I am a #pacesetter

I am a runner with severe Scoliosis and have had many corrective spinal fusions. The last 2 surgeries left me with permanent muscle damage and daily pain. There are many things I am limited to, but running is something I can do under MY control. I was told I wasn’t going to be able to run because it will cause more stress than my back can handle.

Well, I have done so many 5Ks I have lost count. I’ve done 2 half marathons and just completed my first full marathon, among other distance races. I am proven that I am strong enough to run.

I run because I can, it makes me feel free and powerful. I do have to train harder and put more effort into it than most other runners but I get it done.

I am a NEVER GIVE UP person, and running takes a lot of dedication and time. I always find a way to make time for training even if it means my husband and I taking turns running 6 miles each to watch our son.

Running, in my opinion, is more of a mental sport. If you don’t have the right mind set or have doubts on your abilities, it will be harder for you. When I set my mind to a distance, I have no doubt that I will reach it. I train my mind just as I train my body to run. You can’t focus on the pains you get, or how hot/cold it is, you have to keep going and focus on your goal.

If you want something bad enough, you make it happen, no excuses. I have shared my story as much as I can so inspire others to chase their dreams. I work real hard at making my dreams happen, and yes, sometimes I get knocked down but get right back up. My curved spine does affect my running but I take extra care of myself: stretching, foam rolling, eating right, to make sure I am healthy. I do not push my body more than I should where I can do damage. I know my limit. I may not be the fastest runner, or break records, or win a race but I run.

Don’t give up, or think your dream isn’t possible. Running is hard, if it was easy everyone would be running! I started running only a few hundred meters before I had to stop. Years and years of fighting, I am now a marathoner and I never gave up. You shouldn’t either!!! Don’t focus on what you can’t do and keep working at what you can do. There a tons of people out there that can’t run and their only wish is to run, run for those people when you aren’t motivated. Don’t take your abilities to run for granted. I wish I was a top-notch runner, but I am not. I work with what I have, and I keep going.

In running most hate the feeling of being out of breath, tired legs, thirsty and sweating. To me, that is happiness, that is success. Don’t take running for granted!!!!

Please stick around and follow me on my journey to reach my dreams. Throughout these recent years I have already ran many of my bucket list races and my ultimate goal is to run the NYC Marathon. Stick around, as I talk about injury prevent more than anything but also about nutrition, stretching, and training!

-cheetah g