SparkPeople Members Take on Vegas

By , SparkPeople Blogger
It's hard to believe just ten short months ago SparkPeople runners and walkers traveled from all over the country to run the first of many races in 2010. We all met in New Orleans to run in the Mardi Gras Rock N Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon at the end of February and I must say it started a trend that I am sure will continue well into 2011 and beyond.

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure to travel to Las Vegas to run my final endurance race of 2010--the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon. Having spent the year traveling to New Orleans, Seattle, Chicago, Portland, Victoria British Columbia, Los Angeles and San Antonio, I was anxious to meet SparkPeople members who inspire me daily as to why I love my job. Our fearless leader, Ment2Be (AKA Mary Ellen) made reservations at the Pyramid Cafe at the Luxor where twenty members from Maine, Nebraska, Arizona, Texas, Oregon, California and even a couple from Canada, all shared good food and great conversation for over three hours. There were lots of laughs and some tears and of course many hugs when it was time to bid farewell.



Many members I had met at other events in my travels or at the SparkPeople Conventions that were held in San Diego and Cincinnati. But there were quite a number of members that I had never personally met, but had corresponded with via the SparkTeam message boards and SparkMails.



Sitting down and hearing their stories of triumphs and obstacles literally brought me to tears, I think mostly because I have been where they once were, too. I know the doubts they experienced when they started their journey. I understand the fear of doing something they have never done before, such as running a half-marathon, and not knowing the outcome. I understand the importance of someone believing in you when you cannot find the faith in yourself. I understand when they asked, "How was this time going to be any different from all the other past attempts to lose weight and get fit?" However, the one common thread that was instrumental in everyone's success was the support and encouragement they received on SparkPeople. Even if they have not met their goal, the fellowship of this great site has allowed them to persevere even in their darkest hours.

It is amazing how connected we all were from the first minute we said hello. It was as if we were old friends separated only by distance. Christmasrain (AKA Simone) and1TOBFIT (AKA Jackie) have both lost over 100 pounds and were beaming with pride as they shared their stories with their fellow SparkPeople Friends. Simone and Sylvie_Wilvie22 Sylvia (AKA Sylvia) were planning to run their first half-marathon, while AspenJules (AKA Jules) and Jackie came just to share in the excitement of the day.



These events have been the highlight of a somewhat trying year for me. To meet so many people who inspire and motivate me to be the best me I can be is what helps keep me going. So as 2010 draws to a close, 2011 will bring exciting times. On January 30, 2011 there will be a contingent of SparkPeople members descending on Miami to run/walk in the ING Marathon/Half-Marathon.

And if you happen to be in Fort Worth on February 27th, feel free to come and join me and Anne_SP in running the Cowtown Half-Marathon/Marathon. And even if you don't run, come on down, we would love to meet you.

March will bring me and Coach Nicole to Pittsburgh to run and walk with over 50 SparkPeople members as we take part in the Just a Short Run. This is an event of four various races ranging in distance from a 5K to a 30K with two distances in between. So if you live in the area or would like to travel to Pittsburgh at the end of March, we'd love for you to join us. There is even a SparkPeople team devoted to meeting your fellow teammates. Just click on the link to join the SparkPeople JASR SparkTeam to get more information.

In June I will be running in the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon, so if you live in California or would like to take a nice vacation come and join us. There is plenty of time to train, but I have been told you need to register early for the Half-Marathon as it sells out quickly. I hope to add a few more races throughout the year, however, you will find me back in Las Vegas in 2011 to run the Rock N Roll Half-Marathon. It is such a cool race and nothing beats running 'The Strip' and seeing the sights of Vegas. If you want to put this race on your radar, now would be a great time to do so.

As 2010 comes to an end I look forward to meeting more inspiring members from around the country and beyond. This has been both a trying and exhilarating year wrapped up in one. THANKS to everyone for helping me through the storms of my life and may 2011 bring us all closer to our goals!

I wish you all a happy and blessed holiday season.

What events are you training for in 2011? Are any of the events I mentioned any you may be able to attend?