10 day "You" Challenge: Seven Wants

                                     

As I sit here in the Denver International Airport watching the hustle and bustle of employees in bright yellow safety vest moving bags from cart to plane, as planes come taxing by my window, and the air tower gives the go ahead for the plane on the tarmac to take off I wonder if I can actually come up with seven wants.  While a much brighter subject than the eight fears of the last challenge sometimes it can be hard to categorize what you actually "want" versus what is merely a desire.  There are many things that I want, from new shoes to winning the lottery but when thinking of my wants I am realizing that what I actually want is more than just a new pair of shoes or nice dishes in the kitchen.  

So here it is..... my seven wants:

1. I want to take my dad heli skiing.  It is the one thing he has never done and has always wanted to.  Growing up he never hesitated when I needed new skis, a trip somewhere to go racing, and every year (sometimes twice a year) he and I would watch the weather find out where it was snowing, pack up the car and take off to go ski the steep and deep.  He has been my number one ski buddy since the day he put skis on my feet at the young age of two and since I can remember I always told him that when I made it big I would take him heli skiing.

     

2. Help my mom go back to school.  My mother loves to learn and grow.  She is constantly doing whatever she can to gain more knowledge and has ALWAYS wanted to go back to school. 

3.  Pay off my student loan.  Graduating from Gonzaga University left me with a decent sized loan, while I am luckier than some it still is large enough that I can't really afford to pay it off.

                          

 

4. Travel.  There are so many amazing places out there. I would love to be able to easily visit them.  To be able to participate in triathlons all over the world.  These events are held in some of the most serene and beautiful places and it would be my joy to be able to participate.

5. Spend the rest of my life with the people that I love.  Yes, this may seem silly and you are probably thinking well duh who doesn't want that.  But there are some amazing people in my life, people that every day I look forward to seeing and talking to.  Their presence has made my life better and I want more than anything to continue spending ever day with them.

                         

6. Continue my education and growth through my career.  I just recently started a new job that I love.  It is challenging, I am constantly learning and growing with it and look forward to continuing to do so.

7. Keep improving my strength and times in my triathlons.  I have put a lot of work into them and as I am still fairly new to the sport I want to continue improving.  Maybe stand on the podium with a 1st place in my hand.  Oh and also I want to complete an Ironman before I am thirty/before I have kids. :)

        What are some things that you want??  What are some goals that you have???

Four Days and Counting

A year ago this coming weekend, I believe it was August 10th, I shook myself awake at 5am and drove out to Couer d'Alene, ID for my first--well in actuality it was my second with the first being about 3-4 years prior in Portland, OR but I don't totally count that one as it what feels like many moons ago and right smack in the middle of my unhealthy life choice of an eating disorder--Olympic distance triathlon.

I had signed up for the race mostly for the hell of it.  At the time I had been going through some "stuff" trying to figure life out and mostly feeling as though I floundering.  Barely able to make rent, having to borrow from mom and dad every month in order to pay bills; that constant feeling of no matter how hard you worked it wasn't enough.  I was starting to wonder if I was ever going to make it and in reality starting to wonder if I would ever "feel" again.  So to counteract that I figured why not see how hard I can push, lets see how much I can handle--and I signed up for a triathlon.

So back to August 10th at 5am: it was the first time I had ever gone to something like this by myself.  Previously I had either been on a team or my parents had been there, but being on your own means you have to figure it out yourself so I did.  I got myself to packet pick up the night before, arranged and set out my gear the night before, and set my alarm.  

Now you should know a little bit about the gear I had: no wetsuit and/or swim suit I just wore a sports bra and nike running shorts, a bright blue helmet from back when I believe I was in middle school, and best of all my mother's old motobecane touring bike from back when her and my dad spent summers cycling across Europe.  This bike was older than me and probably weighed as much as I did with crotch rocket gears and baskets instead of clip ins.  Lets just say I made an impression.

