At the beginning of the year, Taylor set her 2019 resolutions: “Do good for others, care about the giant rock you're on, run more, be giving, find ways to be more connected with dad.”
Shortly after, she signed up to run the Yosemite Half Marathon and raise money with Team Sierra, Sierra Club’s community fundraising program.
Here’s Taylor’s story:
Taylor experiencing the outdoors with her dad.
“The loss of my dad in late 2017 has been a treacherous journey. It was the loss of a soulmate, confidant, captain and friend, and one that I have not feared to express to the public. Grief is a dark, complex and unforgiving monster, and I myself was consumed by it.
Growing up, I wanted to do everything he did, from riding motorcycles, to being the ultimate story-teller, to running and taking care of myself all because of his outlook on life. The conversations we held while watching Forrest Gump (my favorite) run through endless valleys and scenic routes inspired me to one day do the same, and I vowed to do it in my life time.
On the day of my first trail half, the crack in his voice that exploded with pride and excitement once I crossed the finish line still brings me to tears. We had plotted and planned together my training and shared our mutual love for the feeling of flying that comes with a run, and I couldn't wait to share with him my victory on that day, essentially running toward the finish just to call him. I lost him 10 days later.”
