Inspiration, motivation, passion, belief, and faith

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the hardest part about life is finding that inspiration, motivation, passion, belief, or faith to put one foot in front of the other.  Throughout my own journey I have come across, read about, and became friends with those who each have found their own form of inspiration and faith to overcome.  It is through their dedication that I have been able to help find my own inspiration.  It is my pleasure to provide you dreams and dedications of others in the hope that maybe one will resonate and help  you to find your own belief and faith.

BRENDA DAY

Who is she: A Spokane, WA full time working woman who enjoys spending time with her husband and dog.  She may have some small flavors of OCD but she enjoys life with abandon.  Brenda is an active member of her local triathlon club, Team Blaze, competing in triathlons and local running races.   Always there to great you with a smile and a bubbly hello Brenda 

Inspiration: Brenda is inspired by anyone who overcomes a challenge.  The strength and energy the expel from facing their challenges head on and striving to achieve their goals inspires her to constantly set new goals herself.                                                                           

BRANDON BOWKER with Parents

Who is he: Born and raised in Nine Mile Falls, WA Brandon was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15.  Looking at food labels, counting carbohydrates, gaining an understanding of the carbohydrate to insulin ratio, and learning how to judge sugar content in non-labeled foods was something that no 15 year old believes they will go through but Brandon vowed to turn it into something positive.  15 years later Brandon continues to strive towards leading a healthy life by playing baseball, basketball, working out at the gym, and finding joy in the small things in life.

Inspiration: "Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained."      --Lao Tzu  In all, Life motivates me! There are no stereotypes in my eyes. Be unique and own it.

DON KARDONG

Who is he: A 1971 graduate from Standford University Don Kardong moved to Spokane in 1974, where he eventually raised his now two grown daughters with wife Bridgid, to begin an elementary  teaching career. From that move forward Don's belief in community spirit and togetherness has been forefront throughout Spokane. After finishing fourth in the 1976 Olympic marathon in Montreal Don founded the all famous Lilac Bloomsday Run through Spokane. Upon opening a retail sporting goods store in downtown Spokane Don left teaching in 1977 and eventually started working as writer for Runner's World magazine for the next 16 years.  While he had put the teaching world behind him Don did not leave the children  behind him serving as executive director for the Children's Museum of Spokane from 2002 to 2004. Currently Don continues to play a major role facilitating community unit, spirit, and belief for the city of Spokane as Race Director for Bloomsday.

Inspiration: "A lot of people seem to think that motivation is a quality that they either do or don't have, and more often than not they say they don't have it. In my experience, though, motivation to stay in shape is more about figuring out where and when you're going to do it, and then treating it  like you would any other appointment, like a visit to the doctor or a business meeting. If you treat your workout as an appointment you have with yourself, rather than as something you'll do "if you have time," you'll be much more likely to stay motivated to do it."

Pat Tyson

Who is he: As the current head coach for Gonzaga University Cross Country and Track and field Pat Tyson (known as coach or merely Tyson to most) believes in passion and shocking the world.  Through his hardworking and motivated mother Tyson learned how to be a self starter at a young age.  He states, "my mother's acceptance of exploration and motivational mentor ship taught me at an early age to be an independent and passionate creator.  Tyson's passion for running arose from his fervor to work and fueled his fire for life.  After running for University of Oregon in college Tyson took a teaching and coaching position in Shoreline, Washington where he continued to run and helped to found Club Northwest, a competitive running club in Western Washington.  Tyson's coaching path has led him from Shoreline to Mead Highschool back to University of Oregon then to University of Kentucky and finally to Gonzaga University where he currently coaches.  Over the years Coach Tyson has inspired many young adults to find their passion and their dream through his unwavering belief in people and the strengths the posses.    

Inspiration:  For Tyson motivation comes from the pure and raw energy you get from the journey of life.  Fueled by his own passion for life Tyson gains inspiration as a coach, teacher, and mentor of others creating their own journey.  "The strength and drive people gain as they move through the journey of life is moving," says Tyson "it is hard not to feed off the pure, raw energy people give off when they push the limits."  All in all Coach Tyson gathers his motivation purely from people; "people are amazing" he says.  

"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get." --Michael Phelps