Our bodies are incredible.

We often forget this. With societal and cultural pressure bombarding us with messages that smaller bodies are sexier/more attractive, it’s no wonder why so many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with their bodies. A slight increase on the scale suddenly becomes a measurement of self-worth and failure in all areas of life. People forget that hormones fluctuate, in addition to hydration levels, food consumption, sodium, and bowel regimens.

Last Sunday, it was a breath of fresh air to celebrate so many different bodies running a 1/2 marathon and marathon along the magical and mystical Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt, California. So many different ages, body shapes and sizes- all running and smiling and simply celebrating the human body and what it’s capable of achieving.

In January, my friend Catherine donated her kidney to a friend. As an active, athletic woman, her one fear was that following the transplant, her body would somehow be less capable of experiencing and achieving many of the athletic feats she loved to pursue. Prior to her transplant date, she saw an ad for this 1/2 marathon in Humboldt. As her body was recovering and healing, she asked me in April if I would join her at this race as a way of celebrating her body and health in a full-circle moment.

Of course, I agreed.

Sunday’s race wasn’t about pace. It was about the journey we all go on, and how some journeys in health and in life, are more bearable and memorable with friends. We cheered on other runners. We stopped to take pictures with gigantic majestic Redwoods that lined the entire run course. When it felt hard, we double-downed and thanked our bodies for how amazing and resilient and strong they are.

We crossed the finish line bursting with joy and gratitude. It felt different than any other race I’d done. The ones where all I cared about were time, pace, and place.

This felt like a moving prayer offered on behalf of our bodies. Afterwards, Catherine placed her hand over her heart and cried.

So the next time you’re tempted to talk down on yourself because of what the scale may say, PAUSE.

Think about the times your body has been there for you. Supported you. Healed itself. Allowed you to walk, run, ride a bike, ski, snowboard, paddle, have a child, hike, dance, hug, offer a hand, drive a car, make love, make art, write, sing, and photograph the world.

Isn’t this worth celebrating?

Sometimes the most memorable and important experiences in life that our bodies accomplish don’t need finish lines.