Being named as the charity run’s first ambassador for the CTC Rocky River Run for 2016 is not just overwhelming but an honor. The opportunity to give back to the community and to share my journey with others is something I am very passionate about. As you may have read many times in the last few days “I was not born to run, I just love to run”, is my motto. I just needed to find something to help me get through all the hectic day to day stresses. Something that let me escape from everything. I found running gave me the “ME” time I needed to clear my thoughts and bring me back to reality. I can’t take the washing, cleaning, kitchen or shopping list with me on a run. It is all left behind once the shoes are on. You can let your mind go into another space free for the chaotic and madness of life for a short while. If someone asked me back in 2011 “would you ever run a marathon” I would have laughed. I never thought I would be doing what I do today. It was just a dream I enjoyed visualizing while out running around our township. Sometimes you just got to go where life takes you and it has definitely taken me to places I never thought would be possible.

Being the Ambassador of this event has certainly brought back some memories. It only seems not long ago that I stood at the Rocky River Run 10k start line, my first ever event and very nervous. The memory is so very clear and crossing my first finishing line was just the most amazing feeling. I had no expectations, I just had a goal to finish. It was that feeling of accomplishment that has kept me going onto reaching higher goals. Along with the adventures that have come with it. It was certainly a turning point in my life not just in running but in my self confidence. I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people at all different running levels. You don’t have to be fast or look fantastic, just enjoy the experience and the atmosphere it brings. Being a charity event supporting young people going through a difficult time, I am sure will touch many hearts on the day.

CTC Rocky River Run is an event that encourages people of all ages and abilities. Allowing anyone to  experience what may be life changing or just an enjoyable active day out with the family. For me, I am looking forward to standing at this years start line with the excitement and appreciation, of where I have come and where I am going. Along with knowing I am supporting such a worthy  cause.

Love My Running :-).