#whyirace...

This post will be a little different then the others. I decided that I would tell my story in one post. If your new to the page and haven't been reading along my journey this will summarize why I do what I do. Lots of things have been going on in my life lately (good and bad) and lots of my life stuff I don't tell you awesome people about either. I have been feeling grateful a lot lately and with my struggles I also need to be reminded why I do what I do. I always know as much as I keep getting pooped on it's only because I can handle it and will overcome whatever life has to toss my way.

So that ties into Why I race...

I have found with racing it is a lot like my life. Growing up I had a pretty normal upbringing with family gatherings and lots of friends. I did live in the hospital due to my asthma and almost dying twice. Once I went to College things began to change for me. I had a tendency to follow the crowd and ended up in shitty situations. Thought I overcame those situations and was back to being myself. I went on to get married. Marriage was great at first until I had my son. He was the biggest blessing in my life. But with him coming into this world it brought problems into the marriage. My Ex became abusive, secretive and jealous of his first born son. It was mostly directed to me but then when I wasn't around my son got it too. I was un-happy with my life and I was gaining weight. My self-esteem became extremely low. I was never one to have much of one and I was a people pleaser. I also had to have everyone like me. I suffered from depression and PTSD after a major car accident that I was lucky to survive  just before I got married (I am starting to think I have nine lives like a cat lol).

In 2012 we went on a family vacation to Maui and I fell in love with the place and seeing everyone running all over. Before that I was working out on my own trying to increase my lung capacity thru research. I was starting to lose weight again and my confidence started to increase. When we got back from Maui I was invited to join a learn to run program by a friend of mine. I decided to jump on board and give it a try. I ended up surviving the couch to 5 km program even though I felt like death wanted to take over and at times wished it had. lol I  ran my first 5 km race three months after I started. I became instantly addicted! I kept up the running and increasing my distance. I wanted to push myself to see how far my asthma would let me go. I took up weight lifting with a personal trainer Lisa who is now a friend and still my coach. She was a blessing in my life and it's hard to believe we've known each other 4 years now. My marriage fell apart since I was becoming stronger and more confident. I wasn't going to be pushed around anymore. We both went our separate ways which was another blessing and I was left to live my life on my terms. I met a new friend during that transition and he introduced me to even more races that I didn't know existed or thought I could even possibly do. I started racing in Spartan races, triathlons and lots of other races in between. 2014 I completed 17 races which ranged from a 12 km Snowshoe race, three triathlons and one was an Olympic distance, some 10 km's, a bunch of fun 5 km's, 4 Spartans and ended up getting a trifecta first year in it, 3 half marathons and other fun mud races. I was addicted. I still am. lol

I love meeting new people thru this race journey that I normally wouldn't have met. People all over the country that I consider new friends. My confidence has tripled and I am no longer a people pleaser. I am who I am and not everyone has to like me and I sure don't like everyone either. The older I get the more the filter seems to diminish and I will stand up for what I believe in and for others. Much like these races that I race, my life is like one big spartan race. It has it's ups and downs, struggles and I carry some massive weight to get thru each challenge I come across. I come to a block and I can navigate thru it one way or the other but I always make it thru it and keep moving on. I will always be true to me and not change who I am even though I am a crazy unique and fun chick! lol I am starting to realize thru these challenges not only who I am but what type of person I am now. I used to be so shy and yes in certain situations I still am, but also more and more I get out there I am being a more confident not caring what others think of me person! I am learning to look after my body so I can keep doing these races. I will keep being open to new people and opportunities that come into my life. You just never know what new door will open and who/ what will be waiting for you.

2015 I have done 6 Spartan races and earning my double trifecta, tempted a Spartan Hurricane Heat, Did the Spartan 2 hr workout Tour, lots of fun mud races and other 5 km's. I really enjoy running races for charities. I ran 100 km in two months for Kids Cancer. I will be running two more races in December for two charities as well with my son and racing friends. Having a good time at certain races and making new amazing memories with friends. I am really looking forward to the races of 2016. New challenges for next year include my 12 yr old son and I doing a Half Marathon together in May. He has a dream to do it at that age so I am going to help him make it happen. I really am looking forward to training and running it together.

Until next time...

Some of my favorite quotes right now...