Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve been Rita. Then I became known as Running Rita. Then RoadRunning Rita. And somewhere along the way, I started taking on the persona of RightTurn Rita. So naturally, the name for this blog revealed itself — RightTurns with RoadRunning Rita.
Running was never about running away. It was always how I connected then reconnected with myself — reclaiming the parts of me that existed before pain, trauma, and life experiences dulled my enthusiasm and dimmed my sense of possibility. Running was how I found my way back to the “little person” I was before life hardened the edges.
RightTurns are what happen when things don’t go according to our plan. When life doesn’t follow our script. When something unplanned appears, asking us to shift, to pause, or to step into a new possibility we hadn’t imagined.
This journey is still unfolding, full of surprises, discoveries, and moments that push me to be present and open to whatever comes next.
When I look ahead, there are no finish lines , no checkered flags — just winding open road. A journey in motion.
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Prepping for RightTurns – Life’s Driver’s Ed
Last time, I introduced myself as RoadRunning Rita — a woman chasing freedom, healing, and joy on the open road. But behind that name, and behind this blog, there’s a story. My brother told me to hold my own hand — no one was coming to save me. I ran, I pushed, I surrendered, and…
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Many Miles Behind, More Miles Ahead
“Life is unpredictable, fragile, and fleeting. Not every photo is perfect, but every experience is worth sharing — especially the ones that teach us to face loss, embrace the road ahead, and keep moving forward. Wrinkles, scars, and all… I’m still here, living fully, honestly, and gratefully, and I hope my journey can inspire others…
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Do I need a map or a compass?
Rediscovering the wonder of my childhood, my journey continues to unfold as I explore life through travel, using it to grow, heal, and recreate myself along the way.
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Idling at the starting line
Although I’ve really wanted to get started and make substantial progress by now, this has been a slow-going process of…