Wow. This was so nice and touching I can't believe it.
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| Jason Bahamundi |
Recently, I became blogging buddies with Jason Bahamundi. Jason is a marathon coach based in Dallas (he's formerly from NY) and he'll take you from couch potato to marathon runner in 40 weeks. If you're considering joining me in San Diego or simply need help beginning your own journey, you can check out his programs here at Marathon Makeover. There are both online and in person training programs available based on where you live.
Jason is no joke, he's a true athlete - a triathlete, marathon runner, motivator, trainer and ironman competitor, so you could imagine my sincere surprise when I heard that Jason decided to write an article about role models and include me in there.
He spoke about my journey as well as the journey of his training coach, Claudia, a woman who just competed at the 70.3 Ironman Championship in Florida. Claudia raced that Ironman with a BROKEN HAND and INJURED QUAD!
In under five hours she swam for 1.2 miles, biked for 56 miles and finished the 13 mile 1/2 marathon run. Claudia is a ROCK STAR.
In any case, I am humbled and flattered to be placed in the same article as Claudia - it makes me feel incredibly lucky and blessed that a true athlete like Jason who can teach me about 100,000 things about running, being an athlete, and crossing finish lines would put me in an article like that.
If you want to read it, here it is: Are You A Role Model?
Who are your role models?
My role models are all of you guys - the running community and group of friend's who have uplifted me, supported me, encouraged me, passed along tips, kicked me in the ass, ran along side, educated me and everything else. I really couldn't be a luckier girl. I would've never started running if it wasn't for me being totally impressed by Angela's run last February and Nicole's encouragement of aiming for my first 5K.
By the way, I take nothing for granted here. I will always struggle with my inner fat girl and dare not become cocky. I will always be in the fight and while I feel fairly confident that I'll never go back - I've taken the time to really develop life long habits, I know how easy it is to slip back... A cheeseburger here, a drunken night there, a blown off work out... I'm a hop, skip and a milkshake away from 81.8 pounds - I know this - but the power and option is mine to be a mile, marathon and finish line ahead of it at all times and that's what I intend to do.
XO
Jen
9 comments:
Honestly my inspiration to run those extra miles or swim those extra laps comes from you and those like you that have put yourselves into public view and saying....I'm not living like this anymore.
I am not sure I would be able to do that and so I get pushed and motivated by you.
There is an older man that runs at White Rock Lake here in Dallas on the weekends and he must be around 80. He has a Garmin and an iPod in there and he seems to shuffle his way around the lake. I think he goes at around a 18min/mile and he inspires me. I may pass him once or twice on the route and think to myself that is the guy I want to be.
I will have to stop this weekend and thank him for being my role model.
Keep Smiling
You guys just made me cry. XOXO
@Jason - You've probably passed me a time or two at White Rock Lake... look forward to meeting you in a couple weeks.
@Jen - Don't go get excited on me or anything... but I just asked my husband if we could go to San Diego in June and hit up Legoland... and ahem... RnR San Diego. It's a long shot since we're breaking the bank for Disney in February so that I can run the Princess half, but we'll see.
Thanks again Jason - now I guess there's REALLY no turning back!
Aw, Ang, ya big softy. xoxo - You keep inspiring me everyday!!
Lesley, that would be soooo AWESOME!! I am going to get excited because really, just the thought of it is very thrilling!
@Abbey- There is no crying in running.....OK there is and lots of it, but always end with a smile. Coach C has taught me that she has never finished a training session upset that she did it and I take my qeues from her on that.
@Lesley - It will be great to meet you and definitely run together at WR. Karen (my wife) and I are heading down there on Sunday. I am thinking around 530a since we have to put in 22. We will be the ones where the female looks embarrased by the guy who is smiling, dancing and laughing to himself as he trots around the lake a couple of time. If I am going to put myself through a 22 miler I am going to do it smiling.
Jen-thanks for commenting on MY blog so I could find yours :) (jason-links brother, links!! lol)
I am so proud of your success and by reading this entry I can tell you are traveling down the right path to lifelong health and wellness.
YOU ARE an inspiration to many so keep rockin' girl!!
Best wishes (kay, now i gotta go and read many, many posts to get 'caught up')
Thanks, Jen - From kicking around your blog -- YOU are a huge inspiration too and I totally relate to so much of what you've been working for!! Excited to follow your journey :)
I'd like to think you and Jason are my best bloggie buddies. Seriously! I think I talk to both of you the most through email, our blogs and twitter. Thank you both for inspiring me =)
Julie -- I love your blog!! I always find great motivation there!
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