I started to train at IF one year ago when I decided I needed to make some changes in my life after experiencing burnout at work that was compounded with being a working mom with two little kids.
I started out slow and just needed to show up once a week to feel like I was doing “something” to get things back on track. Every few weeks I would be asked if I wanted to sign up for a race. Finally, when Mike asked me to join his Adventure Challenge team, I decided to sign up. I was motivated by the challenge of raising money for two really worthy causes, and it was a team event that sounded super fun (and there was a promise of beer at the end which also sold me). I decided I had to pick my worst event, and that was running. I really had to up my game and being involved made me put a walk-run program into my calendar to get me to be able to run the 5-6 k. The biggest challenge literally is fitting in fitness several times a week. I was motivated and freaked out by the fact that my teammates consisted of a recent IronMan completer, a 19 year old spitfire and of course, Mike.
I would totally advise someone to sign up for this event. I got to know some new people, enjoyed getting out for some group kayak days and at the end of the day the whole point was to have some fun. I never felt like I was at some serious, hard core event. I definitely was the weakest link on my team, but they waited for me and we made it through the finish line together. I have been riding a city bike around town for the past 10 years and when I got on the mountain bike trail I felt so alive—I had forgotten how much fun mountain biking is, how in the moment you have to be. I also felt very proud to be part of an event that raised so much money in one day.
P.S. Can I also say the SKOAH is amazing for giving us all a $50 gift card for signing up? Amazing!
Again, it’s my journey of trying to fit things into my life that give me space to focus, let go, and sweat. I noticed in the month since the event, I have slid into my old ways—getting away from good habits and not working out. So, I’ve just signed up for the Fall Classic 10k so I have another fire under my butt to keep me focused.
–Lisa Yeates
