NETC TSP Team Applications: How to Answer the Call
We asked for “thoughtful” responses to our Application questions. We got more than we bargained for!
Below is a sampling (ok, almost ALL) of what we received, in no particular order:
1. What position would you be interested in and why?
I've been fascinated with TSP since I stumbled upon it in 2020, but it always seemed like an experience I’d only ever observe from afar. I am under no illusion that I’m fast enough to be on an A-team for such an endeavor. Speed is not my strength. But you know what is? Planning shit. Logistics. Being the “mom” friend who makes sure everyone has what they need to do their best. I may not be fated to experience TSP as a runner, I’m sure as hell ready to be part of a kickass crew!
I would love to be a part of something bigger than me and help the team. I really enjoy taking care of others, specifically in athletic settings. I've helped crew my collegiate cycling team back in the day and really enjoyed being the difference maker in a teammate's performance, ranging from cleaning wounds to being a good friend.
I would love to be part of and represent the NETC team. With the mantra of "if it's got to be someone, why not me?", I have always gravitated toward challenges. I understand that by putting yourself in rigorous situations, you mentally and physically test your limits, allowing you to learn about yourself in a truly unique way. Those moments when you are stripped of distractions and alone with your thoughts while chipping away at your goal are experiences like no other. I believe that my background and experiences, especially from serving in the military, have fortified my mental resiliency and will allow me to help my team succeed in an active and supportive role. NETC has truly reignited my love for running, and it would be nothing short of an honor to be able to represent this team.
Running has always provided so much for me- a solitary space for reflecting and a shared space for learning, growing, and connecting with and from others and the place i'm running. tsp lies at an unusual intersection of doing a solitary activity as a group- hundreds of miles alone yet supported by a crew driving alongside you and a community back in dc. clarity through difficulty, grit, toughness while being forced to lean on others for support... that's a lot (some) of what netc offers me (and others!) so tsp is a natural (and exciting) extension of that.
Crew!! I'm in this for my team first and foremost.
2. What have you heard about TSP that has you interested in joining the team?
When I first came across TSP, I showed it to friends and family and said “Aren’t these people insane?!” As it turns out, I must also be insane, because the more I saw, the more I wanted to do it! TSP is the ultimate type 2 fun. Euphoric and miserable. Thrilling and monotonous. Inspiring and devastating. It’s a chance to abandon what’s reasonable and test our definition of what’s possible. It's an opportunity to meet other people as insane as you and see what you can do together. I want to be a part of that in whatever capacity I can.
Witnessing the journey the team went on last year, and hearing all the stories of how it was an incredible experience on both a team and personal level inspired me to want to embark on this challenge and take part in writing in NETC’s next chapter. The concept of TSP has me excited given its slightly unstructured nature and creative freedom. From a competitive perspective, it is an opportunity to represent NETC, compete at a high level, and showcase to the boarder running community that DC is a runner’s city. From a creative perspective, it is an opportunity to document the story and push myself to test new approaches, compositions, and formats through photographic storytelling.
For me the key word here is 'team'- I've always participated in running/triathlon as an individual sport. This past year, I enjoyed all my training more than my races because I was training with a team. I love the idea of committing to pushing myself, doing my part, and finding my limits so that the team as a whole can complete something amazing.
Every narrative of TSP shares a thread of immense challenge and transformation. For me, TSP is about being of service to this team of 10 representative of the club of hundreds that has unwittingly supported expansive transformation for me over this past year.
I cannot overstate how much this opportunity and this community mean to me, and I feel called to bring that passion to bear to support my team. I’m here to run as needed, of course, but more critically to empower, support, bear witness, bring hype. To support my teammates in unleashing their full potential, individually and together.
I have followed TSP for a couple years and know people from out of the area who have been on teams. Being able to not only push yourself but your team to their personal limits is what TSP is to me. You can't do it alone and it takes a whole team to get to the finish line.
