I run solo most of the time, and I enjoy this (most of the time).

Yet, when it’s one of those hard-to-get-out-and-run days, it’s easier to meet up with a sole sister in our WILD trail running group, or go with my hubby.

Although sometimes I still face the decision to go alone or not go at all. I choose going solo because actually, going solo can be a good thing.

When you decide to go on your own you have to muster up more motivation.  You have to believe in it, stand up for it, and when you start to do this, you may actually start to feel more lonely than ever because not everyone is willing to go solo… or go very far.

Yes, it’s the same in running and life.

Whether it’s heading out to run on a bitter cold day, launching a new program in your business, or putting your art up on Etsy, you may be alone. You may look around and not see the same people and priorities you had before you took that brave step.

When you’re blazing a new trail and going solo, it may be harder for you to enjoy the trails you used to travel, with the people you used to travel them with.

When you become flexible and take a different trail, you may not find the usual experience and trail markers that would reassure you and help you feel safe.

Have you ever been running a race or headed down the trail, and started to wonder if you were going the right way because you hadn’t seen a trail markers in awhile?

It’s reassuring to see the usual trail blazes, or mile marker signs.  But when you don’t, doubt starts to creep in and it can drain your energy if you dwell on it.

Even when there’s no blaze, you can still blaze the trail. @Jenni_Hulburt

(tweet it out)

Sometimes you just have to keep running.  Other times, yes, you should stop and look at the map to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. Either way, you’re moving forward.

Because by continuing to run, putting your work out there, moving forward without any success (yet) or evidence that it will work out, it means you’re standing up for what you believe in, and believing in who you are.

Going solo can be a good thing.

But not everyone will agree.  They won’t all understand the trail you’re taking, or why you’re going at it alone in the first place. You simply won’t make sense to everyone.

Does that mean you shouldn’t go?

What if you didn’t go for a run just because no one else was able to go with you?

What if you kept your idea inside because you weren’t sure if it would fit in “out there?”

Have you ever noticed that the trail isn’t usually crowded as you get further out from the trailhead?  But where does it get really good?

Past the first mile marker.

Beyond the crowds.

Way up and out.  Yes, that’s where I like to go.

I don’t know about you, but the further I get away from the sounds and sights of civilization, the more I can hear my own inner voice and feel the greatest sense of the wilderness.

The trail less traveled is where change happens.

It’s where your ideas marinate and where you may decide, as Elizabeth Appell said, “that the risk of staying tight in the bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom.”

We need you to blaze a new trail. We need people like you, who dare to do things differently. Because if you’re evolving, you’re showing the rest of us what’s possible.

Despite going solo, you’ll find your tribe eventually. They’re out there, further out, no still further… yep, you found them.

They’re camped in the backcountry, taking the trail less traveled to the summit, and blazing their way – THEIR way.

When you find the other trailblazers, they’re the ones who have wandered past the first mile. They’re out there for the long run, and they don’t ask you why you’re out there – they know why and they’re with you.

They feel the same resistance to living life as usual, and they’re out there taking the risk just like you. You may even realize you’re both lost – then find your way together. The paradox is that when you go solo, you could find your real tribe at the same time.

So when you find yourself on a trail that’s less traveled than the rest, it doesn’t mean you’re in danger, or doing anything wrong. In fact, you may be exactly where you need to be.

“If there’s no one leading the way, go solo and blaze that trail.” -@Jenni_Hulburt

You may feel alone (you are).

But go where you need to go.

Take the run you need to take.

Blaze the trail you need to travel, because going solo is a good thing.