to strengthen my climbing ability or speed. If I'm reading a book, I read the WHOLE book in one sitting OR read multiple books at a time. If I'm watching a new show, I binge the entire Season AND have a second show I can watch on the side when I need a distraction.

Hell, I actually have trouble with my physical balance as well. You do NOT want to see me in a hot yoga class! I'm falling over with every single pose, even the seated poses.

Balance. How am I going to achieve balance in 2020? We're only 31 days in, and I'm already struggling. Deep breaths. Focus on the positive, Sera. Positives, right. I have been making small changes in my life, and although they are minor, these changes have been helping me find balance.

At a standstill brings
a different perspective

Some of these changes started last year when I lost my job. No money means saying "No" to so many things that I was involved in. No to races. No to lunches, dinners, or drinks with friends. No to driving long distances to visit people. No to everything whatsoever that cost money. Before I knew it, saying "No" became easier than ever. Having more downtime helped me rest and recover from the burnout I hadn't realized my go-go-go lifestyle had fueled.

Stopping everything for the last four months of 2019 really helped me reset in January with a clean slate. Yes, as above mentions, it's been a whirlwind of a month, but with change comes initial chaos sometimes. I'm settling into a new routine while I figure out what I want to fill my time with and how to allocate that time so I don't tilt the scales in just one direction.

I do not have all the answers about how to achieve said balance. But here are my priorities and where I want to focus my time:

1. My Novel Revision—After being stuck for on how to fix this book for the last two years, it's all become clear! I am so happy my Muse is back.
2. Trail Running, Mountain Climbing, and Strength Training—Being immersed in the thick of nature makes me my most happiest and truest self (yes, I know that's not grammatically correct, but in Sera World, there is "happiest" and "most happiest" haha).
3. Clean Eating—I want to maintain eating whole foods, eating out less, and finding creative ways to make cooking fun (Whole30 blew my mind, but that's a future post).
4. Downtime—Rest and relaxation with loved ones as well as alone-time are just as important as any other goal. I must remember that just as Rome wasn't built in a day, I do not need to finish everything at once. 

Finding balance

I've discovered that a strict routine is already helping me fit in writing time, downtime (yes, I schedule that in), and clean eating. But I still need to find a way to incorporate trail running and hiking into my weekly activities. But I'm not beating myself up about it. I'm trying to be more kind to myself (really helps with finding balance, I think), and realistically, I know that I am slightly less active during the winter. So I am taking small measures, like walking the 3/4 trek uphill to the dining hall on campus, going to the gym a couple days a week, and scheduling a hike when I can. I did sign up for Loon Mountain Race, and I can't wait to start training for it!

Balance. How did I not think of this word sooner? I've been crying about finding life balance for years. It's been in front of me all along.

Do you have any tips that help you find work-life balance? I could really use some advice! And also tell me: What's your word for 2020? Leave a comment below.

IllumiNITE Photographs by Matt Francis Photos
I'm wearing: 
Halo Unisex Knit Hat in Flo Lime
Reflective Neck Scruff in Flo Lime
Piper W Long Sleeve Reflective Tee in Flo Lime/Graphite
Comet Reflective W Running Tight in Black/Flo Lime
Use discount code Sera15 for 15% Off you entire IlumiNITE order

I HATE Running! The Makings of an Ultra Marathoner

As I gear up for not one, but two marathons just two weeks apart in two different countries, I think back to how it all began...

I first started running because my best friend Loretta stopped being social, and I missed her terribly. 

"If you want to hangout," she said, "you need to run with me. I'm training for my first marathon."

"I hate running," I said. But I joined her the next Saturday morning at a nearby parking lot to give it a try. To my surprise, a bunch of people in real athletic wear were gathered around stretching and doing high knees and butt kicks. I felt so out of place in my beat up walking shoes and old sweats.

When it was time to run, I told Loretta: "We're taking walk breaks as often as I need them." 

Loretta and I at my first half marathon:
Amica Iron Horse Half Marathon 2016
My first "birthday" race.

"Okay," she said. She may have rolled her eyes.

"And you better not leave me," I said.

"I won't," she said.

"And don't expect me to run more than three miles. Ever. I HATE running," I reiterated.

"Okay," she said, this time with a smirk. And she kept her word...mostly.