There I was standing at the start line with my toes in the water putting my swim goggles on upside down (yes that happened) with no clue as to what I was doing yet it was a fantastic feeling.  As the "gun" went off I threw myself into the water and took off for what was the start of an amazing journey.  Something in me changed that day, in fact I can remember the exact moment.  At about mile 10 of the bike as everyone started climbing (for those of you who have done the Couer d'Alene Olympic Triathlon you know exactly where I am talking about) this feeling came over me.  I don't know that I can give you an exact description of the feeling but it was as though a calm settled down upon me.  Weight came off my shoulders and everything that had been going on the last couple of months became irrelevant.  This smile spread across my face and joy seeped into my body.  Nothing mattered any more because I knew I was going to make it, I was going to survive, I was going to come out strong and you know what.... I sure as hell did.  

That day everything changed I was hooked and most importantly my self confidence came back.  I began to believe again. 

Not the fastest time but still a 2nd place

  So here I am now almost exactly one year later preparing for the biggest race of my life (hopefully not my last) and writing to you.  I have come a long ways in the last year;  I am strong, confident, healthy, and most importantly unbelievably happy.  I met the most fantastic man who has made the past eight months some of the best I have ever had the experience of happening.  His love, support, and all around presence has helped me to continue pushing myself and striving to constantly be better.  I am blessed and proud to be a part of his life. 

In four days and counting I will be standing at another starting line this time on a much bigger stage and with a much different out look on life.  I am not sure I can tell you exactly what is going through my mind, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, thrill, and many more emotions run through me on a constant basis.  I want more than anything to perform well not only to show that yes I did it, I made it, but also for those who have been out there supporting me; my parents who are making the journey with me, for my sister who always believes in me even when sometimes I don't, for Brandon whose love and support continues to amaze me, for his parents who have embraced me as a part of their family, and for everyone who continues to cheer from wherever they are.

I am blessed to have the chance to race with some of the best in the nation and I wish all those who are racing with me good luck and to all those racing this weekend at Coeur d'Alene have good luck, have fun, and I hope that maybe it will change your life as it did mine!  

If you wish to follow the race you can with the link below, I will see all of you at the finish line!!!!!!

USA AGE GROUP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS OLYMPIC COVERAGE

10 Day "You" Challenge: Eight Fears

I must apologize I know this is a little late in coming.  Between work, training, trying to maintain a semblance of a calm with Age Group Nationals coming up in a week, and living the pretend social life Brandon and I have life has been busy and the thought of taking ten minutes to think about my fears became low on the list.  Though in reality I may have just been a little lazy preferring to sit on the couch watching the Food Network or the Mariners play at the end of the day instead. :) So now I must stop being lazy and spend a little time delving into my fears.  

You hear the word fear and you instantly start thinking of spiders, being afraid to speak in front of crowds, or not taking chances because you are afraid.  There is another way to address fear and that is as a challenge.  An obstacle that by jumping over you become stronger.  Not to say that you may not still have a aversion to that particular fear but the self pride you gain upon accomplishment of that said fear is worth it.

Alright, I will get off my soap box and give you my eight fears.  These are not in any particular order and I pray that, if I haven't already done so, I will conqueror these fears.

Needles: A fear that has haunted me since I was little.  My parents will attest to the challenge and chore it was to give me my shots when I was little. There is something about the idea of a needle entering my muscles that just makes my stomach churn. This may seem a little bit crazy as I have two tattoos and do plan to get more so it is often, especially from my loving mother, that I get the question "how did you get those if you are afraid of needles?"  There is no answer from my part for that question, I just did it. The difference may go back to me not liking the thought of the needle actually going deep into my skin verses just grazing the surface.  

Not being able to see: Since the 3rd grade I have been legally blind (couldn't even see the Big E on the eye chart) and it continued to get worse as I aged. While my vision has stabilized the idea of going completely blind terrifies me.  Every time I go into the eye doctor I breath a sigh of relief when they tell me everything looks good.