I am not asking to run but I want to be part of the experience to help champion our team! I've driven across this country three times and have driven to Toronto over 10 times during covid. I have great drivers stamina and a perfect driving record since I got my learners permit at 14. Yep 14! (New Mexico was weird!)
TSP has always fascinated me, let’s just say it’s my kind of crazy. The rawness of athletes taking on the open road with nothing but their team, no spectators, all hours of the day and night in some of the harshest conditions out there, drawn by the promise of a unique trial of pace and perseverance is a true test of grit and determination during these unsanctioned, beautiful yet brutal 340 miles. NETC is Vegas bound (!!!) and it’s an honor to be able to submit this application to be considered.
breathtaking landscape, doing something hard, feeling accomplished, bonding with those you share the experience
It’s a challenge, but such a worthwhile one and an opportunity to bond with other NETC members
Pushing yourself beyond the limits.
I have heard it is a 340 mile relay race from LA to LV and boy does that sound fun. (Seriously!) It’s a unique opportunity to expand my portfolio and strengthen my skills. Plus I have a lot of ideas surrounding this project and I would love to see them come to fruition.
A very long relay in the desert with a six-man team on little sleep. The camaraderie that's fostered through grueling conditions reminds me of what made me love what I did in the military. So hyped for the suck fest!
I have heard that it's one of the most challenging relay races in the country and that only a select number of people have the opportunity to run it. If the geography alone isn't enough to dissuade spectators, the race coordinators certainly make the point clear that this isn't about cheering crowds, water stands, and confetti cannons. This race is about you and the nine other people around you. It's about meticulous preparation, dedicated training, and full-on commitment. You're running because you love the process of running hard, not because of the PR or the medal. This is why I am interested. I'm interested because it will test my limits as an athlete and a human. It will test my ability to put in hard work, and then turn around and help others exert hard work.
I started following NETC about a year ago right before the last TSP and was immediately intrigued by the thrilling yet daunting experience that clearly would require immense amounts of physical and mental strength & team support to complete. I remember following along and seeing the footage of the teams recovering, laughing, and struggling together in their RVs between legs, cheering each other on to start and end each leg, and of course celebrating together at the end in Vegas. Although drained and likely becoming delusional, the runners and crew had each other’s backs through every mile to keep going no matter what. I have never been a part of a team race, but I know that during the past races that I have run, having a support system around me, getting encouragement from the crews along the way, and even seeing strangers cheering everyone on has been what kept me going at the toughest moments. I love that the race presents the opportunity to complete it as a team, all with different backgrounds, stories, and struggles that drive them to test their limits together. I have been in DC for only a few years now and have so far always been able to connect with others through fitness/running and would look forward to forming even stronger relationships with other runners who I look up to for their commitment and determination. I would hope that the relationships you form during this experience carry far beyond the finish line. Lastly, I think this race specifically encapsulates the reason so many of us enjoy running no matter what else may be going on in the world/in your life, it brings us a sense of freedom to trust our bodies to get it done and just GO.
I “followed” the race last year and told myself that when my legs and body healed (more about that in future questions), that I wanted it to be an obstacle I conquered in the coming years. It seems like a uniquely challenging team event that really pushes participants to new limits- in this part of the country that is quite unique in landscape (varied) and spirit. I also imagine, that like any uniquely challenging team event, you walk away from the experience with life-long relationships that wouldn’t occur without the sort of bond that develops in exceptional challenges that foster community.
TSP isn’t a race, it’s a life milestone. I know that once you experience the days of teamwork, grit, pain, and magic that is TSP you are forever changed for the better. I would be honored to be even a small part of that experience. I want to be there not only to witness, but participate and lift up my team members. There’s nothing better than watching people break themselves down to build the team up. I would be lucky to help that process forward. More than that, TSP builds bonds between people like no other. I love building friendships and getting to know and grow with people. More than anything I want to be apart of an experience I can learn and grow from with some of the strongest people I know.
