In February of 2014, I declared a goal of completing my first triathlon by August. I trained and completed my first Tri and absolutely fell in love with the sport! I came across this super amazing triathlon blogger/author who was taking applications for an ambassador team of all experience levels. So I put myself out there and applied. I was given a huge opportunity (for which I will be eternally grateful) by SwimBikeMom, Meredith Atwood, to serve on her 2015 Ambassador team to spread love of the sport. And it was an amazing year!!!! Kind of an understatement really! It was AMAZEBALLS!!!

For 2016, I put myself out there again and applied to represent a race series where I had such an amazing experiences. I’m happy to say I have been chosen to serve as an 2016 Esprit De She Brand Ambassador. I am so very honored to have been chosen so that I can continue to spread my love and enthusiasm for this great sport! The Gildan Esprit de She race series supports women on their journey to reaching their potential. They have running, duathlon and triathlon events…something for every woman! Their race events are so well supported. They are days for women to come together and become empowered! I’m hoping to encourage more of you to experience the great feeling of a Gildan Esprit De She race event by offering a code that you can use for $5 off your registration fee! Use (GEDS16AMB045) during registration! Look at this great race line up:

2016 — You’re Invited

Woodlands 5K/10K (TX) | April 21

Tempe 5K/Du/Tri (AZ) | May 8

Cary 5K/10K (NC) | May 12

Lakeville Du/Tri (MN) | May 22

Naperville Tri (IL) | June 12

Chicago 5K/10K (IL) | July 21

Maple Grove 5K/Fitness Jam (MN) | August 4

San Diego Du/Tri (CA) | October 16

Atlanta 5K/10K (GA) | November 3

I already plan to be at the Naperville Tri and the Chicago 5K/10K. And I may be at other events as well! I would love to get as many of you out there with me as I can!!!!! So which event will you register for so you can #beyourpotential???!!! Dream Big and Race Happy!

Marathon Man & I took the twinkies into Chicago for an adventure over the holidays and I saw the above picture in a restaurant. So simple but something that many of us have a hard time doing. Why is that? I’m right there too. At my core I’m someone that wants to please everyone and have everyone like me. I try to be nice and supportive and giving and loyal and honest. But to be honest with some people it hasn’t gotten me far. It actually seems to have worked against me. Now how in the world does that make any sense?! It doesn’t. Some people suck and are caught up in their own insecurities and baggage. I know that intellectually but it still stings when you have to bear the brunt of other’s unresolved issues.

So looking forward to this new year, I realize that I will always be the same me that I have always been. What I can do is always improve upon and “grow” that same me. In this last decade I’ve grown and challenged myself in so many ways. I moved to a new city and state. I became a mother of twins. I became a stay at home mom. I started running. I’ve run multiple half marathons. I started swimming and love it. I learned to cycle with clip in pedals. I became a triathlete…no joke! I found I love to paint, with direction. And I’m proud of that growth…but still see myself constantly evolving. As I begin a new decade of my life I am looking forward to stepping into and owning my true self with all the growth, challenge & change that comes along with that. Cheers to “being yourself” in 2016! Dream Big and Race Happy!