When I first started running, I ran about 30 seconds and walked two minutes. Loretta did not complain once, even though I was being a terrible sport. So, I came back each Saturday to spend time with my bestie. I noticed how happy and excited the other runners seemed, and that confused me. We're running...for no reason...what's there to be happy about? But their joy became contagious. I decided to try harder to see what all this "happiness" was about. Over time, I was able to run longer and farther before taking a walk break. People noticed and congratulated my tiniest accomplishments. I'd never belonged to any club before. And I had to admit, it was more fun than I expected. Shoutout to Run Your Health!

But then, Loretta did the most despicable thing. She volunteered me for a relay marathon team at the Cape Cod Marathon. Before I could protest, the relay team captain threw her arms around me and exclaimed her excitement. The team couldn’t race without a fifth person. I knew I couldn’t let these people down. I had no choice but to run.

"You were going to the Cape to watch me run my marathon anyway," Loretta said. "You might as well run, too."

Shooting out the gate with all the other runners
Cape Cod Marathon and Relay 2015

Loretta waving to me as we ran
the beginning our first race together
Cape Cod Marathon 2015

My leg of the race was the first three miles, and I got to shoot out the gate with all the other relay runners and marathoners alike. The vibrating energy of the crowd was exhilarating, and for the first time, I felt like I was a part of something greater than life. Those three miles were excruciating. I had only run three miles without stopping once before, but I was determined to do my best, so I ran for my life. When I saw my teammates at the transition point, I felt like a rockstar. They were jumping up and down—cheering for me. FOR ME! And that was it, I was hooked.

Cheesing it with my first marathon medal
Cape Cod Marathon 2016

I bought a real pair of running shoes from a running store that fitted me for the perfect fit. Then:

Marathon Relay, turned into 

5ks, turned into 

10ks, turned into
Half Marathons, turned into 

Marathons, turned into 

Chowdah Challenge (half marathon on Saturday/Full on Sunday), turned into

Ragnar Reach the Beach (2-day, 200-mile relay race), turned into 

Trail and Mountain races, turned into 

Ultramarathons!

And now I’m running in multiple states, in other countries, on multiple continents.

Loretta ran right by my side through my first half marathon AND my first marathon. We ran side by side for Ragnar’s Reach the Beach for some of our legs, and she even ran on a few trails and mountains with me. Life gets busy, and Loretta and I don’t run together as often as we used to. Part of that is because our schedules don't always mesh, our running goals don't always match, and she isn’t too fond of trail running...or ultramarathons. But that’s okay. I still feel her energy and inspiration with me on every run.

Loretta and I celebrating after finishing my first marathon
Cape Cod Marathon 2016

Running has changed my life in ways I could never imagine. It’s given me the chance to see pieces of the world I would never see whizzing by in a car. It’s lessened my anxiety and increased my happiness tenfold. It’s helped me realize that I can overcome other obstacles or hardships in my life. I’ve learned nothing is impossible; some things just take more effort or patience or time or education.

I'm so excited to be running Cape Cod Marathon in just eight days! Especially since it's the race that sparked my love of running! 

Still, ask me on a bad run day, and I’ll tell you: “I HATE running.” But I also LOVE it. And I can’t imagine experiencing life without it ever again.

Is there something you thought you didn't like but learned to love once you gave it a real shot? Leave a comment below!

Lights, Camera, IllumiNITEd!

An IllumiNITEd date, captured by photographer Matt Francis 

Fabric Lots in the Dark

Yesterday was so much fun! Mike and I drove to Fall River for our official photoshoot with IllumiNITE! We got to meet with the IllumiNITE team, tour the factory, and check out the newest

Fabric Lots IllumiNITED

IllumiNITE styles—some of which aren't even out yet! I just wanted to twirl around in the lots of fabric, but I restrained myself; I am a professional after all (hee hee). I did take flash pictures to see what patterns lit up, and that was a fun surprise. It was so cool to see where the magic happens. And it was very clear how proud everyone was of the work they did, and they should be! The designs, the fit, the comfort—I could live in IllumiNITE clothing forever!

IllumiNITE Pop-Up Store for Race Expos!

A runner's dream!

When we walked into the area where the pop up store lives, I felt like Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I wanted to run up and down the aisles, grabbing this shirt and that jacket, and ooh! These gloves are so cool! I want them all and I want them now! Okay, maybe I felt more like Varuca Salt. But you get the gist. Before I could begin my impromptu shopping spree, the IllumiNITE team announced it was time to go to the photoshoot location!

Right, I was here to work!

