This past weekend, I saw A Christmas Carol on stage with my family and friends. It follows Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story about Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future on Christmas Eve. These spirits take him on a journey through time, forcing him to confront the choices he’s made, the impact he’s having on others, and the legacy he’s leaving behind. By the end, Scrooge is transformed—joyful, generous, and resolved to live with a balance of perspective, presence, and purpose.

One line stood out to me during the play. Near the end, Scrooge says, “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.”

Timeless.

You have to remember your past—the miles you’ve logged, the races you’ve run, and the moments you’ve overcome doubt. Those experiences shape who you are. But living entirely in the past—dwelling on old PRs or races that didn’t go as planned—can keep you from enjoying where you are today.

At the same time, you can’t focus only on the future. Goals are motivating, whether it’s a marathon, a faster time, or building consistency. But goals can feel distant, and if you only chase what’s ahead, you risk missing the progress you’re making right now.

The real magic happens in the present. Today’s run is where the work happens. It’s the moment to savor—when you show up, put in the effort, and feel the joy of moving forward. But even the present gains depth when it’s tied to the lessons of your past and the vision of your future.

Like Scrooge, we thrive when we honor where we’ve been, focus on where we are, and dream of where we’re going. As the holidays approach, maybe take a moment to reflect on all three. What has running taught you this year, and what will inspire you in the year to come?

Happy holidays to every one of you!