Disappointing people: If I was to categorize my fears or rank them I would probably have to say this is my greatest.  There are so many people out there, my family, friends, people I have worked with and grew up with, Brandon, and his family that believe in me and I am so afraid I will not live up to their belief.  These people have put their trust, time, support, love, and more often than not money into me for so many different reason the thought of disappointing or not living up to who they believe I have the ability to be can be suffocating.  I strongly believe in failure, and it is not something I fear as it is a part of growth, but more that I will fail all those who have been there for me.  

Having children (the whole darn process)/children in general: Now this may seem a little bit crazy and most people when I tell them this give me this look like I am seriously deranged. Supposedly I am supposed to have this maternal instinct that when I look at babies, hold them, see them, etc. instead this extreme panic and uncomfortable feeling fills me.  What if I break it? What if I ruin my own children? Those are just two of the millions of concerns that run through my mind.  Yes I do want to have children, someday--in the fairly far off future, but oh my goodness it is a terrifying idea and right now it gives me heartburn :).  I guess if it something that is meant to be I will have to take my own advice, face the challenge head on and hopefully jump over this obstacle.  I guess we will eventually find out for right now I will stick to riding my bike, running, training, and living life to the fullest.

Scary Movies: Will not watch them.  They give me nightmares.  Watched the "Walking Dead" one time and woke up seeing Zombies in my room, it was not pleasant.

Airplanes: It is not necessarily the flying that bothers me, except for take off and landing.  But the being so close to other people.  They just cram you into those things, everyone breathing the same recycled air and smelling each others body odor.  Combine that with the headaches they give me its just not a pleasant experience. I swear I am going to be trapped in one one day.

Not being able to exercise:  I understand that I will not be able to continue pushing my body as hard as I do now for the rest of my life but I pray that I will be able to continue being active for the rest of my life.  Running, biking, swimming, lifting, etc gives me such joy, peace, and fulfillment that the idea of not being able to do them definitely unnerves me.

The dark: I am not necessarily afraid of the dark where I have to sleep with a night light (anymore) but more that I am uncomfortable in the dark, especially when I am alone. The second the lights go out my balances gets off kilter and my vision starts doing funny things.  Shadows become more pronounced and noises become a lot louder (hence the heightened senses concept) and I do not enjoy it.  That being said whenever Brandon is traveling for work I sleep with the closet light on and always have a light on when I am in a room.   

Well that was a little bit of a dark challenge.  No one likes to talk about the things they are afraid of.  I hope to be a little bit less lazy the coming week, though my nerves in regards to Nationals next weekend may get the best of me, for a little more light hearted subject "Seven Wants" and a pre/post race recap of Age Group Nationals!!! 

Stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend

What have you done to overcome your fears?  

ChelanMan Olympic triathlon

Despite the 200,000 + acres that are on fire in central Washington 800+ people managed to gather on the shores of Lake Chelan for a fun filled multisport event of running and triathloning known as the CHELANMAN.  

I am not sure that I can tell you if it was nervousness or excitement that I had been feeling the week up to the race; most likely it was mostly  nerves though I was excited to race again. It had been six weeks since I donned my tri-suit and competed.  For most people that six weeks may not seem long however for myself it allowed me to much time to think and over evaluate.  That being said with a mix of uncertainty,  nerves, and excitement I lined up with the other age groupers and waited for the gun to go off.

Brandon and I arrived in Chelan plenty early the night before, as I needed to check in and wanted time to done my wet suit and hop in the water, only to be blessed with screaming winds ripping across the lake.  Despite the white caps rolling in onto shore I shoved myself into my wet suit, tearing a hole in it in the process, and took off for a planned 3/4 mile light swim.  The waves were HUGE.  I am pretty sure I spent more time trying riding the waves than I did swimming.  When one actually broke on top of me, causing me to roll just a little more than enjoyable I decided it was time to turn around--turning 3/4 miles into around 1/4 miles.

