Moms In Motion : Connecting Moms Through Fitness

My name is Susi, and I am not a mom. The reason I'm writing "my story" so late is I didn't feel I had a story to share, until now, as I wasn't a mom. Recently I've read some of the wonderful stories from the other non-mom-Moms in Motion members and decided it was time for me to write as well!

In January 2000, after being together with my husband for 18 years, I found myself alone -- no marriage, no children, no real focus in life. Since then, I have attempted several times to "pick myself up" and work on taking care of Susi. This was a totally new concept for me.

It wasn't until I began playing tennis with Sharon Gill that I found what it was Susi needed. Sharon told me one evening about a group of women who had met the night before who were going to train for the SB Sprint Triathlon, and that she had joined this group. By now I hope you have all read Sharon's incredible story. I was one of those people Sharon described where she said, "If you ask ANYONE who has ever met me what they would think of me doing any sort of triathlon, they would laugh until their stomachs hurt!" Sharon simply was not athletic. I decided, if Sharon could do this, so could I.

I was athletic; at least I used to be, pre-marriage. During the 18 years with my ex, I was "not allowed" to not exercise except for my after hours and weekend gardening of our 30+ acre ranch. It was exercise per se, it was hard work, but it wasn't the sports I had always been used to, and loved so much. I used to be an avid cyclist; I rode many organized century rides, I rode to work, I loved riding a bicycle.

I used to run four miles about three times a week. I used to work out in a gym. I used to play softball. I've always loved sports, any sports. I can't explain the 18 year absence, but I can tell you all now, there's no stopping Susi! She has found herself once again! She will never let go of the life she loves so much!

Thank you to all of my Moms in Motion friends, for all of your support, encouragement, and guidance, for without you I don't know when or if I would have found the happy (and healthier) person that I am today. Look out world, here I am!!