I was first introduced to running when I was in elementary school. The Tennessee school I attended had a small organized track team that competed against other local elementary schools throughout the year. As time progressed I became involved in many different team sports such as Softball, Soccer, Cross Country and Basketball. I ultimately chose soccer as my main focus and went on to play for a travel team throughout high school. After high school I decided to attend a small college that did not have team sports thus ending my soccer playing.
Running once again became my main focus. I found that I enjoyed shorter distances with the 5k being my favorite. To me it was the perfect combination of speed and distance. While attending Valdosta State University I was able to obtain a job at the campus gym where I added weight lifting to my running routine. I took part in every local 5k race I could until I graduated in 2006. After graduation I was trying to juggle a new job, graduate school, and being newly married to my high school sweetheart, Mathew, so like many people who feel they are being pulled in a thousand different directions the first thing I let go was my fitness. I often came up with the normal I just don’t have time excuse knowing it was exactly that – an excuse. It did not take long before the daily requirements and mounting responsibilities turned my normal eager optimistic personality into one of which was dejected and withdrawn. Hello stress!
I have always been the live life in the moment, positive, highly energetic, slightly annoying to others because nothing is wrong in the world type of person so this new stress thing and I did not get along. I realized I needed to get back to what made me happy and that was running. I started running yet again and the stress melted away. During this time a close friend of mine asked me to do a 15K with him in 2010 which would be my first distance past the 5K. It sounded challenging so I accepted. As soon as I got home from that race I signed up for my first ½ marathon a few months away. After finishing the ½ I figured I would work my way up to the full and do my first full marathon in 2011. In the process I decided to sell my “baby” a beautiful Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle aka the “organ donor” in order to buy a road bike so I could ride with my husband who loves to ride but hates to run! I did not know at the time what that one simple action would lead me into.
I began to rather enjoy riding esp. if I was out riding with Mathew. Around this time I began writing my blog and I met some of the most inspiring group of people I have ever had the pleasure of “meeting”. Hello triathletes! I could not get enough of their stories. I did not understand nor could I fully comprehend how they could manage the distances of the triathlon. I was in awe of their determination, dedication and eagerness to help anyone. One blogger in particular took me “under her wing” so to speak and allowed me to bombard her with questions – Thank you KC! It was through our conversations and her constant encouragement which I decided I could do a tri. It was also through KC that I was introduced to Jason who also “took me under his wing” and taught me the importance of proper race fuel! So I went for it. I signed up for my first triathlon, an Olympic distance, in April of 2011 set for May 2011 with no clue how to properly swim, and brand new to a bike. When I crossed that finish line on May 21st, 2011 a different Summer walked away. The passion for this sport was instant. So instant in fact I went home and signed up for my second triathlon the Augusta 70.3 Half Ironman which took place in September of 2011.
This has been an amazing journey so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. I have learned a few things in my short journey #1. I could not do this without the support and love from my family and friends for they are the ones who encourage and inspire me to become the best person I possibly can. #2. You can always make forward progress despite the pain you just have to reach inside pull it out and tri harder. #3. YOU CAN!