After reading Matt’s blog post from when he did it and hearing a few other personal testimonies on discord, I knew this was something I wanted (and needed) to do. Took me a while to get over the fact that there’s at least 5 other like-minded individuals who consider doing a race like this “fun” but I’ve always been interested in doing a long race like this and thought it’d be even better to do it as a team.
One of my bucket list items is to do a ridiculously hard relay race that starts in Santa Monica and ends in Nevada. Plus seeing the badasses in NETC run it last year got me hyped.
I love the idea of being the helping hand and to pick up where people can't go any further. I can help make (not break) the team as a crew member and do ANY duty necessary so our team can thrive. I will train for TSP as though I am running it, just in case duty calls! The desert is my favorite ecosystem, I cherish the bareness of the landscape and the harshness of nature - running in these elements is truly embracing chaos.
Like a good road trip, a good run is about everyone you meet and every place you see (or stumble through) along the way. From the glimpses I've caught of The Speed Project over the years, the road is all about navigating the unexpected.
I am well-versed in navigating chaos, always seeking out my next run, looking for new sunrises to chase and most of all I am excited by the prospect of seeing a trip I've taken many a time before - from Los Angeles to Las Vegas - from a different perspective.
3. When you join our team, you represent not only you, but the entire NETC community. What quality of NETC would you most like to represent among when amongst other teams and runners while at TSP?
Genuinely infectious supportiveness. That was something I was blown away by when first joining NETC, how just incredibly nice everyone was. No matter what pace you were running or how long you'd been there, everyone was there to work and better themselves. So, at TSP, I hope to add to the infectious energy that is NETC.
Any NETC team will have grit and tenacity in spades, so I’ll go for vulnerability to balance us out.
Being vulnerable ”truly being seen” may be more terrifying than the miles we’re staring down. But to take on as a team of 10 a feat we can barely fathom, we’ll need to get real and raw as a team seeing each other’s highs, lows, pains, triumphs, fears, needs, joys. As crew especially, I’ll endeavor to cultivate a team environment that invites the vulnerability we’ll need to get through this thing in one piece, safely, knowing we gave it everything we had.I want to represent the grit that I believe all of NETC's runners exhibit. We sign up for physical feats, not despite but because we know they will bring us to our physical limits. And we manage to find fun in the most challenging moments, beauty in the full experience of training, and the inner resolve to push through for ourselves and for our community. I want to put that in practice for myself, and as a support system to my teammates by reminding them how gritty they are too. Regardless of whether I'm selected for the team, I look forward to celebrating and cheering that quality on in everyone running/crewing/driving/capturing the moments.
As of the end of January nears, it will be one year since I found this community, now family, and while I was reading Matt’s recap of last year’s race, this line stuck with me ever since:
”I was representing every runner that pushes through a Track Tuesday, or goes faster and harder in a pace group they didn’t think they could; the runner that comes to a Saturday Long Run and doesn’t think they should be there, but finishes with us every time.”
I will be forever grateful for moments like these, getting to watch friends and strangers put everything into showing up for themselves and for this team, and it would be an honor to represent this extraordinary community during TSP.As someone born and raised in the area, I want to represent the hometown city. DC is often regarded as a transient city, where people live a brief chapter of their lives and move on to the next. Yet, for some, this is the place we have always called home. I want to represent the diversity and inclusivity of the DC and the track club. A place where everyone is welcome regardless of background, fitness level, pace, etc, it is a space to call “home away from home.”
When I first found NETC I was nervous that I wouldn't fit in or just not feel welcomed. My favorite thing about NETC is that it doesn't matter how fast or how slow you, how outgoing you are or how quiet you are. All are welcome. I think it's important to show that you don't have to be the flashiest or most outgoing to be part of NETC. Don't let a large group be intimidating because with NETC there is something for everyone. Yes someone will cross TSP finish line first, but with NETC we are still clapping for the last person as well, event if it us.
