Getting my Sweat On -Triathlons and Running - an FBFF Post

  I'm a Runner, a Triathlete, a Soccer Player and just all around fitness enthusiast!  I played soccer since the time I was 5 and it will always be my favorite sport to play, my sister and I had some amazing coaches that really instilled in us a love for the sport - much to my Dad's dismay.  He doesn't understand how anyone can really love soccer since the score typically remains really low and so much effort goes into it - he's a basketball guy!  Once I graduated high school, I was lost as to what I would do to stay physically active.  The gym in college was divided, the guys were by the weights and girls NEVER crossed that line, and the girls were on the ellipticals.  I was too intimidated to cross that line and I HATED ellipticals - still do for some reason.  But I ventured to the treadmill, somehow I became addicted to the feel of the run. I would even run outside in horrible weather - not the best idea.  My friend Greg was registered for the Chicago Marathon and I was so envious, but didn't think I was at that level yet, so I waited a year and finally took the plunge! Before the marathon, I had NEVER run a single race.  Crazy, right?  But it was the most amazing experience ever and there is something about setting your mind to something and just going for it! 

1st Marathon down - who knows how many to go?!



    Now I have branched out and added Triathlons into the mix and I love the challenge of the Swim, Bike and Run.  I'm training for the 1/2 Ironman in Racine, WI in July and training is quite the challenge! But I know I will have that same euphoric feeling once I cross that finish line!



My Dad cheered me on for my 1st Triathlon!

  What has been the most incredible thing for me, has been learning that I can do it! With hard work, determination and perseverance anything is possible!  I've never been someone who struggles with weight, but that doesn't mean I haven't had my own obstacles to overcome!  I trashed my knee in my 1st marathon and struggled for years to be able to run without pain.  But I am happy to say that I am completely pain free and training hard for my 1/2 Ironman and this year's Chicago Marathon!  If there is anything I could impart to everyone, it would be that anything is possible if you tell yourself you can and you work towards that goal!  There will always be people that tell you, you can't do it, you shouldn't do it, you're crazy, etc.  but you can and WILL prove them all wrong!  I'm excited to see where my love for running and triathlons take me in the future!  I never knew that starting out with one mile on the treadmill in college would lead to 3 marathons, Two 1/2 Marathons, 3 triathlons with a 4 marathon scheduled and a 1/2 Ironman.

Believe in yourself and anything is possible! Happy Running, Training, Sweating!