When you hear Katie’s story about joining the triathlon team in college, complete her first Iron Man before graduating from college, and starting a nonprofit organization that introduces kids to the sport as well, it is hard not to be inspired. I know I am!
Not only has Tri 4 Schools and Katie given me an opportunity to learn about running a nonprofit organization as an intern, but also has provided me with a new goal to strive for. The issue of weight has always been something I struggled with. I come from a family who loves to eat and physical fitness was not a top priority. I played sports growing up, but I was never the athletic one and the one always against the “running” portion of practice. I stopped playing volleyball and went off to college. My weight kept going up. I knew I had to do something. I tried different activities but either got bored or discouraged or made excuses.
Then, beginning of my junior year of college, I met Katie and learned about this amazing nonprofit Tri 4 Schools. The gears began to turn. If these kids can finish a triathlon, I can at least run a 5k. The whole focus on losing weight was not working and I decided that maybe focusing on another goal might produce the results I wanted. My new goal is to run a 5k.
This goal has changed my life. Even though I have been training off and on again for the last year, it is the only workout I have come back to. I usually try new activities after the last one failed. It is a different mind-set. I do not follow the training to lose a few pounds, but rather to make sure I am ready for race day. I downloaded an app that takes you through nine weeks of training and I love the fact that it is different each day. The first time I had to run a mile, I did not think I could do it. I felt so accomplished when I finished it. There are days when I begin my workout, my legs hurt and I don’t want to continue. I keep going and runner’s high kicks in! What a great feeling and before I know it my distance for the day is reached!
Yesterday I ran 2.5 miles for the first time and tomorrow I run the longest distance I ever have in my life: 3 miles! Unlike that first mile, I am excited to do it! I know it will only bring me one step closer to my first race day on September 29th for the Zoo Run. Almost as important, I am happy I picked an event where I know I will have a group of people supporting me! This is the beginning of many 5ks, 10ks, halfs, marathons, and triathlons. Who know’s even one day maybe an Iron Man!
Thank you for all your support!
Tri 4 Schools Intern
Jennifer
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