Archives for 2010

When I was a baby, my family found out I had a heart murmur. At that point, I am sure many scary and devastating thoughts went through my parents minds. Would I ever be able to play sports, or run? How would this change their lives?

Thankfully, as a child, the murmur went away on it’s own, as they often times do, and I have never had issues with my heart. Of course, I was too young to know anything, or see this as something that could have potentially impacted my life in a negative way. It’s a good thing too, because I ended up being the epitome of the word “tomboy.”

I played sports, I got messy, and I RAN!

I played basketball since 3rd grade, soccer in 5th-6th grade, and volleyball and track since 7th. I was the mega athlete, the one who ate, slept, and breathed sports. I was inspired as a younger athlete by the older girls on the varsity teams. I wanted to be just like them.

When I got to High school, I continued with volleyball, basketball, and track. I had finally become on of those varsity girls I had looked up to, and I wanted the younger girls to look up to me. They did, and I competed with all my heart.

My senior year, I found out I had scoliosis. I had a lot of back pain, but my curved spine wasn’t curved quite enough to justify surgery. I went to physical therapy, but I, of course, kept on competing., kept on playing, kept on running.

Now, as an adult, I no longer am a part of an athletic team. I have coaching varsity volleyball and middle school basketball in an effort to relive the glory days. I enjoyed my job, but I felt like I was missing something. I personally needed to be fit again.

As I think back on the physical and mental challenges I faced to become a well trained athlete in high school, I realize that I was pretty inspiring! As a teenager I didn’t really realize it at the time, but I had been a fighter, a champ, and a role model.

I decided that I would become a runner. I would compete, with myself, to become fit, and to become healthy again. When I ran track in high school, I ran the 100 meter dash. To me, a 400 was a long distance!

Now, at age 25, I have competed four half marathons, and am almost done training for my first full marathon.

As we move into 2011, I believe a lot of strength, power, and self confidence will come in completing the marathon. I think it will be the boost I need to keep striving for a fit and healthy life. I believe I can be a role model to other runners, or just those looking to live a more active and full life.

Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would be doing this. I think the high school Heather would be very proud of the adult Heather, and if I could talk to high school Heather, I would tell her that she is my inspiration. Her (my) drive, determination, and heart made me the woman I am today, and I am forever grateful.

I think for these reasons I deserve a spot on the Team 4all roster. I am committed to health and fitness (and looking cute while doing it! Just look at the name of my blog!) I have jumped many hurdles to get where I am today, and I believe my story could be an inspiration to other people who need to look inside themselves, and find inspiration from within. Sometimes people need a boost of confidence and to remember that they are awesome! Or, as one of my favorite people once said (Walt Disney)…If you can dream it, YOU CAN DO IT!