I want it so bad

I debated whether to share this or not.

At first, I told myself "no", "what if you don't get it and you have to come back here with your tail between your legs", or "what if your readers secretly believe that you wouldn't be good at this".....

Then, I thought "yes, share it", "your readers will support you", and "if you don't get it, they will still support you".

I have applied to be a Zooma Austin Ambassador.

Zooma is the name of the next 1/2 marathon race I will be doing, in April.  A women's series race.

The race series is looking for women to be local running leaders, or ambassadors, if you will.

As an ambassador, you will. . .Educate friends, co-workers and neighbors about ZOOMA Austin, inspire them to complete a half marathon or 5K, motivate ZOOMA athletes at weekly training runs led by ambassadors, and serve as an ambassador for women’s running in the local Austin community.

Although I am still relatively "new" to running scene, even though I am SO busy it literally makes my head spin at times, I want this so bad.  I want to be able to empower women through running as running has empowered me.

I want to tell the newbie runner to ignore the voices in her head that tell her that she can't possibly run a 5K or that she can't possibly run a 1/2 marathon.  I want to tell her that yes, she just might have aches and pains along the way.  I want to tell her that the logistics of planning out her training runs and keeping the spouse happy can be daunting at times but it can be done.  I want to tell her that if she will just commit and be disciplined about her training, that YES- SHE CAN DO IT.

I want to tell her that it doesn't matter if she walks or runs, all that matters is that she goes.  I want to tell her that crossing that finish line will give her something so special to be so proud of.  I want to tell her to believe in herself.  I want to tell her that she will be part of a very small percentage of the population that can actually say "I completed a 5K or "I completed a half marathon".

As part of my "application", I wrote this:  ....regardless of the aches and pains I have endured over the 16 months of my running career, I have found a true love for this sport and even more importantly, I have found ME.  I may not be the fastest, the strongest, nor the longest distance runner out there, BUT I have so much heart and respect for running.  It gives me an outlet that I so desperately need and something that is mine, solely mine.

When asked "what inspires me", I wrote this:  Seeing other women begin their own running journey.  No two are alike and everyone seems to find something brand new within themselves during it.  It is inspiring to see someone embrace something that they think they could never do and actually do it.  The smiles, the beauty, and the sheer joy of watching others find belief in themselves is incredibly awesome and makes me want to continue running.

When asked "what are you most proud of", I responded:

• My 7 year old daughter asking me a few days ago if she could go on a run with me.
• Overhearing my husband quip to a group of friends/family/co-workers that his wife is a runner.
• Friends asking me for running advice.

My application had made it through the first round.  The second round is a phone interview.  My interview is tomorrow morning.  I am not sure if there are any more rounds after that but either way, whether I am chosen or not, I know that I have put my best foot forward.

I almost feel like I am being "called" to do this, that THIS is the natural next step for ME.

Either they want me or they don't.

I hope they do.