Makes me feel better!

I’d like to introduce you to my two new companions—Sunny and Sunshine," my crutches!" Per doctor’s orders, I need to stay off my leg as much as possible and remain non-weight-bearing for the time being. The hope is that this is just a bone bruise, which typically takes about 4–6 weeks to heal, with the first two weeks being critical for rest and recovery.

I had a conversation with my doctor about my goal of running a 50-miler in October. While he didn’t rule it out entirely, he emphasized that I need to take this healing process seriously—so I’m following instructions and giving my body the best chance to recover.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to focus on upper body strength training and keep up with my Pilates to stay strong and active.

This is just a detour, not the end. Stay strong, stay positive, and always find a way forward. Let’s get after it—never give up!

 

This week, I’ve been focusing intentionally on walking—one of the few activities my doctor has cleared me to continue until I’m able to meet with the sports medicine specialist to determine the next steps for my knee.

In the meantime, I’m staying committed to what I can do: walking (as long as there’s no pain or swelling), TRX for upper body and core strength, and continuing to build my powerhouse through Pilates. I’m paying close attention to how my body responds, and I’m prepared to pause if inflammation or discomfort increases.

I’m sharing this because I truly believe—movement is medicine. It supports both your mental and physical well-being. If you have the ability to move today, make the time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and as I always say: you can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself first.

Let’s get after it! 💪

This week~

As an endurance athlete, I’ve always believed in the power of movement as both medicine and a tool for maintaining mental health. Yesterday, I received the results of my MRI, and the news was difficult to process:

• A subtle tibial fracture

• A medial meniscus tear

• A small cyst, likely related to the meniscus injury

It’s a lot to take in—devastating, really, for someone who thrives on long hours of training and physical challenge.

So, what now? The immediate focus is on what I can do:

• Prioritize my nutrition

• Incorporate safe movement—walking, upper body strength work, and anything that doesn’t aggravate the fracture, tear, or cyst

• Call on Tuesday to get in with a specialist for a more targeted recovery plan

This is a setback, but also an opportunity to rebuild with intention. Movement is still medicine—just in a different form for now.

Staying Strong with Positivity and always Shining Within!

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My heart is full ......

Being a parent is, without question, one of the hardest jobs in the world. There are no days off, no vacations, and it’s never really about you—it’s always about them. You don’t get paid, but the reward is something far greater. It’s a calling, a blessing, and a privilege given by God, and it should never be taken for granted.

I became a mother at 17. It was a choice I made, and from the moment I held my son, I knew life had changed—I came last. My children came first, and so did my siblings. That’s been my rhythm since I was a teenager, and it’s shaped everything I am today.

This morning, on the drive to school, I asked my kids a simple but powerful question: “Who would you want to be like? And who wouldn’t you want to be like?” I asked because I want them to understand the difference between character and chaos, between someone who inspires and someone who’s lost their way. Korbin gave thoughtful answers—one ballplayer he admires for his work ethic and integrity, and another he never wants to be like because of his choices involving drugs and abuse. That awareness made me so proud. He’s paying attention.

Then I asked Elsie, “Who do you want to be like?” And her answer brought tears to my eyes. She looked at me and said, “Mom, I want to be like you.” She told me she sees my strength, how I’ve overcome hard times, how I help others and take care of our needs along with your family's needs, you're always there for all of us.

She sees that even when I get upset, I apologize and try again. She sees the athlete in me, the Ironman who keeps going even when hurt. She sees that I turn negatives into positives and use every struggle as a way to lift someone else up. She says I want to be like that.

And that moment? It filled my heart in a way I can’t describe. Because as parents, we hope—we hope—that we’re leading our kids in the right direction. That we’re giving them something to believe in, someone to look up to. It’s not to say their dad doesn’t do the same—he absolutely does, and they love and admire him deeply. But when your child looks at you and says, “I want to be like you,” it confirms that maybe, just maybe, you’re doing something right.

Sometimes I question myself—as I/we carry the weight of everyone else, try to stay strong, stay positive, keep giving, even when we feel like we’re running on empty. But moments like this remind me that God sees all. He works through the quiet, through the chaos, and through our kids.

I’ve loved being a mother since I was 17. I’ve loved helping raise my siblings since I was 18. And today, I’m grateful. I’m proud as my heart is full.

I pray that if you're reading this you will also have that feeling someday too!!

I send messages to Korbin every morning today was "Belief comes before ability- because the mind must go there before the body follows" Love you buddy...

 

Love every day!

 

With a Grateful Heart

God has truly blessed me with one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive — the gift of being a mom. There’s nothing more sacred, more rewarding, or more humbling than getting to watch my children grow, learn, and do the things they love.

As they get older, I find myself holding onto every moment a little tighter — because I don’t want to miss a thing.

Watching Elsie at her last track meet with Aquinas brought so much joy to my heart. The laughter she shared with her friends, the light in her eyes — it was priceless.

Then yesterday, seeing Korbin on the mound pitching and later hitting a triple — it left me in awe. As he begins to grow into his place at Central High, I pray it continues to shape him, strengthen him, and reveal even more of the amazing athlete and young man he’s becoming.

Being a mom isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. And I am so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to walk this journey with them — cheering them on, lifting them up, and loving them every step of the way.

Thank you, God, for trusting me with their hearts. I’m forever grateful.

Stronger every day, every mile

 Kicking off the week with a Pilates session and logging 5,000 steps—the most I’ve had in quite a while!

Tuesday started strong with TRX at the Y, I had to share this fun moment: the photo below captures one of our athletes mid–“30-second recovery” after realizing TRX isn’t as easy as it looks!

Followed it up with strength class and a peaceful 1-mile walk in the sun, capped off by a Mother’s Day bike ride with my son, Landen. Even with my knee flaring up, I couldn’t miss the chance to share that unforgettable time with him. Absolutely worth it.

his 30 sec. recovery! Toooooo Funny

class 2 strength

Getting my steps in

Ride with Landen

 

 

After all the morning fun I had to put my leg up for 60 min. holy schnikes, my knee didn't like me however, movement is medicine