"If You Can, Then You Must"

It’s such a simple sentence, but it carries so much weight.

I first heard those words during a test-out ride I was evaluating of Courtney Sanderson, an avid rider who took many classes of mine, who was now training to be an instructor.

If you can, then you must. Something in me knew it wasn't just a cue or a line. I wrote it down in all caps and referenced it on her formal evaluation because I needed her to know how powerful it was.

She later shared with me it was something her father said and lived by after surviving American Airlines Flight 1549—the plane that miraculously landed safely in the Hudson River in 2009.

When you think about that moment—how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change—the quote takes on a deeper meaning. If you can isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about awareness. It’s about recognizing being able to show up at all.

If you can move your body, it deserves to be honored.

If you can gather with people, there is value in leaning into community.

If you can run, laugh, breathe, and feel strong—even on tired legs—that matters.

This fall was one of the busiest seasons of work and life. There was no formal training plan. Just four races in one month and a decision to keep showing up anyway.

What they gave me was accountability and a reason to run, laugh, and be in community with my favorite people.

• Nov 8 – #HonorMark (always a favorite)

• Nov 15 – Savannah Southern Half (thank you, @fleetfeetsav!)

• Nov 27 – United Way Turkey Trot 4-Miler

• Dec 6 – Savannah Bridge Run (double pump)

When you really sit with it, “If you can, then you must” isn’t a command—it’s a reminder. A quiet call to not take ability, health, time, or connection for granted. To do the thing not because it’s easy, but because it’s possible.

Running became less about how fast I went and more about honoring the fact that I could.

If you can, then you must.