The beginning of this year my oldest sister asked everyone to think of a word they wanted this year to represent for them. I said unbroken. I felt like I had handled the last couple years well. I had coped and dealt with many of the issues that were handed to me. Emotionally I felt like I could handle anything. But I still felt broken. I want to be someone that is unbreakable. I want to stand in the storm and not just survive but thrive and set that example to my daughter. I want her to know that she can come through anything stronger and better for it. To look at tribulations and say, why not me? if not me, who? If not now, when? I want her to be fearless. I wanted to be fearless and see what I could really do. Test and push my limits.
Last year I started running. I felt stronger. It was also symbolic of leaving the past behind me, putting space between it and me, not only that but I was growing stronger by doing so. I ran my first half marathon and felt great. It was a huge accomplishment for me. Something I had never even dreamed of doing. I planned on running more. I was told about obstacle course racing, and all about the Spartan races and "code". I was in a slump and this some how peaked my interest. After some research I decided to wrangle a friend into doing the middle sized one with me in Vegas. We started training and planning and I felt great, strong. After training for months, it was race time. We did well. The statement "you'll know at the finish line" couldn't be more true. I felt like an athlete, like we just concurred the world and I was hooked. It gave me the confidence to sign up for more of them and then ultimately decide I wanted to reach full Spartan status and trifecta this year.
So once more I talked a friend into joining me, and continued training. Training for this race for some reason was much more difficult. When I say blood sweat and tears, I mean literally it took me blood, sweat, and tears. Between working, being a mom, weather, schedule conflicts, injuries, it was everything I could do to continue on. I also had other running races and sometimes gave me little hang ups along the way. But, some how suddenly all my training time was gone and I was at the race.
The race started out some what mild. I felt like running the trails and the little exercise videos that I had done were sufficient. I had a sick stomach but nothing horrible. Mile 6 an old injury re-awoke and made itself known, my ankle was sending random sharp pains through my foot and calf. Around mile 9 I hit a wall... And then literally came the the wall series. 6 ft, 7 ft, 8 ft. Pure dread- I thought for a second I can't do this. I was physically and mentally spent. And then my friend pointed out my bracelet and said I was unbreakable. I couldn't hold back the tears. I started this journey because I felt broken only to find out, I wasn't damaged. The trials and tribulations have polished and defined me. I AM unbreakable. The heat was brutal, the course unforgiving and true to Spartan standard had hard surprises and obstacles. But some how we came out the other side, muddy, maybe a little mangled but with medals in hand.
Sitting and reflecting as a part of the Spartan trifecta tribe, I feel proud. I feel strong. These races test you not only physically but mentally. I'm thankful for the friends that have pushed me along the way, for the friendly faces on the course and the health to be able to conque such obstacles. Here we go Tahoe World Champion Spartan Course, bring it on! AROO!