Leadership. I am proud of the fact that in almost all situations I'm looked at as the calm leader in the group. Understanding our goals, routes, and the teams health, I'll be able to help push our team through the hardest parts of the course.
If chosen, I would choose represent the joy of NETC. I have received so much joy from others at track and it would be my honor to display our club's infectious joy to others all along The Speed Project journey!
Cliché, I know, but that “we go farther together.” Before I joined NETC, I not only grew up in an environment where my family and friends discouraged long distance running but called individuals that would willingly sign up and train for a marathon “crazy” or “obsessed.” For some reason, that always bothered me. I always admired the determination and perseverance it took for someone to not only run a marathon but train for it too. Not having the support from my current friends or family to even train for a 5k, I decided to join NETC. After only 4 months, I can not only run farther than 1 mile without stopping but ran 15mi the other day and felt like I was just beginning. NETC has ignited a passion for running I didn’t know I had and I can’t imagine a better way to pay it forward than by representing NETC at TSP proving that “we go farther together.”
Optimism & gumption: I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the fastest or the most seasoned runner but I’ll always be the first to go after a challenge and show up with what I’ve got with wonder & excitement that doesn’t always make sense in grueling situations. I want to push myself and I want to root myself in the NETC community and what a perfect way to do both!
I would bring two qualities! Professionalism and being a team player. Professionalism by showing other big clubs and brands that NETC might be young but is an emerging force in the nationwide track community. Team player because NETC is community driven club that teaches people come first!
NETC brings hundreds of runners together every week, and although everyone who attends is their own unique person and may be running for different reasons, it’s nearly impossible to show up to track club and NOT immediately feel lighter surrounded by hundreds of smiling runners who are all simply happy to be there not only to run but to meet and support everyone else who shows up. I was definitely nervous when I came to my first track Tuesday, but everyone was so kind and excited to have new members of the community and like most people who join, you realize that it is so much more than just running in fast circles! It has been so fun to see new faces every week and I always hope that I can make someone feel welcome even if its just a smile. When amongst other runners and teams, I want to be a motivator, a light at the end of the tunnel, and the most positive support system possible. I have worked in the fitness industry for the last 6 years (primarily in group fitness settings) and while I have enjoyed the operational and managerial side of the industry, the main reason most trainers/coaches are connected to the field is being able to build others up and watch them push their boundaries even through small challenges or changes. I also want to be dependable and adaptive. Who knows what da heck could happen over all those miles! No matter what, the team will need to adapt to many changes and know that they can depend on each other not only during the race but maybe even more importantly during the training and preparation.
I think you were looking for a single response, but I’ve thought about several. 1.) Camaraderie/community- I’m never going to be the hype person that is front and center. However, I am an exceptionally loyal and supportive teammate/friend. I value relationships (new and old) and am the person that will be there for anyone (behind the scenes) consistently, always. I have been with NE Track club for about half a year and honestly don’t have many members as well as most. However, I came to it looking for community and value every collective experience. I’ve been on or led teams for pretty much my entire life, whether through sports or work. The attributes I bring to teams are patience, adaptability, loyalty, a sense of humor, and drive (this sounds like a job application, but it’s true.)
2.) Grit. Maybe you didn’t want an answer this long, but I’m extremely gritty (resilient?) I could write an entire paper (blog?) on grit and honestly community, but I’'ll try to be brief. My childhood shaped my grit, without going into much detail- I grew up in a low-income family, with some challenges and no prior college graduates. My parents were determined for my brother and me to go to college through sports or academia. As a typical oldest child, I felt the need to excel in both- with sport (soccer/running) guiding me toward university. Just writing that to shape the story of my personality.
