July 29, 2025
Leadership, Resilience, and a Race Back to Myself
Leadership, Resilience, and a Race Back to Myself
Yesterday, during my first bike ride in five years, a wild thought hit me: “I should sign up for a race.”
This morning, a colleague casually said, “I’m thinking of doing Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga in May. You should do it with me.”
And just like that—boom. The universe whispered, “Game on.”
All day, I couldn’t shake it. The idea tugged at me. Teased me. Dared me.
So tonight, I paid the registration fee. No turning back. No excuses. Just a 40-week journey to reclaim something that was taken from me—not just my freedom, but the deep joy I found in racing.
Five years ago, I survived a kidnapping and hostage situation. Since then, I’ve carried invisible weight—on top of the visible kind—and spent every ounce of energy healing, rebuilding, helping others, and holding it all together.
But I’m done surviving. This is about thriving.
I’m not chasing a podium. No age group goals. No finish time targets. I just want to finish. To race again. To feel the fire. To fall back in love with something that once made me feel unstoppable.
This journey is about proving to myself—and maybe to others—that no one can steal your passion forever. That joy can be reclaimed. That healing doesn’t have a deadline—but it does have momentum.
So here it is: my Ironman 70.3 Resilience Journey.
Want to follow along? Cheer from the sidelines? Dust off your own dream? Let’s go. It’s never too late to fight for what you love.
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Angela,
Congratulations on signing up for the IRONMAN! I will be cheering you on from the sidelines. You may remember me—Shaun is a mutual friend. Your post resonated with me and made me reflect on the difference between surviving and truly thriving. The distinction is significant, and it’s something I have been grappling with since my experience with breast cancer. Yay! I was strong and survived, but I still can’t find the old Carolyn who rode proudly for friends and family in the annual Bridge-to-Beach ACS bikeathons here in Philly.
But thanks to you, I am signing up right now for the Unite for HER 5K/2K Walk & Run in October—no comparison to an IRONMAN, but a good start.
Thank you for inspiring me to get going with life! Best, Carolyn
Yes, I remember you! Way to go. I love this so very much!!! Please keep me posted!
Angela – You are incredible, brave, and inspiring! I cannot wait to see you crush this goal! I’m excited to follow along!
Kim, Thank you so much!! Your support means so much to me. Thank you!!
YYYYYYEEEEEESSSSSSSSS! Go be that
BADASS WOMAN and kick ass just for yourself!
Connie – my best Foxhole person ever. Love you!