Matt Francis and IllumiNITE team
planning a shot

We walked around downtown Fall River, seeking various shots for the different outfits. Good thing running has helped me get over my shyness because wardrobe changes happened in the van-turned-dressing-room. It mostly concealed us, but if you ever see semi-naked photos of me on the Internet....well, you'll know why. haha

Then we were on camera! We walked, we posed, we ran, we had silly conversations, and I even got to jump around and do all the silly poses I love doing at races. For once, "act natural" didn't get me into trouble! What I appreciated most was that the IllumiNITE team asked that I didn't wear makeup. It's refreshing to work for a company that appreciates women's natural faces.

The funniest part of the shoot was when the photographer exclaimed: "What's going on here?"

You see, Mike kept flirting with me to make me laugh while I was doing my solo shots. He made comments like: "Just stare into my eyes" and "Why don't you pretend you're texting me" and other silly comments to help me look more natural on camera.

It's always an adventure with us!

Matt had no idea we were a couple, a "power model couple" as my friend Heather jokingly calls us. I couldn't stop laughing hysterically for a long while. I could only imagine what a creep Mike must have seemed to the photographer who thought we'd just met on location. I truly appreciate Matt speaking up, though, because if we weren't a couple, Mike's comments would have been inappropriate. Thanks for looking out, Matt!


But the biggest surprise of the day? The IllumiNITE team gave me the team shirts they designed for us for the Athens Authentic Marathon! I'm getting so excited! I cannot believe I'll be running the original marathon route in just 36 days! It's a marathoner's dream!

In the Dark
(L to R): Brynne Sawyer,
Sera Rivers, Meg Decubellis

I want to give a big shoutout to the IllumiNITE design team, Meg and Brynne, and photographer Matt Francis for making us feel like stars! It was such a great experience!

Lights! Camera! IllumiNITEd! ... And that's a wrap!

October is such a busy month as I'm gearing up for not one, but two marathons! So be sure to follow my blog for updates!

Stay tuned for:

• Official IllumiNITE photoshoot photos
• Marathon Training Updates
• IllumiNITE Team shirt design reveal for Athens Authentic Marathon

In the meantime, check out:

• IllumiNITE website and use discount code Sera15 for 15%off your entire order
• My Events page to see where I'll be running in the next few months! 

Where are you running next? Will I see you at one of my races? Comment below!

Best Running Clothes For Finicky Fall Weather

I've never lived outside of New England; yet every year, I'm shocked when the temperature drops from the eighties to sixties, then soars up to the nineties over the course of a week—sometimes even over the course of ONE DAY! New England is definitely known for it's finicky fall weather, which makes it quite difficult to dress properly for a run.

IllumiNITE Featherlite Jacket

I really don't like being too hot, but I absolutely detest being even the slightest bit cold, especially when running. My muscles get all stiff, my hands go numb, and my nose drips wet. Fortunately, IlumiNITE offers lightweight clothing that I can layer to keep me warm in brisk temperatures and easily remove when I get too hot.

My favorite item, hands down, is IllumiNITE's Women's Featherlite Reflective Hooded Nylon Packable Jacket in Graphite. I know I rave about this jacket all the time, but seriously, it's the lightest material ever. You barely notice you're wearing it. It has two zip pockets on the outside to protect valuable items such as my license and car key, and larger internal pockets to store running snacks and my phone. And it has a hood to lock out cold air in windy conditions and keep my head dry in the rain. Its most prominent feature is its reflective powers. The whole jackets illuminates in the dark when hit by headlights, flashlights, and streetlamps. But my most favorite thing about this jacket? I can easily ball it up and store it in my running vest on longer runs if I get too hot. I can also tie it around my waist without irritation when I'm not wearing my vest.

Bling Vigor reflective design

Bling Vigor Singlet

Don't let the lightweight material fool you. This Featherlite Jacket traps body heat like crazy! So I like to pair it with lightweight tops, such as IllumiNITE's Women's Reflective Bling Vigor Singlet in Charcoal, which is actually on sale right now!

And to tie everything together, I wear IllumiNITE's Women's Reflective Power Stretch Capri in Black. This capri is so versatile, it looks great with whatever styles and colors I'm wearing on top. Plus, it makes me look quite shapely while keeping me warm and dry. I also love the deep pockets on both sides that grip my phone and keep my snacks in place once my Featherlite Jacket comes off.

