“In April of 2012, I gave birth to my second daughter. Eleven days after she was born, I decided to change my life. I had always been overweight, and I was tired. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally tired. I was just plain unhappy and I wanted to do something about it.

Over the course of 13 and a half months, I managed to lose 136 lbs and discovered a love for running along the way.

In the beginning of May, I ran my first 5k, and at the end of May, I ran my second.

Running has given me my life back. I am proud to call myself a runner and I am truly happy when I run. I can push myself beyond what I think is possible. The feeling of freedom and an amazing sense of accomplishment that comes from running is indescribable.

I debated on whether to take the next step and run my first half marathon. I have decided I am going to do it, and the Mankato Marathon is going to be the half that I run.

Words cannot describe how terrified and excited I am all at once. I believe this half marathon will be one of the most amazing things I will have accomplished. I definitely look forward to running with all the amazing people in October.”