“The only thing that separates any one of us from excellence is fear and the opposite of fear is faith. I am careful not to confuse

excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for, perfection is God’s business.”

― Michael J. Fox

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,

and not faint.

- King James BibleIsaiah 40:31

“Christopher Reeve wisely parsed the difference between optimism and hope. Unlike optimism, he said, 'Hope is the product of knowledge and the projection of where the knowledge can take

us.” ― Michael J. Fox

2002Diagnosed with “pre-diabetes” and put on

glucose inhibitors to try and regulate my insulin production, 21 years old.Nov. 2007 – April 2008

Battled pneumonia for six months. Diagnosed with COPD at the age of 27.

November 2011Classified as “at risk for heart attack”. High cholesterol, high triglycerides and sky-high

blood pressure at 30 years old.

I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize… Philippians 3:13

The Past…

The Change…Eating healthy, home-cooked foods. Avoiding

carbohydrates (sugar, bread, pasta, etc). Counting calories.

Finding myself again in the last place I expected: RUNNING….

I have made strong friendships through running and our common bond helps us preserver when we struggle to keep going.

• After a year of running, I went through a metabolic profile test.

• In one year, diet and exercise REVERSED my high blood pressure and cholesterol

• I no longer had insulin and blood sugar issues• I was medication free for the first time in 10

years!!!Running has saved my life.

In giving back since I have been given a 2nd chance at life

• I created and directed the Inaugural Choose to Move Race – benefiting the Indiana Parkinson Foundation

• I coach newer runners and help them train for half marathons.

• I work to inspire my own children to lead a more active life (and get off those stupid video games)

• I run for child who cannot run through the I Run 4 program. She has a rare disease, CCHS, preventing her from running. I share my miles of training, my races, and even my medals and race shirts with her so she can experience running through me.

What’s Next? A full marathon is 26.2 miles and is said to push not only

physical limits, but mental and emotional limits as well

Psalm 26:2 – “Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind…”

My heart is calling me. My faith places my training and accomplishment in His hands. Determination and effort will prepare me through pain. Through trials and I will not give up.