Power Stretch Capris,
Dovetail Tee, Featherlite Jacket

I don't know about you, but once I'm done with a run, I totally need to slip into cozy clothes. IlumiNITE's Reflective String Bag is big enough to carry a change of clothing and one pair of shoes, and it's even managed to double as a comfortable running tote when I forget my vest for a planned long run (by wrapping the strings around my waist and securing them in a knot tied tightly across my chest).  I'm usually headed off to my next adventure, whether it's visiting with friends, running errands, or continuing my day outside in nature. And that's where IllumiNITE's Bristol Reflective Jacket in Red Aztec comes in. It feels so soft against my skin, and has enough pockets to carry my essentials.

Bristol Reflective Jacket
 and Drawstring Bag

The leaves are already starting to turn, and soon this finicky weather is going to grow into a full-blown winter tantrum. So next week, I'll be visiting IllumiNITE headquarters in Fall River to meet with the team, tour the place, and to try out their newest styles so I can stay warm—and safe—as the days grow colder and shorter.

Stay tuned to hear about my Fall River adventures. You just might catch me in an IllumiNITE photoshoot.

In the meantime, use 15% off discount code Sera15  to stock up on some of your IllumiNITE faves.

How do you stay warm, yet cool and dry, in this finicky fall weather? 

Caution: Runners On Road

Running can be a dangerous sport! I'm not sure people truly understand that we put our lives on the line every time we lace up our running shoes.

I was recently in a race with hundreds of runners when a car sped toward the crowd on a narrow road in a thickly settled neighborhood. Instead of waiting for the crowd to run by, or at the very least slow down, the driver revved his engine, peeled out, and charged at us. Quite a few of us cried out in fear as many runners were forced off the road!

I couldn't help but wonder: What was so urgent that this driver risked inflicting major injury—possibly death—to others on a Saturday morning? Did he even realize the potential harm he was causing? Or was he just annoyed there was a race in his neighborhood?

Runners are not objects or inconveniences; we're people, and we're not out to ruin anyone's day. Our only agenda is to run, and we just want to be safe while running. So I've created a list for non-runners and runners alike to keep everyone safe on the road.

For drivers:

1. Yield and proceed with caution.

When you encounter a runner on the road, please yield and assess the situation before proceeding with caution. Runners aren't always immediately aware that a car is nearby. Slowing down will allow the runner time to become aware that a car is approaching so that they can also proceed with caution, bettering the chances of avoiding an accident. If you drive through a race, follow race signs and volunteer directions, and please take extra caution so we're all safe.

2. Make eye contact.

Just because a runner is coming toward you doesn't mean they see you. Make eye contact when possible so you both know you're aware of the other and can move accordingly. If you don't have time to make eye contact, you're driving too fast. Review tip #1.

3. Do not honk or shout out.

Treat runners like other drivers on the road. Do not honk incessantly, whistle, or catcall out your window. Sudden noises cause panic in runners, and panic can result in erratic movement, which can result in an accident. Also, it's a jerk move. Don't be a jerk.

4. Please be patient.

We runners understand that we're slower than cars and that we might get in the way in some circumstances. We appreciate your patience as we do our best to move out of your way. We just want the same respect as everyone else who shares the road.

The responsibility of safety is not entirely on drivers. We runners must take precautions every time we hit the pavement.

For Runners:

A. Follow the rules.

Whether you're in a race or running solo, follow road rules. For example: run facing traffic, stop at intersections, use crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and use hand signals to signal drivers. When possible, run on pedestrian paths and sidewalks.

B. Pay attention.

It's so easy to zone out when running, but that can lead to injury. To stay alert, play mental games like "how many [animals, car colors, plant/flower types, etc.] can you find while running." If you listen to music, avoid earbuds or noise cancelling headphones. Play music through your phone's speaker (not during a race; that annoys other racers), or buy bone conduction earphones so that you can hear your surroundings.

C. Wear bright, reflective clothing.

Shining bright by sunlight
Women's reflective bling vigor singlet in charcoal

Wait for it...

With all the distractions on the road—other drivers, flashing lights, billboards and scrolling marquees—it's easy for runners to blend into the background. So RUN BRIGHTLY! IllumiNITE athletic apparel comes in a variety of bright colors for all shapes and sizes. And what's better: their reflective ink shines brightly when illuminated by headlights, sunlight, any kind of light, to keep runners visible and safe in all weather conditions. IlumiNITE also sells bright, reflective accessories, such as headbands, bibs, gloves, and hats. And they even have reflective apparel for your pets.

Because you're reading this post, you can receive 15% off your entire IllumiNITE order with my discount code RUNBRIGHTLY. Spread the safety by sharing the code with all your running, and walking, friends!

