Eleven weeks from now, I’ll be running the Sydney Marathon. In Australia. EEK!
Let me back up.
A few weeks ago, I came across a contest hosted by iFIT. They were selecting 10 people to receive an entry to the Sydney Marathon with Team iFIT on August 31. The post said: “Tell us why you deserve to run with Team iFIT. What does this opportunity mean to you?” I sat with that for a while.
Because I had a lot to say.
I mean, I wrote a 231-page book that tells my story. And there are a few posts here on this blog that explain where I am now. I’ve been slowly, patiently rebuilding—one mile at a time. One track workout at a time. I’ve raced again. I’ve found joy again.
But stepping in front of a camera to tell that story—to strangers? And then posting it on my Facebook page for everyone to see? That was something else entirely. I had to get comfortable with being vulnerable.
I recorded the video. I submitted it. I posted it publicly. It was way out of my comfort zone.
I never thought I’d actually be chosen.
But I was.
Last week on June 9th, when I got home, I checked my email—and there it was. A message saying I’d been selected to join Team iFIT for the Sydney Marathon. They chose me.
And now, here we are: Today they made a post on social media announcing the people that they selected. I am on the list. So it’s official! I’m going to run a marathon in a foreign country, 10 time zones away, in just 11 weeks!
It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
There’s still a lot I don’t know about what this experience will look like. I’m waiting on more details. But here’s what I do know: someone watched my video and decided my story was worth paying attention to. And now? I get to run 26.2 miles in Sydney.
I never could’ve predicted this chapter. But I’m so ready for it.
Stay tuned, Sydney. I’m coming for you.
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