Dream Big
In January, I dedicated this year to new beginnings (ok, I sort of set that mantra at the conclusion of running my first marathon in October of 2014-but still, it is the theme of 2015 for me). I meant that in lots of different ways: starting a new year as a divorced mama, deciding to give life 110% of what I had (going 'all in') and dedicating my year to living the hell out of this crazy thing we have called life. I had NO idea what was waiting for me on the other side of January 1st.
This weekend was a huge weekend for me. I stated last year that I wanted to do triathlons, and that my goal for 2015 was to complete an Olympic distance triathlon (Swim 1500 meters, bike 25 miles, run 10k or 6.2 miles). This Sunday, I crossed the finish line right along side the best training partner a gal could have (whom I seriously neglected to train with in training season this year). I believe all things happen for a reason, so when I came up behind him on the run, I knew we were to help each other finish the race together. Just like old times. I also watched the best life partner and soul equal I could ever have cross that line as well. To have someone who is active and wants to take an active part along side me in my athletic endeavors (and to push me too!) means the world to me. To top it all off, my soul sister was along the route, taking pictures and offering encouraging words to the end! I literally have the best of the best in my corner.
All that this year has offered me made me think back over the course of my life. I have had every opportunity to fail. I was born to a mama who was just 16 when she had me. I was raised in an emotionally abusive home that was not economically sound. I was not economically set up for college (because there was no way to have that provided for me). I was an overweight kid who didn't do sports. I was an overweight adult who ate her feelings instead of feeling them. I was an unhappy person who happened to be 1/2 the reason of a failed marriage. I was a single mom scared to death. All of those things are circumstances. And circumstances do NOT define a person.
Despite it all, I conquered. I succeeded. And not only in life, but also in lots of areas of life. I am a marathoner. I am an olympic distance triathlete. I also decided that settling in a relationship was unacceptable. That I could and would have it all. I am not 100 percent where I want to be physically, but no more am I where I used to be. Which means no matter where you are in your journey, your excuses are null and void. Athletics are so much smart training, and life and athletics are so much "mind over matter." You can do and have whatever it is you set your mind to.
Trust me, if I can do it-YOU CAN TOO!
I sit here contemplating what next year has to offer me, or what I want to chase next year. The obvious answer is more of life: more of the human experience. The thrills that let you know you're alive. The pain that does the same. I have yet to come up with a firm answer yet-but I know I will get there.
Chase life, don't settle and do not let circumstances define you or tell you that you are incapable of doing or having anything. Because when you let go of all excuses-amazing things happen.
Love to you all on this Sunday,
Kara
This weekend was a huge weekend for me. I stated last year that I wanted to do triathlons, and that my goal for 2015 was to complete an Olympic distance triathlon (Swim 1500 meters, bike 25 miles, run 10k or 6.2 miles). This Sunday, I crossed the finish line right along side the best training partner a gal could have (whom I seriously neglected to train with in training season this year). I believe all things happen for a reason, so when I came up behind him on the run, I knew we were to help each other finish the race together. Just like old times. I also watched the best life partner and soul equal I could ever have cross that line as well. To have someone who is active and wants to take an active part along side me in my athletic endeavors (and to push me too!) means the world to me. To top it all off, my soul sister was along the route, taking pictures and offering encouraging words to the end! I literally have the best of the best in my corner.
All that this year has offered me made me think back over the course of my life. I have had every opportunity to fail. I was born to a mama who was just 16 when she had me. I was raised in an emotionally abusive home that was not economically sound. I was not economically set up for college (because there was no way to have that provided for me). I was an overweight kid who didn't do sports. I was an overweight adult who ate her feelings instead of feeling them. I was an unhappy person who happened to be 1/2 the reason of a failed marriage. I was a single mom scared to death. All of those things are circumstances. And circumstances do NOT define a person.
Despite it all, I conquered. I succeeded. And not only in life, but also in lots of areas of life. I am a marathoner. I am an olympic distance triathlete. I also decided that settling in a relationship was unacceptable. That I could and would have it all. I am not 100 percent where I want to be physically, but no more am I where I used to be. Which means no matter where you are in your journey, your excuses are null and void. Athletics are so much smart training, and life and athletics are so much "mind over matter." You can do and have whatever it is you set your mind to.
Trust me, if I can do it-YOU CAN TOO!
I sit here contemplating what next year has to offer me, or what I want to chase next year. The obvious answer is more of life: more of the human experience. The thrills that let you know you're alive. The pain that does the same. I have yet to come up with a firm answer yet-but I know I will get there.
Chase life, don't settle and do not let circumstances define you or tell you that you are incapable of doing or having anything. Because when you let go of all excuses-amazing things happen.
Love to you all on this Sunday,
Kara
Love you my running wife! You are the greatest partner anyone could hope for. Let's plan on training together more, if your schedule allows it. Love you to the moon and back!
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