There are two things that have helped me get through life: art and sports. Art provide a way to express myself and helped me to communicate with the world when I didn’t have the words. Sports gave me a chance to feel like I belonged somewhere.
Growing up we moved around a lot due to my father’s job. By the time, I was thirteen years old we have moved twelve times and I had gone to six different schools between kindergarten and eighth grade. One of the hardest parts about moving around as much as we did was that I was constantly the “new kid” at school and I had really hard time trying to fit in. But even though I was never a star athlete, sports gave me the chance to be a part a team and a place to belong.
Growing up I played a wide variety of sports, but my favorite was soccer. Sadly, I haven’t been able to play since my early 20’s. After years or repetitively spraining both ankles and living with chronic pain I eventually walked away from sports but still tried to maintain an active lifestyle.
When I first decided to pursue a career as photographer my focus was largely on landscapes. I would grab my camera and then go out to explore various hiking trails. At the time I was living in Colorado so there were plenty to choose from and it gave me a chance to get some really great photos. But in September 2012, I was finally able to get my right ankle fixed and was no longer living with constant pain. The doctor told me there was no chance I’d be able to play soccer, but I could at least start running again.
I attempted my first 5k in August 2013 and even though I wasn’t able to finish it I was hooked. I not the fastest person out there by far, and not currently able to run as well as I'd like, but it doesn't keep from getting out there and doing it. I've learned a lot of great life lessons through running too. I tore one of the menisci in my right knee at the beginning of 2017, and then got rear ended a couple months later but I didn't let it stop me, at least not completely.
I’ve had to take a break for close to a year but because the pain in my knee became overwhelming. It was a hard decision to make but I decided a few months ago that I wanted to get back out there again. Slowly but surely working toward running again because the truth is I really have missed it. My first 5k of the year was originally scheduled for June 8, but sadly the weather prevented it. Apparently it’s not safe to run with lighting, who knew. But it’s ok because I’m going to find a different race and get back out there soon.
I know the only chance I ever have of placing my age group is when there is less than three people but that’s not why I do it. I love getting out there and competing. It's not about trying to beat the other runners either. It's just about setting a goal for myself, training for it and then crossing the finish line. This crazy journey started back in 2014 and I've lost count of how many races I've done but every time I crossed the finish line it’s been a victory for me and a reminder that as long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other I’ll eventually achieve my goals.
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