Following university, I had the privilege to work and live outside of the United States, though I had never traveled outside of the US before these experiences. I understand that each experience, no matter how difficult a privilege was, as I had chosen and been given the opportunity. Morocco: I was placed in the most remote site in the High Atlas Mountains for three years. You could only enter and exit the community where I lived by walking 16 hours- I started just running that path and honestly never stopped distance running. I interacted with no other expats and had no access to electricity or phones (which was fine- just highlighting that it gives you this headspace to challenge yourself). It was honestly life-changing in terms of what I learned about an amazing, resilient Mountain community; the amount of admiration I developed for the country/its people; and what I learned about what I could do. South Sudan: I lived in South Sudan for about five years. South Sudan is hot, it’s arid, it’s dry- the only vegetation is sorghum. It’s been plagued by civil war. While I was there, I watched it become a new country and then fall to yet another war. It was a tough experience because again (somehow) I was pretty much alone, lived in a tent, had my vehicle commandeered multiple times with me in it, experienced a lot of violence, walked about 20 hours a day through water/heat, etc. (also ran through it). I have tons of stories, but what taught me the most about resiliency were the people who lived there- my friends who really shaped a complex country. Fast forward, I lived in Liberia during the Ebola outbreak for three years- this is getting long, happy to talk through it all. But I just wanted to highlight some complex experiences that have really taught me patience, the ability to really adapt on a daily basis, community in tough circumstances, calmness, etc.
Finally, and to the point above, about a year ago I developed a mysterious illness where my body just didn’t work. I promised myself once I got through it, I’d challenge myself in every way possible through running. I know I’m not the best runner and don’t mind if I’m not selected- I have my own reservations about the cost and if I can still do 60 miles- so no worries if not selected- someday they say.
This is longer than I thought :)From Track Tuesdays to TSP, I will always do my best to embody NETC’s spirit of inclusivity. Runners of all sizes, shapes, paces, and identities should feel not only welcomed by the running community but encouraged to challenge themselves to do ambitious things, whatever that means to them. Whether I’m cheering on the sidelines of a marathon, chatting with newbies at the track, or walking it in on a long run with a friend who just isn’t feeling it that day, it’s always my first priority to make sure people feel included and supported. TSP will be no different.
Motivation and dedication to each other
Community.
Getting out the door is often the hardest part of running, the community is why we keep coming back. For me it began with the college student who struck up a conversation during my first practice and eagerly checked in over warmup runs in the weeks following.
Community continues with the friend who asked to join me at practice next week.
I love nothing more than expanding circles and building community in the place I live and love. In the too many places I've called home in recent years, running has always been integral to finding my way 'home.'
I would like to represent two components of track club. First and foremost my goal is always to make people feel welcome and included in track club. I think most pacers do an incredible job of this, but I hopefully stand for making track club as inclusive and equitable as possible. So, my hope is that as a representative of NETC, I will make this as little about me as possible. And rather, showcase why the people of track club make running so enjoyable. As that relates to TSP, I don't think there is any doubt that this would translate into tons of networking and advocating for the club and our brand. Second want to represent all those folks who do a little bit of everything, including running. The beauty of NETC is that we don't discriminate against those who are of various fitness and interest levels. Whether you're running for fun or for competition, we welcome everyone. My hope for the preparation going into TSP is that I will continue to coach and train for strength in ways that shows that even while putting lots of miles on the legs, it's possible to keep a balance.
NETC, and in general, DC, has a flourishing running community. NETC's "serving the community" is one thing that has always stood out amongst all the running clubs I've been associated with. If there's a way to spread that message at TSP, I volunteer.
Heart. One thing that differentiates NETC from the many other run clubs in DC (and otherwise) is that we have so much heart. I’ve only been around for a year and a half but I can’t imagine having this much love and heart for anything else. I think I’m particularly good at bringing heart to a team. For our Ragnar team, when we were exhausted, hurt, and frustrated. I was really able to step into that role. Whether that was the ragunning people after their legs, bringing them extra blankets, or just staying awake so that when people got back to camp they had someone to chat and be excited with. Even though most of the time, they just needed someone to hug them and let them complain. Although speed project is double, triple, quadruple Ragnar, my favorite thing was bringing the heart and I would love to be able to be whatever the team needs for TSP.
