About Me
Why Running for One?
I titled this blog based on the Bible verse: "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10. Bottom line, when I have found myself most miserable in my life it has been because I've been living to please other people. The blog title is simply a reminder to myself that my running, training, and racing is about pleasing God, not me and not anyone else.
Personal:
I was born in a small town (couldn't resist) in Indiana, where I lived until Craig and I became serious. We married in 1996, and I began life as a Coastie wife. After spending my first 2 years of college at Ball State University in Indiana, I transferred and graduated from the University of Memphis. I was a stay at home mom until my youngest entered preschool, and I began my teaching career. I currently teach 8th grade English. My faith and family are my two greatest loves in life.
Training:
My earliest athletic memories are of gymnastics. I really enjoyed being a gymnast, until I didn't. I'm not sure what happened, one day I just didn't love it anymore. The local gym closed down so it was easy for me to walk away. I soon discovered my next new love: basketball. From elementary school to high school I played on school and travel teams and did summer camps. I also began playing tennis my freshman year of high school. I wasn't a stand out high school athlete. I was chubby and insecure and that reflected on the courts.
It wasn't until a few years ago that I realized that it's never too late to become an athlete. I did my first half marathon in 2009; my first full in 2010; and my first Spartan Race in 2010. I fell in love with obstacle course racing (OCR) because it combines running and strength-- both things I love to do. My husband is my trainer, and with his specialized SPEDe training (Strength, Power, Endurance Development) I've made some major improvements.
My earliest athletic memories are of gymnastics. I really enjoyed being a gymnast, until I didn't. I'm not sure what happened, one day I just didn't love it anymore. The local gym closed down so it was easy for me to walk away. I soon discovered my next new love: basketball. From elementary school to high school I played on school and travel teams and did summer camps. I also began playing tennis my freshman year of high school. I wasn't a stand out high school athlete. I was chubby and insecure and that reflected on the courts.
It wasn't until a few years ago that I realized that it's never too late to become an athlete. I did my first half marathon in 2009; my first full in 2010; and my first Spartan Race in 2010. I fell in love with obstacle course racing (OCR) because it combines running and strength-- both things I love to do. My husband is my trainer, and with his specialized SPEDe training (Strength, Power, Endurance Development) I've made some major improvements.
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| Photos by Peter Mahar Photography |