D. Take extra safety precautions.

Running gear for Kintyre Way Ultra

Anything can happen on a run, so it's good to be prepared for anything. Before heading out on a solo run, tell a friend or family member the route you're running, how many miles, and your estimated return time. Don't forget to text when you're done! Carry extra water, a cell phone, a whistle, a pocket knife, and mace when running solo or in remote areas. A running pack, vest, or bag will hold these supplies. If you don't want to add extra bulk, IllumiNITE offers clothing styles with pockets. I was able to comfortably carry my passport in the zipped back pocket of my IllumiNITE dovetail women's short sleeve reflective tee when I ran Kintyre Way Ultra in Scotland. It was such a relief to not worry about having it on hand.

Runners and non-runners alike. Let's help keep the road a little safer. It may save a life. What safety tips do you find helpful? Leave a comment below.

Six Impossible Things Running Has Taught Me About Living

A completely different post should have gone out last Friday. But here it is...Wednesday. Oops! Now Thursday! Okay, Yikes! Friday!
And I find myself writing finalizing a completely different post.

See, I lost my job last Thursday when my position was eliminated. Suffice to say, it's been a shock to the system, as all losses are. I've been down this unemployment road before, but now I'm a runner! I have a new perspective on new paths I might travel next. Running has taught me to believe at least "six impossible things" about life. Any Alice in Wonderland friends out there? Well, here goes:

1. Keep moving forward, even when it sucks.

I have days where the actual act of running is torture. Whether it's my mental state (I'd rather be lounging on my couch; oh god, it's only been five minutes but it feels like five hours!) or my physical state (my entire body hurts; I can't breathe; I'm so hot/cold I'm going to die), some runs are just the worst! But when all is said and done, I feel so accomplished when I'm done.

This reminds me that not everything in life that's worth doing is enjoyable all the time. But pushing through tough situations makes the end result feel that much better. Plus, working through tough situations sure beats sitting on the couch whining about what I wish I could do.

2. A mile is a mile—no matter the pace.

I used to think that if I didn't run fast, I wasn't a runner. So when I first started running, I ran as fast as I could, which often led to pain, nausea, and burnout. Over time, I've come to realize that running a 13 minute mile is still the same distance as running an 8 minute mile. Some days I feel phenomenal as I seemingly fly down the road. Other days, I need to take it turtle pace. So I honor what my body tells me on any given day and adjust my pace accordingly. It definitely makes for a healthier, more enjoyable run.

I use this self-assessment in other areas of my life now too. I used to think nothing would get accomplished if I wasn't always on the go—moving from one thing to the next. Whether it's checking off items on my to-do list, tackling domestic duties, managing my social calendar, or scheduling time for my personal writing, I now remind myself that I will get it all done—eventually. If it takes longer than expected, so be it. There will always be that extra mile waiting just around the bend. Life is too short to run myself ragged.

3. Breaks are necessary for success.

This one goes hand in hand with pace. Just as I self-assess my speed, I've learned to take breaks during longer runs. Actually, I can thank my very first coach Laura Morris for this gem. She had me walk through every water stop at my first half marathon and my first marathon to stay on track with my desired finish time. Sounds counterintuitive, right? Stopping to go faster? She was right. Taking a few seconds, sometimes minutes, to catch my breath, fuel up, and drink some water helped me regroup and maintain my stamina for the long run (pun intended).

Whenever life starts to overwhelm me and it feels like I'm moving so fast I can't see straight, I take some time to regroup. I get off social media, step away from my phone, and just live in the moment by myself for a few days. These "life breaks" really help reset body, mind, and soul so I can remain the productive, disciplined worker that I am. And I feel happier overall. It's all about balance.

4. It's okay to accept help when offered and to ask for help too.

© Susan Egan

Anyone who knows me knows I struggle with accepting help or asking for help. But when I became a runner, I quickly learned that support from others can be lifesaving. For example, during the Seven Sisters Trail Race, a complete stranger caught me as I tripped down a rocky descent, saving me from major injury. He even stayed with me a short while to make sure I was okay—during a race!  Accepting and offering help is a given in my running community—spectators on the sidelines handing out orange slices and electrolytes, volunteers hiking through forests to provide racers food and supplies, competitors offering their last drop of water to a runner in distress. Egos aside, we runners depend on this support to succeed.

