Natalie

As some of you may know I’m am about to complete my first Ironman on September 25th in Chattanooga. This race will require me to swim 2.4 miles, bike 116 miles, and run 26.2 miles all in one day. I have never been an endurance athlete. I have ran a few half marathons, too many 5K races, and found a love for sprint triathlons many years ago. Taking on a marathon or full Ironman race has crossed my mind several times but I have always pushed those thoughts aside. The time it takes to to train for these endurance type races takes a lot of time and dedication. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact I’m finally going to tackle a challenge like this. Thankfully I have a wonderful husband, children, family, friends, and coworkers who have provided me with the encouragement and support I need to push me towards completing my goal.

Another thing that keeps me going when I want to give up is that I’m doing this to support and raise money for a nonprofit organization called Miles With Maeve. This is an organization started by a family in Lexington, KY to support couples that have lost a child or pregnancy. They tragically lost Maeve Evalyn 37 weeks into their pregnancy. I will be completing Ironman Chattanooga in memory of her.

I am also completing Ironman Chattanooga in memory of Evelyn Mae, a beautiful 3 year old daughter of a dear coworker. Her life here on earth unexpectedly ended on February 10th, 2016. I will never forget hearing about what happened. I was at work when I received a text from a friend who was with Evelyn’s mother. All the text said was “This type of thing does not happen in real life.” Not long after receiving this text I received a call from a doctor in our hospital notifying me of a possible coworker who just lost their 3 year old.

Not knowing the details, I ran to my office to make phone calls. I broke down after finding out what happened. I cried all the way home. I cried when I saw photos of Evelyn. I cry every time I read a blog written by her mom and dad. I think of their parents who have to go on day-by-day after the loss of a baby or child. I think about the family and friends that stand by to provide any type of support they can to those who have experienced the loss of their pride and joy. I’m crying right now as I attempt to put my feelings and thoughts into words for others to read.

Being a mom of 3 beautiful, healthy children I know the joys of motherhood. There is nothing that makes me more happy or proud. I can never imagine what it would be like to lose a child. When I’m not with my children and think something could happen to them I stop breathing for a second. How I would cope with this type of loss.

I not only want to be one of the first endurance athletes to represent Miles With Maeve, but want to provide financial support to help this nonprofit organization grow.