What is your history with sports and athletics?
I’ve been active on and off most of my life. I ran Cross Country in High School, but I did not stick with running afterwards.
In Jan 2019, I was diagnosed with EOE (short story – food allergies that effect the esophagus in some scary ways!) April of 2019, my father was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. We lost him in Nov. 2019 after a very hard fought battle!
Fast forward to March 2020 and we are under the COVID Pandemic lockdown. I had two small children (5 and 2 at the time), my husband, and myself all at home with no where to go!! I was trying to work full time from home, homeschool virtually with my kindergartner, and meet the demands of everyone at a time that I was already in a very dark place mentally. I needed an escape! I needed time that was just for me, where I would go without having all of the responsibilities on my shoulders for just a short time.
On May 5th, I ran for the first time in years! I couldn’t even run half a mile without having to walk! It was hard physically, but mentally it was the most refreshing thing I had experienced in a very long time. So I kept doing it! Then I convinced my husband I wanted a road bike; that was my mothers day gift!
Soon after, I signed up for my first triathlon, a sprint distance. I completed it in Aug. of 2020 and was HOOKED!! The more research I did drove me to want to compete in an Ironman branded race… so I signed up for one because I needed a goal to look forward to!
June 27th, 2021 I FINISHED my first half ironman, Lubbock 70.3 in 7 hrs and 22 min.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
The community of triathletes is amazing! They are so encouraging! I also really enjoy getting to inspire people that think they can’t because if I can go from not being able to run a half of a mile to completing a half Ironman in a years time… then truly anything is possible if you work for it! I’ve had so many people tell me they have started running or exercising because they have been watching my journey or hearing me talk about it.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
In Oct of 2020, I broke my collarbone and couldn’t train for about 6 weeks. Between that and learning how to balance a training schedule around family and work, it was a struggle some days! But sooo worth it!!
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life obstacles?
This sport has saved my mental health! I was in an extremely dark place mentally, and honestly not doing much better physically! I lost 18lbs through training and I am in a great place mentally! This sport is a mental game! You have to have grit to push through!
What is your “why?”
My mental and physical health! Training is my escape from reality for a short time. I can be angry, happy, sad, anxious, excited. I can sort through my thoughts and come home to my family in a better place. It also keeps me in shape physically. My family health history is a lengthy list and I refuse to let my children watch me not take care of myself. The saying goes you can’t fill from an empty cup, and I am a firm believer in that! Training is my coffee and competing in races is the creamer that keeps my cup full to take care of life!
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
Favorite gear is my bike! It’s absolutely not necessary to compete, but I bought a used TT bike and I love it! Her name is “Bennie” like Benny and the Jets (my all time favorite song!) “Bennie makes them ageless”, right?!
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Since I’ve only done two races so far, I have to say half ironman, Lubbock 70.3 is my favorite! The course was amazing and the people of Lubbock were beyond supportive! The memory of crossing the finish line on Texas Tech campus will also bring tears of pure joy !!
What’s next?
I want to compete in a Half distance (70.3 miles) triathlon race every year for the rest of my life! Bucket list race is St. George 70.3 and a Full Ironman within the next 3 years.
Any fun facts about yourself?
My junior year of high school at the state cross country competition, I was so far behind the pack that I got lost and went off the trail. I finally found my way back and made it to the finish line right after the boys race started. I was the last female racer to finish! Since then I am terrified of getting lost on a course!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just do it! You do not have to have the latest gear! Commit to a goal, sign up for a race and work for it!! Promise, you won’t regret it!!