The Moment of Change: A Life-Altering Decision
It all started on a rainy July day in 2020, when a simple remark from my husband made me stop and think about my habits. I had everything—a beautiful home, a loving family—but something was missing. I felt stuck, like I was living on autopilot, and the stress from work and life was starting to weigh me down. After a routine checkup, I got the wake-up call I needed: high blood pressure and a clear message from my doctor that I needed to make a change. That day marked the beginning of a new chapter. I could have ignored the diagnosis, but instead, I made the decision to act. I started walking and, eventually, running.
The Running Journey Begins: From Pain to Passion
At first, it wasn’t easy. Every step I took, my knees ached, and I almost gave up. But I refused to quit. I ended up at a local running store where a knowledgeable salesperson suggested I try Brooks running shoes. They were a game-changer. The knee pain disappeared, and I discovered a love for running I never saw coming. What started as a way to get healthy quickly turned into something much bigger. When I signed up for my first race, a half-marathon, it felt like an impossible challenge. But I did it. Crossing that finish line for the first time was one of the proudest moments of my life. It wasn’t just about the race—it was about who I was becoming: a runner.
A Life of Loss and Strength: Running Through the Storm
Amid my growing passion for running, life threw some heavy curveballs. My best friend, my mom, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This news hit me like a ton of bricks, especially after my marriage had just ended a few months before. I was now living alone for the first time as an empty-nester. Everything felt uncertain, but running became my anchor. It was my way of coping with the grief and chaos. I kept training for my first marathon, pushing myself through emotional and physical pain.
Running for My Mom: A Tribute to Her Strength
As the date of my first marathon approached, my mom’s health took a rapid decline. The thought of her not being there to see me finish my first marathon was unbearable. So, I made a choice. I ran 26.2 miles around my neighborhood in her honor before the race, symbolizing everything she meant to me. Just days later, she passed away. But I still ran my marathon. I ran it for her, with every mile reminding me of her strength and love. I finished in 4:41:42—a time I’m still proud of. It was a victory not just for me, but for the woman who had always inspired me to be strong, resilient, and never give up.
The Marathon Legacy: A Journey Across the States
That marathon wasn’t just a one-time accomplishment; it was the beginning of something much bigger. After that race, I signed up for another marathon in Hawaii, just 11 weeks later. From there, the races kept coming. I ran marathons in nine states and have set my sights on the Big Five in South Africa as my ultimate goal. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people, made lasting friendships, and experienced parts of myself I never knew existed. Each race has been a chapter in a story of growth and transformation.
Tattoos and Bright Running Shoes: Symbols of My Journey
Through all of this, my blog, Tattoos and Bright Running Shoes, became a way for me to share my story and the lessons I’ve learned. Each tattoo I’ve gotten represents a milestone in my life—a personal victory, a lesson learned, a challenge overcome. The bright running shoes? They’re a tribute to my brother’s advice, but they’ve also become a symbol of who I am. They represent my commitment to running, yes, but also my refusal to be defined by my struggles. Every step I take in those shoes is a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown.
A Story of Transformation: Running Through the Storm
My journey has taught me more than just how to run long distances. It’s taught me about perseverance, healing, and the power of pushing through when everything feels impossible. Every race has been a lesson in mental and emotional strength. I’ve learned that challenges are opportunities for growth, and no matter how difficult life gets, we always have the power to rise above.
I’ve transformed my life through running, and I’m sharing that transformation with the world. I hope my story will inspire others to take that first step, no matter how hard it might seem. It’s a reminder that anything is possible, and that even through hardship, we have the strength to keep moving forward.
So lace up your shoes, and let’s keep running—together.