What about Vanderkitten inspires you to be a VIP?
I can't even describe in words what it meant to me to cycle hundreds of miles with Vanderkitten VIP, Megan Stith leading the way. I want to pay it forward and do the same for other women who are just starting out, terrified like I was learning a new sport and new active way of life. I couldn't have accomplished what I did this year without her.
Vanderkitten VIPs have inspiring stories that other women can relate to and find inspiration through. What is it about your achievements or story that other women will find compelling.
My best friend's husband does the Seattle to Portland cycling event each year with a friend. One night last January he was trying to talk my husband and me into doing it with him. My initial response was "Oh yeah right. Only crazy people do that." He was telling us that a lot of people make it to the 100 mile mark and quit. He told me there is no way I'd do that. That when I start something, I finish it. Again, I thought, "Oh yeah right." and kind of brushed it off. But later that night I was thinking about how nice it was that he thought that way about me. And actually, he's right! When I commit to doing something, I don't quit. I lost 80 lbs in the past couple years and I was feeling really fit and healthy. So, why not train to be a hardcore cyclist? I called my friend Megan since she has also done the STP a few years in a row and asked her to please kick my butt on a weekly basis. She jumped at the opportunity. I bought a bike in February. I didn't even know how to shift! Megan singlehandedly taught me to be a safe, confident, kickass female cyclist, often leading the men we rode with. We rode week after week, usually in the pouring rain. I was terrified of going too fast, and also terrified to stop. I kept my eye on that kitten on the back of her jersey and I just followed her lead. We ended up completing the STP in ONE DAY! If I can do that, I can truly do anything. I did a triathlon, more cycling events, many 5K's, a 10K, and even a half marathon planned next year! Who's in?
How have you been involved in your community?
This past year I've joined a local community running group, a cycling group, and I've been actively working to inspire my friends, family, and my children to be active and participate in 5K fun runs and family cycling events. I've also started a weight loss/fitness competition with my sister and her friends and they're having a blast getting healthy.
Please tell us about your plans or ideas for future community involvement.
Being a teacher, and a mother, I think I'm really well suited to help young women achieve their goals. I very recently signed up as a running buddy for a program called Girls on the Run. I think it will be a life-changing experience to run alongside a young girl and encourage her, and cheer her on as she crosses the finish line of her first 5K. I'm also really interested in starting a women's beginner triathlon group in my city.
In one sentence, describe what women's equality in sports means to you:
Gender does not play a role in how much ass you can kick. :)
Tell us about your previous sporting accomplishments.
There's been a lot this past year. Completed 5 major cycling events, a sprint triathlon, 7 5K's including the Warrior Dash, and a 10k so far!
What are your sporting goals or major events for 2015.
I plan to do the Seattle to Portland cycling event again next year and find a lot more women to do it with us. Many more fun 5K's, and 10K's. I signed up for the Disney Half Marathon in May with my best friend. And I plan to do a lot more Sprint Triathlons to beat my time! And I'd love to do the Honolulu Marathon next December but that's not set in stone yet. By 2016 for sure!
