Saturday, March 15, 2008

Making The Team: 2008

This is it...voting's done tonight (Friday, March 28), so thanks to those who voted for me! There's some fierce competition out there. Whatever's meant to be will happen. May the best wo/man win!

Thanks again! :)

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I am a relatively ordinary, Midwestern girl, who leads a wonderful yet not atypical life. I am blessed with an amazingly supportive and loving family, loyal and genuine friends, a career that challenges and inspires me, and a five-month old son that I love more than I can explain.

And somehow along the way, I became an endurance athlete.

It was a dare to myself, actually. I questioned the direction I was headed in several aspects of my life. So I did something a teensy bit scary…I signed up for something called a “sprint triathlon.” I was a novice in every sense of the word, and that’s what made it exciting. And that nervous curiosity made me push myself harder and harder.

(I really, really like to push myself.)

Before I knew it, I crossed the finish line.

I didn’t realize that all I’d see would be an endless sea of starting lines before me.

That triathlon showed me there was something inside of me that I don’t think I fully understood or appreciated until that moment on that humid summer day. It gave me a new and quiet confidence.

If I can do this, what else can I do?

That finish line led me to go after a prestigious scholarship for graduate school, where I earned not only full tuition and immeasurable experience, but high honors. It led me to sign up for my first marathon, and cross that finish line only to dare myself to start another one. It led me to Ironman Wisconsin in 2006, where I had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people I am honored to call my friends.

That finish line inspired me to help others find their starting lines. I became active in my area’s triathlon club and made wonderful friendships. I led several open water swims for new triathletes and eventually got the privilege of serving on the Board of our club, where I currently hold the position of Secretary. It showed me, as it has showed so many, that the best part of training and racing are those friendships you make along the way. The miles, hardware, and the PRs may come and go, but a three-hour ride on hills in the pouring rain with a good friend is something that you just can’t quantify.

That finish line illustrated to me the power of using a starting line for change. I dedicated my Ironman race to raise money to fight Lymphoma, a disease which took my Great Aunt. I continue to be inspired—truly, deeply inspired—by my friends who race for a purpose greater than themselves. Not solely for a goal or a time, but for improving and changing lives.

This sport has power. It welcomes all; it embraces all. It asks you to look within yourself and make what you see even stronger. It asks you to make a difference to yourself, and often to the world around you.

And this…this is why I’m an endurance athlete.

VOTING IS EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH 28th!


Thanks for reading! If you think I should be the next fully-sponsored member of Team Evotri, please write down the URL of this web site and have it ready for voting when you click the EVOTE button below. Thank you!

20 comments:

JenC said...

I sent my vote in. Good luck!

Kurt said...

I have no idea what it was, but anything you do is awesome. Your the best!

Triteacher said...

I am so rooting for you!!!

Comm's said...

Here goes nuthin' ...

Good luck.

Alili said...

I voted!

Sarah said...

Hey lady - I've been meaning to post before, but now is as good as any - Good luck with Evotri! I know you would be a great asset to the team and I really enjoyed your essay.

GetBackJoJo said...

Good luck! You deserve to be a part of it more than anyone. I put in my vote. :)

Pharmie said...

You'd be totally great on the team!

Robyn said...

I've been quietly reading your blog - and being inspired - for over a year. Thank you! I voted!

SM said...

You have my vote!

Brian said...

Your a stern fan so I'll vote for you. Oh yea, you did a full ironman as well. That's rocks

anna jo said...

I just recently stumbled across your blog, but you seem pretty cool. I voted for you.

Steve Stenzel said...

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Unknown said...

I can't think of anyone more deserving, Sara. Wish I lived closer, I'd definitely scrub a few baseboards for you. You're a perfect ambassador, an asset to any team smart enough to realize they should choose you!

triguyjt said...

thanks for dropping a line on my blog. i mean't what i said that your blog was numero uno of the ones i started reading.. very inspiring and fun..all the way....

i hope you got a spot on the team.. you would learn by now, I think.

gear up for may 18th ..I will try to keep up with ya....

good luck

KC Stine said...

As a rookie looking to do his first small triathlon, I enjoyed reading your inspiring words. Oh, and you got my vote!

Unknown said...

I forwarded the email to some of my coworkers...so hopefully they can give you a boost.

Good luck! And hopefully the little one is doing good.

ps...this is Steve Vilt

ninjamarathonman said...

There was a posting about your campaign on the Second Sole website, so you got my vote!

RunBubbaRun said...

Good luck in the voting. You defeinetly deserve it..

but, I had to vote for my masters swim coach.. she also applied.. Sorry about that..

Lily on the Road said...

Saw you on K.C.Stine's blog...wow, I love your energy!

I'm starting late in life, with a 30K this weekend a Marathon in May and my first try a tri in September.

I voted, not sure if it'll count but YOU GO GIRL!