Trifecta for cancer and autism

Fundraiser to help TEAM JAG raise money for colon cancer and autism while gaining the Spartan Trifecta.

Have you ever wanted to do something to help raise awareness for cancer, autism, and obesity while reaching a personal goal?

Two members of Team JAG want to earn the Spartan Trifecta medal by participating in the Spartan Super in IL on July, 20, 2013 and the Spartan Beast December 14, 2013 racing along side the Corn Fed Spartans.

 

The Spartan Trifecta is obtained by completing the Sprint, Super, and Beast all in the same year.  Team JAG ran the Spartan Sprint on May 19, 2013 in Texas.  I created Team JAG in memory of my best friend Jo Ann Gonzales who passed of colon cancer November 2, 2012 at the age of 38.  I have since dedicated my life to raising awareness for colon cancer, autism, and a healthier lifestyle.  We have a 3 year old little boy named Ayden who has autism and loves to see us race in the mud.  The obesity factor comes from me spending all of my 30s overweight with diabetes.

 

Some of the proceeds from this campaign will go to Get Your Rear in Gear Colon Cancer Coalition, an autism charity, and helping Team JAG win the Spartan Trifecta medal.

  

My Personal Journey

 

May 2013 marks my one-year anniversary since I had gastric bypass surgery.  I decided several months ago to mark this milestone in my life by testing my limits running in the Spartan Sprint. 

 

Issues with my weight and health started when I was honorably discharged from the Air Force for failure to maintain weight standard.  Little did I know type 2 diabetes was knocking at my door.  I tried so many diets and various exercise programs, but nothing really seemed to have a lasting affect.  My health just got worse and the complications from diabetes started to appear.  I had several emergencey surgeries because of diabetes, the worst was when I had MRSA, which was feeding off my high sugar levels, cortisone shot in my left hip and back, and I had to take a high dose of pain meds twice a day because of a labral tear in my left hip.  Not to mention a slight bulging disc and tear in my L5/S1 of my spin.  I even had cataracts removed in 2004 and 2007. These are just a few things I had to go through because of my weight and diabetes. I was a mess!

 

I tried so many different medicines and I still could not get my diabetes under control.  My doctor gave me insulin and the major side affect was weight gain.  Nothing I tried seemed to work, but the doctors kept telling me weight loss would help me.  My job changed health care plans and I decided to see if gastric bypass surgery was covered.  To my surprise it was, but of course there were a list of criterias that had to be met.  I went through the process required by my insurance and May 2, 2012 was the day I had gastric bypass surgery.  At first I was not sure I made the right choice because it was not an easy recovery while in the hospital. 

With each step I took things got easier.  Everything about my life changed and I no longer focused my life around food.  After six weeks of recovery I joined a gym and started working with a trainer.  I could barely do anything at first, but I saw my strength building with each session.  It was my trainer who told me about the Spartan Race and how I should work toward that as a goal.  I remember after a session there was an advertisement for the Spartan Race flashing on a TV at the gym and I thought one day I would be a Spartan.

 

My highest weight was 250 pounds and now I am 125 pounds since my surgery.  At 5’ 2” tall no wonder I had so many issues with pain.  My body could not handle all that weight and I could not even walk for 5 minutes without getting tired. Gastric bypass was a tool that helped me save my own life and it was the best decision I ever made for myself.  I no longer take any medication for diabetes or pain and I believe I am in the best shape of my life for just turning 40.  I can do things now that I have not been able to do in a very long time.  I have done a few other mud runs, but being able to do the Spartan Races is a major milestone.

 

By obtaining the Spartan Trifecta Team JAG wants to continue motivating others to get off the couch and start moving.  

 

After surgery I could barely walk for 15 minutes and now I am playing in the mud.  It takes starting with a few steps to work toward better health.  Now I can scream I'm a SPARTAN!!!!

 

Any amount will help us raise money for cancer and autism, plus help us earn the TRIFECTA!  AROO!!!  Even your pocket change will make a difference.

My Spartan Sprint experience in Texas May 19, 2013.

This is an experience I will never forget and it will be fresh in my memory for the rest of my life.  What an accomplishment to be able to call myself a Spartan.  It was the toughest race I have done since I started this new hobby in March.  I am addicted and I am not sure when I will be able to say enough is enough.  I can not wait until my next race and I hope this video motivates others to try things they normally wouldn't.  Get up off your butts and get dirty.

Spartan Sprint Burnet Texas May 19, 2013

What away to spend a Sunday afternoon. I had such a great experience finishing the Spartan Sprint. One teammate finished before me and another hurt her knee even though I was trying to push her through.  There were so many different types of people there.  The ultra fit to the I just got off the couch and said what the hell.  No matter what it's about getting out there and moving. I even saw one lady throwing up as we reached a few of the first obstacles, but she continued to the finish. No matter how slow you just need to finish. It took one person almost 7 hours to finish this course.  I say awesome job!  AROO! You out did all those at home who think they can't do it.

Obstacle course race map

Mud Run race map. Where do you want to get dirty?

Here we come Burnet, Texas Spartan Sprint

13 days until the Spartan Sprint in Burnet, Texas.  I feel nervous as I consider what is ahead of us as this is Team JAG's first attempt at a Spartan Event.  This will be a test of not only physical strength, but also mental strength.  I remember 20 years ago thinking 1.5 miles of Air Force basic training obstacle course was hard, but now I know better.  I will continue to push harder, run faster, motivate others, and to overcome all obstacles. Do not fear what is ahead and embrace the unknown.  Obstacle racing is not for everyone, but anyone has the ability to get out there and try.  Just get up and start moving toward better health.  How much time do we spend in front of the television watching other people living the life we wish we could?  Now is time to get up and start LIVING. Reality TV maybe great, but its time to make your own reality show. There is so much out there that many of us never get a chance to experience. It is not to late and no matter your age or size change is possible. Stand up and be counted!! Go out there grab a group of friends and GET DIRTY!  All you have to do is try. No more excuses... I can not promise it will not hurt, because I know pain. What I do promise is you will feel better and more confident. People will look up to you and be amazed at how your life has changed. Do something you never thought you could or something you never imagined and be fearless. Count down to Spartan Sprint is here and may the burpees begin.

Failure is not an option!

Failure is not an option no matter how many burpees must be done. Two week until the Spartan Sprint and there is no way we will be defeated. If it takes us 2 hours or even 4 hours we will complete the course. Whether we run, walk, or crawl toward the finish line the spartan medal will be worn proudly around our neck. Change is within your reach and only you can walk the final steps toward victory. No mater what obstacles are in front of you.

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