Pay it Forward Athlete

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have always been inspired by Jen Harrison's pay it forward reward that she does every year.  Now that I'm a coach myself, and slowly starting to build my business, I thought this is my chance!  I'm having so much fun helping others and not only is my guidance helping the athletes, but I also feel like it's helping me as I continue to train and pursue my goals.

I received some amazing emails, applications and until the week before the deadline, I had my decision narrowed down to 3 people.  Then, I got a last minute note from a very sweet woman that as soon as I read it my decision was made.  There is not just one thing about this woman's story that stuck out, but this feeling that I got as I read it.  As soon as I finished, I didn't even say anything, I just handed my computer to my husband an his words were my exact feelings, "wow."   She was the one.

While our stories are not the same, some of her tragedy and how she has turned that into ambition and drive is definitely something I can relate to.  She has been doing triathlon off and on for a few years, but has signed herself up for IMAZ for this year and I know that I can help her get to that start and finish line mentally and physically prepared.  
 
"My brother died in July, and my mother died in October. These devastating losses left me seeking comfort in my couch with my dogs and some wine. Participating in Ironman AZ was my 45 year old goal. Last year was my 5th year volunteering for Ironman. I decided to step up my goal by a year, in honor of my brother and mother, and as a way to re-set myself in a positive way." 

She is motivated, eager and willing to do what it takes to reach her goals, and I'm ecstatic to help her get there.  She has completed every single workout on her first week schedule and now I have some baselines of where her fitness is at with plenty of time to build from here until November.

Please help me welcome Jamie Hammonds to TeamBSC!


One last quote from Jamie, that I just can't help but smile when reading...

BTW…I loved the movie pay it forward…and love that you are doing this. I remember watching that movie thinking if everyone did that…what a different world we would live in. I carry blessing bags in my car, with a drink, snacks, some money and a little note that says, “You are seen, you are noticed you are loved,” so when I (too often) see homeless folks on my way to work…I can pay it forward a little bit too. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this, this really was a hard decision, but I went with my gut and I'm so excited for this opportunity to work with Jamie!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Oh, heck ya!! This will be a great experience for the both of you!!
May 12, 2014 at 7:13 AM
Anonymous said…
woot! way to go Janey!!! You got this! xoxox hootie
May 12, 2014 at 11:26 AM
mtanner said…
Love Love Love!
May 12, 2014 at 11:40 AM
GoBigGreen said…
Wow that is super cool:) good choice sounds like you two will work great together!
May 13, 2014 at 1:35 PM
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