What is your history with sports and athletics?
In 2003, I found myself extremely overweight after having four children and a miscarriage in the midst. Prior to that, I had been a high school and college athlete as well as a 14 year veteran of coaching. On September 03, 2012 I decided I was done not being able to do all that I wanted to do in life.
I started my journey to be a better version of myself with running and participating in local 5ks, 10ks, and eventually couple half marathons.
In 2017, I turned 40 and decided to face several fears head on, including heights and swimming. So, I jumped out of an airplane, took adult swimming lessons, and signed up for my first sprint triathlon. I cried before entering the water. In my mind, I could not ever catch my breath or find the courage to conquer the demons in my mind surrounding the water. But day after day, I kept getting in the water.
I did my first sprint, then another, and then signed up for Madison 70.3 the following June followed by Waco in October followed by signing up for Ironman Wisconsin.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Choosing to be an athlete has been one of the best decisions of my life. It has taught me humility, respect, diligence, sacrifice, and grit. I have found a new found love of myself by becoming an athlete. Despite still being overweight, I love myself. I appreciate what my body has been able to do. Being an athlete has help shape my mind and create a growth mindset and to celebrate the small wins when they come and don’t sweat the losses or setbacks.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Part of me is starting to believe that my entire life is about overcoming challenges and obstacles. For nearly a decade, I was dealt with one big blow after another when I stared my health journey. Some of the greater challenges include the death of my mother in 2009, a miscarriage in 2009, the diagnosis of my youngest son with non-verbal autism and an intellectual disability, the death of my brother in 2016, and the death of my father in 2017.
My most recent obstacle was getting Covid in late 2020 and having my training sidelined for several weeks/months as my body tried to find a way to recover from such a bizarre virus.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
I attribute all of my success and drive from being an athlete.
What is your “why?”
I want to live.
My mother died at 58.
My brother died at 45.
My dad died at 69.
I am 43.
I want to live.
I want to live for my children and my children’s children.
I want to live for my husband.
I want to live for my friends.
I want to live for my students.
I want to live.
I want to FULLY live.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
Do you have a favorite race or event?
I will never ever forget Madison 70.3 and my favorite races will always be the Klompen Classic in my hometown and the Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon.
What’s next?
Des Moines 70.3 and Ironman Wisconsin
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am legally blind in one eye. I love tacos. I love Jesus.
Any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just keep moving.
Susan, you’re truly an inspiration and knowing some of the challenges you’ve overcome it’s even more so. Always enjoy getting to race with you and I’m so excited to see you become an Ironman. Here’s to s an awesome season and continued success!!
John, I’m so grateful for your encouragement along the way. We began as total strangers, but didn’t hesitate to pick each other up. I’ve loved your journey as well – you inspire me and so many others! I can’t wait to watch you cross the finish line SOON!
Such a beautiful heart-breaking yet inspiring story. Thank you for sharing. Being an athlete never goes away.
You are an inspiration! I wish we could be training buddies but we live across the country from each other. Congrats on all your successes!