4. What motivates you to do something like TSP? For example, what would your mantra be to get you through the pain and exhaustion of a midnight run 20 hours into the race?
I am motivated by other people achieving things that they or others don’t think it’s possible. I want to help them dig deeper through the exhaustion, pain, tears, and whatever else they think can stop them from achieving their goals. I’ve never felt like I’m a particular extrovert but I get so much energy from this crazy ass community we have here. At high bridge I didn’t run a single step but I was with the runners from well before (planning groceries and fuel), during (throwing gels to people and Cheering my head off), and after (mostly feeding). It was absolutely amazing to watch 20 people run and individual race so much like a team. I think it’s super important to remember your why. I wouldn’t just be getting myself through it, I’d be doing it with a team - and there’s nothing more motivating than that.
I’ve always believed that the biggest privilege is being able to choose your struggle. Leaning into the intensity instead of fighting it is the surest way, for me personally, to shift out of discomfort and embrace the chaos. I know from the outside looking in, it’s hard understand, and from the inside looking out it’s hard to explain, but I am strong and confident that I can represent NETC to the fullest because I am strong, confident, and honored to be even considered to take on the challenge in any capacity that is needed. Thank you for the opportunity.
Helping others. Seeing others succeed in their efforts and in their training. Building lasting relationships!
Ever since I was a young boy, I've had two dreams: run _THE_ Speed Project or help children with gluten allergies. Slumming it in an RV with blisters and teammates is my ideal runcation. "Pain is just weakness leaving the body."
My mantra would be to run with grit and gratitude. It would be impossible to get through something like this without great amounts of mental strength and determination. Running is a challenge in itself, but doing it in the dark, with little sleep, in the desert with who knows what around you takes an entirely different level of grit. I am still working on finding my “purpose” in life and figuring out what I feel I am “good” at, but I seem to always come back to two things that I KNOW I can do: 1) smile 2) get shit done. Even though I may not always feel excited to do things throughout my day or to get up every morning, I can always count on myself to make someone else smile and to do what needs to get done no matter what. TSP is a rare opportunity to participate in something that is terrifying yet exhilarating at the same time. One of the best experiences of my life (so far) was participating in a fundraiser during college that ended in an event where a group of about 500 student fundraisers got to stand (and dance) for 46 hours straight in support of children with cancer. I have never felt so many emotions over the course of those (almost) 2 days but remember looking up into the crowd of thousands of other students supporting us while standing next to the parents of children with cancer and just overflowing with gratitude. I’m sure all runners have experienced those moments when you’re on a run and pass someone who may not have the ability or circumstances do move their body, and suddenly you feel even more determination to keep going because you CAN. The sport of running and TSP specifically may have many fine details that vastly contribute to success, but in the end I want to always come back to simply being grateful that I am able to move my body in the way that I can. This is something to be celebrated with others who feel the same, one step at a time :)
you are tougher than this
People like to cite running as the most accessible sport. All you need is a pair of shoes to get started. And while there’s some truth to that, it’s important to remember that running is also a privilege. It’s a privilege that I am healthy enough to run consistently and without pain. It’s a privilege that I have the free time to train and race. It’s a privilege that I have the financial security to invest in fancy gear and register for expensive races. I don’t HAVE to do run, I CHOOSE to run, and I am LUCKY to have that privilege.
Discomfort breeds discipline.
Having played both team-based and individual sports for the majority of my life, I relish the camaraderie of teammates and the personal accountability it takes to commit oneself to a new challenge and see it through. “You gotta take the highs with the lows” is the mantra that comes to mind when I think of this race - well running and life altogether. The sense that the weather is not always going to be perfect, the conditions are not always going to be right, and your energy is not always going to be at its highest. However, what you’re doing is for something greater than oneself or the moment at hand - it’s for the thrill of the personal challenge, for the people that believe in you, and for the community you serve.
