POWER SONG SATURDAY!

SONG TITLE: Too Many Fish

SONG ARTIST: Karmin

LYRICS: click here

MUSIC VIDEO: click here

WHY I LOVE THIS SONG: There’s no reason in particular. It’s just a fun, fast-paced, makes-me-wanna-get-up-and-dance type of song! :)

Throwback Thursday! Haha.

Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here’s several things that I’m thankful for this year.

1.) I’m thankful for my new lease on life, for waking up from this 20+ year coma. In the past, I was simply a body and not much more. The only difference now is that I’m alive, but I’m also living.

*I found this old picture of me last night - I was in total denial of my state of health or lack there of.

*December 2011. Fitness Magazine photo shoot - taken by Angie Gray.

2.) I’m thankful for my health. Well, I’m fighting a pretty nasty cold with full blown chest congestion, but y’all know what I mean. I’ll be more thankful when I don’t sound like a 178 year old cougar who smokes 27 cigars on the hour.

3.) I’m thankful for what running has done for me these past (almost) 2 years. I don’t let running define me. I define running. Running is a beautiful sport. We, as runners, are all a part of the same team. We all lace up our sneakers for so many reasons, but the main goal should aim towards becoming better versions of ourselves. We all show up at the same starting line. And, we all have the same goal. To finish - it doesn’t matter if you’re in first place or dead last. Finishing is winning.

4.) I’m thankful for my new job. It may not be easy, and it may be highly stressful, but I work with some of the best people ever. Hands down. They made me feel right at home since the day that I started - September 10, 2012.

5.) I’m thankful for the Steel City Road Runners Club. I’ve met so many wonderful people whom I now consider family. This is the most supportive group of people that I’ve ever come across and all are willing to lend a helping hand. They pick you up when you are down. They help you celebrate your personal victories. We simply understand one another, and I love that.

*Some of the group a few months ago after a rainy “Track Tuesday!”

6.) I’m thankful for becoming a USATF certified running coach. No matter what their goal is, I’ll strive to be that means of inspiration and motivation to keep my runners lacing up their shoes, even on the worst of days. My primary goal as a coach is to help people go beyond the wall - in a safe manner, of course. I want to get my runners through the tough times and be present during their personal triumphs. I feel like running is a celebration of life, and if I’m able to influence other runners to feel similar emotions towards the sport, then I’ve done my job.

7.) I’m thankful that I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the Skechers GOrun Cover Model Contest hosted by Women’s Running Magazine. It was an intense experience that I NEVER thought I’d be involved with. Congratulations to Dorothy Beal from Mile-Posts for winning. Here’s a recap regarding how I felt during the aftermath of “losing.” I use the term “losing” very loosely.

Upon receiving the news through Facebook, tears flooded out of my eyes, and I screamed in total despair for several moments. I was crushed. And, I was bummed for most of that afternoon, slumping in my chair; barely uttering a word to anyone. But, I soon learned something.

I couldn’t mope around and sob like I just dropped my ice cream cone in the dirt (although, that would be tragic). It wasn’t going to get me anywhere, and I knew that I’m much better than that. Even though I lost the contest, a lot of people have reminded me in a short time that I didn’t lose anything. I’ve gained so much life since I decided to start my journey back in 2009, and that will always be more important than being on the cover of a magazine. Sure, it would’ve been a dream come true. But the thing is, this wasn’t even a dream of mine until it landed on my plate in June. Heck, the idea never even crossed my mind. My dream was to find peace within myself, and that I did. To even be 1 of 8 finalists for the contest was amazing enough. Better things are to come my way as long as I aim high. Each one of those beautiful ladies is inspirational in their own way. I have my story, and they have theirs.

And, well I’m now thankful for being able to live by one of her mantras, “I RUN THIS BODY.” I’m kinda, sorta obsessed with it.

*I don’t know why I’m smiling like that. I look scrunchie.

8.) I’m thankful for finding love. I met Sean back in April, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Because of him, I believe in love. He’s my best friend. He is the most caring, sweetest, wonderful man that I’ve ever met. He would bend over backwards for the people that he cares about. I love you Sean.

9.) I’m thankful for you guys. Without you all, my blog would be nothing. It wouldn’t exist. Thank you for the endless support on a daily basis. On my Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days, I lace up my shoes because of you. I love celebrating my triumphant moments with you. I love sharing my journey with you. Most of all, I love chasing my fears with you. Thank you for everything.

10.) On a much lighter note, I’m also thankful for public restrooms, peanut butter, and Starbucks.

Have a happy, safe, and festive holiday! Tweet what you’re thankful for to fear_chaser! :)

Sometimes, you have to be your own hero. Take charge, rise to the occasion, and save your own life. Join the revolution! Tweet to fear_chaser about how you’re going to be your hero - use the hashtag #beyourhero.

BIG NEWS!

So umm…

On December 17th, I’m going to be doing a segment on The Today Show in NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!!!! I’m going to be inducted into the Joy Fit Club! This. Is. Insane. When I found out this morning, I nearly passed out. I was jittery, squeely, and my heart was pounding 100 miles per hour.

I feel so blessed. I couldn’t possibly be more thankful!