Shh…don’t tell! I Can’t Really Run

I wasn’t born a runner.

In fact, I was a fat kid.

Selena in the 5th Grade

Cute right?  Not so much.

I wasn’t lazy. I just ate. Everything. I was an emotional eater, and there were LOTS of emotions to shove down with food.

Despite me being the fat kid, I had some good friends and boys still liked me.  Must be my winning personality *wink*

Problem was, I didn’t like me. So I stopped eating.

Enter in: Self-punishment + eating disorder + middle school = awkward few years

But, that’s not the point of this post.

In the 8th grade, we had track as part of our PE agenda. All I could think about when we had to run was how big my thighs were. They weren’t mind you…I was no longer fat. I didn’t give myself any props for the fact that I was running…and apparently very well.

So well in fact, that the first week of my freshman year in high school, the assistant coach for the cross country team ended up on my porch.

They wanted ME for the team.

WHAT? visualize perplexed face here

I’m not a runner!  Look at me! I’m HUGE! (still thought I was fat) I’m not any good!  I’ll look stupid!

But my worst fear, the fear that could sum up my entire life was this:
WHAT IF I FAIL?!

At this point in my young life, I already had such esteem issues, that the last thing I needed was another failed attempt in my life. But the coaches were persistent.  I was floored that they wanted ME. I was intrigued. Maybe I could do this? Thankfully, my best friend agreed to go with me to the first practice. I ran is KEDS!  EGAD.

We ran 3 miles. I felt okay, even in my Keds.  But my mind reeled.

I’m not really good. Why would they possibly think I should be a part of this team? I’m the fat kid!

But they did want ME.

Someone wanted ME! Someone would be there for ME. To support ME in something, anything.

And that is what I craved. Direction, guidance, support, and approval. I needed a COACH.

From that first practice, I was hooked.

Four years later, I had received numerous awards including MVP and Scholar Athlete for both Cross Country and Track. I was known as “the runner.” I had been invited to international relay races, received a scholarship for college,  and contributed to a COUNTY and STATE Championship Track team my senior year.  Not to mention, setting a PR in the mile at 5:30.

You know why?

I had the BEST teammates and an AMAZING coach.**

That is what a good coach can do for you. Hold your hand and show you how you can become anything you want. Yes, you have to work, but a coach will show you how. A coach will teach you, nurture you, and help you grow. Having a coach in your corner to answer your questions, listen to your fears, be there for you when days are tough, and understand that you have other priorities in your life to balance, makes achieving your goals easier.

I was the runner I never imagined I could be.

How about you? 

Do you secretly wish you could try something different? Something scary? Something seemingly impossible?

Maybe you want to be a runner, or a cyclist, or an entrepreneur, or just the best parent you can be?  Does it seem impossible?  It doesn’t have to be.

Here are my suggestions:

1. BELIEVE and show up for yourself
2. Find the right ‘team’
3. Invest in a ‘coach’

Whether it is for business, athletic endeavors, or even LIFE there are teams and coaches for you. I have employed ALL of them! I have a mentor for my holistic nutrition business, a running coach, and a therapist.

Teams are almost easier to find. When you are “in training” you end up creating bonds with your teammates.  I belong to multiple ‘tribes’ and forums for both my nutrition and blogging business. My running group and bestie cheer me on in the race arena. My closest friends are my sounding board for my life drama.

If you also crave direction, guidance, support, and approval, get out there and find your team.  With the right support, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

What are you waiting for?

I have a team that WANTS YOU right now.

CLICK ON THE LINE BELOW TO BE A PART OF OUR TEAM

Start Line Basics:
The ultimate guide to fuel and train for your first 5k

I hear the coach is a bad*ss  *wink*

Be RADiant-
Selena

**Thank you Alvin and Delfey Fernandez for being my family and giving me a life to be proud of. You have no idea how much you have changed me…and are still changing me.