RACE DAY

The 5:00 am wake up call came quickly and while on a normal training day I have a hard time getting myself out of bed at that obscene hour race day is something different.  Having racked my bike the night before made it a much faster process getting all the gear packed into the car to head for the race. As we were  not coming back to the room before golfing after the race, yes we played (or rather Brandon and my parents played--I drove the cart) 18 holes of golf after the race, I had to make sure I had everything for the entire day.  

Swim

This was one of the most physical swims I had ever been in.  I am not sure what was in the water but apparently it made for some strong attitude.  Sandwiched between two people I had no choice but to take a beating from the competitor to my left who did not enjoy me being right there.  Finally I was able to maneuver myself a little further ahead and away from swinging arms.  While one of the easiest swims, as the water had calmed down and the water was crystal clear it sure felt like one of the longest.  Despite that I came out of the water in my best positioning to date and I believe one of my fastest times (though that is not something for me to brag about).  

Props to Brandon  Bowker for his awesome photography skills

Bike

One thing I love about triathlons is the setting they are usually in, and Lake Chelan fits the bid.  The pristine lake backed up against the hills made for a gorgeous setting and a perfect place for a bike ride.  The course took us right along the southern edge of the lake for an out and back that boasted some decent hills and flat sections.  At one point I glanced over my right shoulder and was astounded by the beauty that I was surround by; realized how blessed I was to even have a chance to race in places like this.

 With an average rate of 21 mph it was not one of my fastest bikes ever though I sure felt like I was pushing harder than I had pushed in a while.  As per usual I came out of the swim fairly far back place wise and took off in the bike with the goal of picking people off one by one.  I believe I went from the 15th woman to the 8th woman (however in the end the wave start messed up my placing) by the time the 26 miles were over.  

This ride made me realize that I have some serious work to put in on the bike, as I can push hard through around 20 miles and then those last six miles I often get dropped by the people I am chasing. 

Coming down the finish line

Run

Now it was time to do what I do best, RUN!   This is always my favorite part of the race.  As I take off out of transition there is something in me that gets all excited, or as my good friend Cathy likes to put it where "bitches go down".  Apparently at one of my more frustrating races I got this look on my face as I took off on the run that, in her opinion, was a look of "everyone get out of my way I am coming for you!" or rather "time to take some bitches down".  It is true though there is something about pulling out of transition on the run that flips a switch in me; it is my time, it is where it becomes my race and where no one can get in my way.  I guess in saying that excited is not the right word but rather something in me becomes fierce and even more hard than I often can already be.

This run started out fantastic, with around a mile long hill!!! Who doesn't love that?! Luckily it wasn't a steep hill but rather a very very long incline and I was able to keep my average pace of just under 7:00 min/mile.  To bring me through the finish line 1st in my age group by about 20 minutes and 7th overall out of all the women--not a bad day.  

Post race recap--what I need to work on

Transitions: I have yet to master the art of moving quickly through transition.  I am notoriously 30 to 60 seconds slower than the top women.

Maintaining pace during the bike:  While I can maintain for the first 20 miles I always lose it during the last little bit costing me a lot of time and place.

Swim: This is an easy one I just need to get a little faster.  Swimming will never be my best leg however I sure could make it stronger.

What's your favorite portion of a race?  Do you have an area that needs more work?

Any tips for fixing some of my week spots?

Bear Mountain Golf Course

For those of you who do not know my family we are a little bit crazy.  Most people after participating in a race of any sort go out to eat, go get drinks (maybe even one too many), and/or go home and lay on the couch.  My family does things a little differently.  After my race we hung around for awards than went to Starbucks so that I could clean up in the sink (Yes I did wash my hair in the Starbucks sink), grab a coffee and drove out to Bear Mountain Golf Course for our 2:30 tee time.  Yes this may seem a little nuts but let me tell you I wouldn't change it for the world.  

Brandon and I hanging out on the green

My family more often than not gets up at the crack of dawn and drives many many hours just to support me racing, the least I can do is go golfing with them in the afternoon.  If anything the views from the golf course made it 100% worth it.  Bear Mountain Golf Course is something special, with unique holes, wondrous views, little baby deer prancing around on the edges, and in our case 50 mph gusts of wind.  