So, as uncomfortable as I feel, I'm learning to accept help from others in all aspects of my life. And I've discovered that I don't feel weaker by "letting people help me." I feel stronger. And freer. Accepting help has made me realize that no one has to go it alone. And it's helped me realize how much I also help others. We're all here for each other, and so much more can be accomplished with "a village."

Running 30 miles at Ghost Train Ultra

5. Do what makes you happy, even if the results are mediocre.

I'm a terrible runner. I am, really. I've developed asthma, which slows me down. I never cross-train. I don't follow rigorous training plans. I'm so bad at running that I realized it's is the first thing I've ever maintained that I'm not naturally good at. I think that's why I hated it for so long. But eventually, I stopped trying to excel at running and that's when I realized how much I love it. Shifting my mindset on enjoying running rather than excelling at running has made me a much happier runner.

This mindset shift has made me enjoy other areas of life that I'm not so great at. I can now laugh at how I park my car all crooked in large parking lots. I accept slightly wrinkled clothes because I haven't mastered ironing. I marvel at the tranquility I feel when I create a terrible painting. I've stopped trying to be the best at everything so I can enjoy things that I never imagined trying before.

6. You can accomplish anything, even the seemingly impossible.

Mt. Tom Ridge

When I first started running, I couldn't imagine running a whole minute, let alone a whole mile. But before I knew it, I was running two whole minutes, then three, then one whole mile, then ten... And now I've run as long as nine hours; as far as 33 miles.

I apply this knowledge and experience to all aspects of my life. When I feel like I could never accomplish [insert difficult decision/tough task/something unknown], I remember how putting one foot in front of the other helped me see I could reach the finish line...and keep on going. So I act on these difficult areas of my life, and remember one step leads to two...and eventually I know I'll make it through ANYTHING. I can accomplish anything, even the seemingly impossible.

And I want to practice these six impossible things at least a half an hour a day. What has running taught you?

An Ultra Life IllumiNITEd

Wearing IllumiNITE at
2019 Chesterfield Gorge Ultramarathon

If you told my 2015 self that Sera Rivers would be running all over the world, running thirty-plus miles—in the woods!—she'd tell you: "You've got the wrong girl. I HATE running. And I most definitely HATE the woods."

But here she is...uh, I mean, here I am, an ultramarathoner! And I've already completed four ultras in just eight months—on two continents, thank you very much. And now I'm gearing up for my next race: a marathon in Greece. Not just ANY marathon: The official route of the legendary Pheidippides who, in 490 BC, ran from Marathon to Athens to share the news that the Greeks had won the battle against the Persians.

This running thing is clearly not a phase like I first thought it was; it's my life. And with so many people asking about all my adventures, it's about time I share them!—Especially now because I've got exciting news to tell.

I am now a running ambassador for IllumiNITE—a family-owned, Massachusetts-based apparel company (my home state! Woot!) that creates sportswear and accessories with an all-in-one reflective ink that increases visibility and safety—whether you're running, cycling, rollerblading, or even walking your pet at night.

I'll admit, I was a bit scared to try out new clothing for the first time at an ultramarathon (33 miles) in the wilderness of a foreign country. Every runner knows you don't try new things at a race. But I loved IllumiNITE's styles, and I wanted to look great in Scotland, especially since I was one of just a handful of Americans running the Kintyre Way Ultra. And a few people I knew who wore IllumiNITE swore by their clothing, so I gave it a shot.

Wearing Featherlite Reflective
Hooded Nylon Packable Jacket

What I thought would take about 7 hours to finish, took 8 hours, 54 minutes, and 34 seconds (that's another story!), but man, I am so relieved I had IllumiNITE gear. It was cold first thing, so the featherlite jacket kept me warm but was easily stowed away in my hydration vest as soon as the weather warmed up. I couldn't even tell I was carrying it (it really is so lightweight!). My body stayed cool and dry the whole 9 hours, despite the sun beating down on me (surprising for Scotland in May, I know), and the reversible headband kept the sweat out of my eyes! A definite added bonus! Where has IllumiNITE been all my running life?! I'm already an addict.

But don't take my word for it. Try IllumiNITE for yourself. Follow my blog for an upcoming discount code, giveaways, and more! You'll learn about all the places I've been so far, and discover all the places I plan to go. I'll also share training and nutrition tips I've learned along the way, as well as my journey to finding balance between running and writing and living the ultra life!

And I also want to hear from you! While I'm technically on social media, I've not REALLY seeing what's happening with you all on social media! I've been so busy!  Please comment below with something you're excited about—doesn't have to be running related!

Let's start a Run Brightly Tribe!