“First, I want to say how incredibly thankful I am for being chosen for athlete of the month. I have only been part of the team for a few short months however I feel like I have been part of it longer. Each and every teammate has shown me so much support and has helped me along this journey. I started out in August only being able to run continuously for 3 minutes at a time and now I can run 3 miles with minimum walking. I ran my first 5K in September since being on the team and was able to run the whole thing without stopping! I started biking in August as well. I had not been on a bike in years! I was able to conquer Beauty’s Run a couple of times and then with the team on our fall foliage ride! For me, going down Beauty’s Run was the most terrifying and most exhilarating experience. Jumping forward to November, I started swimming lessons. I have never been a swimmer and have a lot to learn. I, again, found myself with such a huge support system who encouraged me and continued to push me out of my comfort zone.

In December, I was able to push myself to run/walk my first 10K with our team. I wanted to give up in the first two miles. I even had Amanda text Robin to tell her I needed to be picked up at Candy Cane Lane because there was no way I was making it. However, when we got to Candy Cane Lane and Dagny asked me if I was going to finish the 10K, I said absolutely.  We pushed on to the horrible sidewalks of South Side. I fell and for one split second, I thought I was just going to call it quits and have someone pick me up. However, I pushed forward. I ran the last three miles. All I kept thinking was that there were cookies at the end and I just needed to get there. I would not have gotten there without the help of everyone cheering me on and continuing to tell me that I could do it.

I am currently training for my first sprint triathlon which will be in Rock Hall, Maryland on June 2nd. I am excited for this journey and look forward to continuing to work as a team!”