With a great another great weekend, full of fun, family, memories, and a little bit of hardware, in the books I am putting my sites towards Nationals in three weeks.  Three weeks to fix any issues I have and get ready to lay it all out on the line in Milwaukee!

What has been your favorite race so far this season? Do you have any big ones coming up in the near future?  Let me know about them I would love to hear about your accomplishments!!

Ten day "You" Challenge: Nine Loves

Happy Friday Everyone!!!  It's supposed to be a hot one here in the Pacific Northwest; hope everyone has fun plans to beat the heat.  We are headed to Lake Chelan as I will be competing in the Olympic distance ChelanMan Triathlon.  While it is not really beating the heat, or the smoke for that matter as Washington seems to be on fire right now, I am looking forward to racing again since it as been six weeks since the last one.  Actually looking forward to it might be an understatement.  Training has been a little lax the last couple weeks, with a week long trip to Mexico, quick weekend jaunt to Hood River, starting a new job, and just life in general. But that is the way it is when you are training and trying to maintain a resemblance of a social life; I shouldn't complain as I have it pretty darn good. :) 

As promised here is this week's challenge; nine loves.  As there are many more than just nine these are nine of the ones that stand out and/or have made a huge impact in my life. 

1. Running.  I love to run.  It is my escape, my safety, and my release.  There have been more times than not where a run has brought me back from whatever darkness was threatening to overrun me.  It's the feel of the pavement or trail beneath every footstep, tingle of oxygen pumping through your body, even the tightness in your chest as you breath earth's atmosphere in and out that nothing can compare to.  Its emotionally, mentally, physically, soul cleansing and I LOVE IT!! :)

2. I know that it was mentioned last week in my ten secrets but it can't be left out here either; reading.  I love to read.  Stick me in a bookstore or library and I could get lost for hours.

3. The home that I grew up in.  Some may say it is to far out there, to secluded, but for me it's perfect.  Up in the hills and woods of Hood River with Mt. Hood casting its brilliant shadow over the valley I couldn't ask for anything else.  When all the lights go out for the evening the stars dance brightly in the sky and the crickets sing their nightly song providing a calm sense of peace that is hard to find.  

View of Mt. Hood and the upper valley from the deck at my parents house

4. Please forgive the materialistic statement I am about to make but I do have to say that I love my new car.  On Tuesday this week Brandon and I went out to the subaru dealer just to look.... four hours later we were driving away with a beauty of a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek.  This is my first new car EVER and the first one that I personally bought myself.  I love everything about it, but especially  love the feeling of accomplishment and pride I have for having bought it on my own.

5.  Triathlon and training.  At the time I had been going through some "stuff" and was starting to wonder if I would ever "feel" again so while I said I was doing this as a way to see how much I could physically push myself I believe deep down it was a way to see I how much, or if, I could feel again.  About 45 minutes into the race everything changed: a smile broke out over my face, I could feel it all the way down to my toes--almost like the chills you get when something wonderful crosses your path and guess what I did feel.  I felt everything!  To this day I can't tell you exactly what it was but let me tell you it was fantastic.

Bike and gear I used for my first triathlon

6. My crazy, and amazing family. I have the most amazing, though slightly crazy, family in the whole world.  Their love and support has shaped me to be who I am today I know with every fiber of my being I could not have accomplished anything I have without them.

7. My amazingly wonderful boyfriend. Yes, the last two have been a little sappy but I can't talk about my loves without mentioning my family (above) and my fantastic boyfriend Brandon.  When he walked into my clinic for the first time I was kind of in limbo; unsure of what I wanted to do, hating my apartment, and just a little bit cynical.  His support, love, faith, and all around zest for life reassured my love of life and the beauty that surrounds it.

