Young and Determined

That was and still is one of the hardest races I have ever done, but the joy I got from crossing the finish line was like nothing else I have ever experienced. I remember being the youngest competitor participating that year, and when I crossed the finish line a number of people including the announcer couldn’t believe I made it through the entire race as a number of other competitors pulled out due to the muddy conditions. As I headed down the home stretch, I remember hearing the crowd getting louder and louder. As you head toward that corral at the finish you get a feeling of accomplishment, and the pain and agony that was with you for much of the race starts to disappear. The Wildflower is much more than a race to me, it is a community of individuals that come together to test the limits of their bodies as they embrace and push one another to go further and faster. I competed in 7 consecutive Wildflower events after that first one, and stood on top of the podium a number of times, which is another experience in itself. I will never forget the Wildflower and I am very excited to come back as a spectator and vendor this year.