Honestly the challenge and the crazier it sounds the more I want to do it. Prefontaine’s quote about having the most guts always drove me during my hardest races. I may not be the fastest but I sure as hell will leave everything on the track. This is why my mantra is “Go, go, go, go, go” It’s simple but it’s all I need to do. Put one foot in front of the other because the speed of time doesn’t change and it’s a guts race.
I learned about the 5 Second Rule at the end of the last year and have been using it push myself. The 5 Second Rule is simple. If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it. The moment you feel an instinct or a desire to act on a goal or a commitment, use the Rule. So anytime I need a push while running or about to start another rep in a workout I count down and then go.
"Control your perceptions. Direct your actions properly. Willingly accept what’s outside your control."
When I lace up my shoes, I choose to not submit to the pain I feel, nor the circumstances around me. I choose to run with love, joy, and the appreciation of what my body can achieve!Proving to yourself that you can do *anything* you set your mind to is a surreal feeling. I experienced that feeling through the discipline required for Ironman training (and racing) in a way I never had before. I'm motivated by reminding myself and those around me that no matter how difficult it feels to keep going, I can and will get through it; and I'll be proud of myself, my effort, and my contributions to the team. That knowledge and self-belief is really powerful, and I know would carry me through the workouts to prepare, and the hardest moments of the race.
In the toughest of times, I have always tried to use gratitude as a way to overcome challenges. I've learned over the years of sports and fitness that motivational quotes only get me so far. In the end, I have had to look inward and appreciate all that I am and all that I can be. So, my mantra would be something like the following "thank you for providing me with an opportunity to challenge my limits. Thank you for giving me hundreds of friends who are supporting me back home. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to traverse this incredible landscape." I would keep gratitude in my heart because I know that in the end of the day, my life's pretty damn sweet and there's no reason for me to not keep running.
I love the challenge. In every way, the monster of this grueling event excites me. One mantra that helped me through long ruck marches with unknown endpoints has been "this too shall end". It is also the aspect of doing something so outlandish that you can be a motivator to others, that in some capacity, them watching you motivates them to take action in their lives and go after something that seems daunting. And lastly, getting to be part of the team increases the stakes. You are running for them, and I will ensure I don't misplace their trust or efforts. Just happy to be here!
Joining NETC ~18 months ago, I dismissed myself casually: “I’m not really a runner.”
And yet with each mile, NETC reinvigorated my identity as an athlete, something I shelved years ago after injury. This community empowered me to shed those narratives and instead: Train for speed. Find my own voice in fitness. Chase the audacious desire to teach yoga on the side. Get uncomfortable. Choose passion.
Not only was that dismissiveness a shield, it is now outdated. I am a runner, athlete, yogi. I crave challenge. I thrive in teams—and I’d give my heart and soul as the backbone crew of one.Two things - 1. Knowing that I’m doing it for something greater than myself and 2. My personal goals.
As a former collegiate distance swimmer and team USA open water athlete, there were (several) times when I didn’t feel like waking up at 5am every day to jump into a freezing cold pool. What got me out of bed every morning was my personal goals but what kept me focused during 4hr swim practices or 10km races in the ocean, when it felt like I had nothing left to give, was always the people around me who believed in me more than I did in myself. I feel like the above situation is no different.
In all, I believe I can use my perseverance mindset and apply it towards a completely new sport and would truly be honored to represent NETC at TSP.I've climbed several of the world's tallest mountains and am always looking for a challenge
This too will pass.
I often think the world's worst adage is to take things, "one day at a time." I am well aware however that my gripe with the phrase comes not from the statement itself, but from the recognition that sometimes one day ahead is far more than one can imagine. So whatever horizon it may be that you can conceive of at any moment in time - one day, one minute, or one moment ahead - implicit in the thinking is that there will be another one that follows. This too will pass.I think all of [my] points above. But to simplify, I really like what the olive tree means in many societies- which is quiet, collective strength and loyalty. It's almost like community through resilience. I think about it often.