A racer reborn

I guess with this being my first post I should share my story. I got my first taste of "distance" running when I went to college. My coach was adamant about everyone being physically fit (including his throwers, which was what I was) so he made sure everyone ran. I say "distance" because as a thrower on the track team my long runs were 2 miles, which seemed LONG to me...especially since I didn't run at all before this coach. It was tough at first, but eventually I built up some endurance, and running was at least enjoyable. Which, honestly, I never thought it would be. Flash forward a few years. I had developed a true love of running and entered my first race which was, ironically, a 2 mile fun run. It was tough, I pushed myself harder than I ever had, and as soon as I crossed the finish I was already picking up fliers for other local races. Over the next several years I worked my way from that 2 mile fun run to completing 5 marathons, 6 half marathons, and several smaller races.

At this point in my life I was ready for children , and was blessed with a beautiful baby boy and then a girl. I was able to get back to running even if not the level I was before. Then...as often does...life happened. My life changed drastically. It took everything I had to keep going sometimes, and running fell by the wayside.  I put on a ton of weight and just felt hopeless.

Enter Twitter and the fitfam. I stumbled across the fitness movement in Twitter about 2 years ago. The support and encouragement there was amazing. With the help of my fitfam I found the inner strength to take my life back. I cleaned up my diet and started exercising again...and running. The weight started falling off and my love of running was reborn.

Soon after, I started an Instagram account and found the running community there and I've never looked back! Then I found virtual racing and my love affair with pushing myself and acquiring race bling began.

Today I am 45 lbs lighter, an Ambassador for SWEET workout and totally in love with virtual racing. It's a good feeling when life comes full circle, and I'm excited to be able to share where it takes me from here with you!!