It starts with a goal. Every goal needs to be deconstructed to identify the steps necessary to achieve the desired level of success. Whether it is being a more active individual, exploring new places, or pursuing performance goals there are two critical elements that I use to gauge success. The first is quantifiable improvement. This can be the transition from a sedentary state to a more active lifestyle, developing measurable improvement over past race performances, or exploring new race distances and environments. The second key factor is joy. Running has taught me how to connect with the natural world and to be fully immersed in a moment. It is in these moments I have found happiness and it plays a critical role in my running.