Iron Strong Part 91: Blooming...

Blooming...

In 2012 I journaled daily through my divorce, leaving the Mormon Religion, being a Single Mom, becoming a Marathoner and eventually an Ironman Athlete. This story will be delivered in parts and not really edited down from the original writings in my journal (including some typos and grammar misalignment). I do this to uphold the integrity of the Woman I was when I wrote these, long before I knew this would end up as a full book and even though my writing has evolved in the decade since I wrote these pieces. They read in present day time from a decade ago. These are stories of hope, miracles and never giving up on your dreams. It is a heroine’s journey of shame, secrets and ultimate seclusion to the Finish Line of Ironman Arizona....and then beyond. An Outward Journey to an Inward Destination of Freedom and Liberation, Iron Strong.

Blooming...

“I was a late bloomer. But anyone who blooms at all, ever, is very lucky.”

-Sharon Olds

I consider myself a late bloomer to the athletic world. You couldn’t force me to run a mile growing up. I would fake sick, claim I was on my period and skip “run day” at cheerleading. Or I would walk it and annoy the teacher so badly that they called me over and never made me finish the dreaded mile. I was a stubborn teenager with a fiery spirit and was NOT going to be bothered to run.

I discovered running in my late twenties and triathlon at age 31. Many people who compete and race have years of experience through swim team, run clubs and cycling groups.

I am a late bloomer to the sport of swimming, biking and running. But I am blooming and thank the universe and god every single day that I am blooming.

Being mentored by an 85 year old that began his journey in his mid-forties with triathlon and went on to win multiple championships and break world records, truly gives you a perspective that blooming at any age is very beautiful. That age is a number.

It is never too late or too early to become the person you are meant to become. Or for that matter…simply try something new!!!

You may bloom in ways you never imagined and it could change your entire life.