Hiding in the trees at Manito Park

8. Summer. It is hard to compete with summers in the Pacific Northwest.  Temperatures ranging from the 80s to the 100s the sun rarely stops shining.  With the sun constantly beaming its golden rays down on us people's attitude seems to improve and smiles tend to be more frequent.  Hiking, biking, golfing, running, boating, laying out in a hammock in the yard, or sitting by one of the many lakes that the PNW has to offer it is wonderful time of year.

Mom killing it on the golf course

9. My girlfriends. I may not have a gaggle of best girlfriends, or in reality even that many close friends, but I do have a couple really close girlfriends who I have been blessed to label so.  Despite all living many many miles apart we still keep in contact every week even if it is just to say "Hey! How was the week?" really quick.  These are the girls that even though we may not see each other very often when we do get together it is as though no time has passed.  I love these girls very much and so thankful they are in my life.

Thank you for letting me share my loves with you. These are some of the nine most important aspects of my life and I am proud to say I love them.

What are some of your loves? I would love to hear what makes your heart beat a little bit faster, or puts a smile on your face!!

Stay tuned for a recap of the ChelanMan Olympic Triathlon: pray we don't get burned out!! :)

Ten Day You Challenge: My Secrets

While searching the blogging world one day trying to gain inspiration not only for an article but myself as well, I came across Glitter and Dust inspired by Kristen.  Upon discovering she was a fellow Oregonian, myself growing up in Hood River, and a fellow triathlete I was drawn to her story.  One of her most recent articles was the beginning of a challenge, The Ten Day You Challenge, and I instantly thought this is brilliant!  What a fun way for others to get to know you a little more, and maybe for myself to discover a deeper meaning to whom I really am.   That being discovered I will now be joining Kristen in posting, as regularly as possible, a little something besides training, triathlons, and exercise.   

Day one: My Secrets

1. I love to read. I can sit down in get lost in a book for hours.  Growing up we lived 20-30 minutes outside of town so when I would have off-site during high school it was pointless for me to go home just to turn around and come back down for after school athletics; so I would go to the library pick a book off the shelf open it up and start reading. There is something calming about opening up a book and taking a deep breath of their pages.

2. My younger sister is one of my biggest inspirations and motivators.  She is so strong, independent, and beautiful.  I strive every day to be as strong as she is.

3. I despise wearing jeans.  If I could do everything in work out clothes, yoga pants, and sports bras I would be one happy camper. :) 

4. I used to despise riding bikes.  My mom would always ask me to go on rides with her and I complained the entire time, usually I wanted to stay home and finished whatever book I had my nose smashed into.  I chalk it up to having fallen off one to many times when I was a kid.  Luckily as I grew up that changed and have now fallen head over heels with road biking (good thing too as that is one of the longest sections of a triathlon).  

5.  The Food Network is my favorite channel. Whenever I get a chance to control the remote that is all I watch.  

6. Skiing is my favorite hobby (though running comes in a VERY CLOSE second).  Even though ski boots are extraordinarily uncomfortable I never feel more at peace than I do when stepping foot in the mountains. And if it is in the middle of a snow storm it is all the better.

7. Up until high school, maybe even college, I had an extreme fear of staying the night at other people's house.  Sleep over, unless at my parents place, were a no go.  Thank goodness for my fabulous parents who with stood my constant calling to have them come pick me up.

8. The best part of my day is going to the gym with my hugely supportive boyfriend.  Despite the fact that our routines are completely different, we often won't talk to each other for the two hours we are there, nothing makes me more happy than our daily gym session.

9. I prefer quiet night in much more than a rowdy social gathering any time.  Don't get me wrong I love getting together with friends, and saying no to happy hour is never fun;  but between work, training, and life spending time with my boyfriend, looking a pictures, and relaxing on the couch is par to none.

10. My family is my everything.  I am more than blessed to have a mother, father, sister, and boyfriend who's constant love, faith, and support keeps me going every day.  I love them more than anything and look forward to every day I get to spend and/or talk with them.

  

Thank you for letting me share "my secrets" with you.

I would love to hear ten things about you!!

Stay tuned next week for "my nine loves" and recap of the Chelan Man Olympic distance triathlon

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