Ironkid to Ironman

Lately my parents have been going through this phase where they're trying to get rid of old stuff.  When they find stuff from our childhood that they would feel guilty getting rid of they try to just give it to us, that way we have the guilt associated with getting rid of it.  :-)  One of the things in my last box of stuff was an old medal they had from when I was in Ironkids.  Now on my medal hanger I have my Ironkids medal hanging right next to my Ironman medal! 

I thought this was pretty freaking cool!  I can say I've been doing triathlons for over 20 years that's more than half my life !!  I love that!  Of course there were some breaks from triathlons here and there throughout those years but I always come back to it.

I can honestly say this has become a lifestyle for me and I love everything that triathlons have done for me from keeping me on my toes, keeping me interested and challenged in life, staying healthy, staying grounded, relieving stress, introduced me to some AMAZING people, bonded me with friends and family, reminds me of all the good things I have in my life and how lucky I am for being able to do the things I can in my life and not take them for granted.  I could go on and on but those of you involved in any sports endeavors already know what I’m talking about.  I thank my parents for getting me involved in every sport imaginable (tee ball, soccer, dance, triathlon, basketball, hiking etc)  and for encouraging an active lifestyle.  So even though there were times I didn’t appreciate being told let’s go hike the Osha trail when all I wanted to do was sit in front of the TV now the thing I looked forward to most when I visit home is hiking the Osha trail!

That is another reason raising money for the Special Olympics seemed like such a good match for me.  Being a part of something special and challenging themselves physically makes a huge difference in a lot of people’s life’s and I am grateful that there are organizations out there that provide these types of opportunities!

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/NatashaArnold/special-olympics-new-mexico-over-the-edge

  

What has an active lifestyle done for you?  

Over the Edge for Special Olympics!

When they first approached me at work to do this I thought it sounded great but that with Ironman training in full effect this season I should wait until next year to do it.  Then they said they would do the fundraising for me so I thought sure why not.  I posted the page and let them know it was up and ready to go.  Then unfortunately they had to come back and tell me it was against policy to help with outside fund raisers and couldn't sponsor me.  In the mean time I had already committed to the organization and had my 1st donation.  So I didn't want to back out now!  So I'm on my own with limited time but I will give it my all and try my best to do the event and fundraising!



What is the event you ask?
Overcome a challenge in your life so Special Olympics athletes can overcome the challenges in theirs. Looking for an adventure of a lifetime that will also change the world for the better? Well look no further!  Watch our video!!

HUB International and SONM presents the 4th annual "Over the Edge" event. Join dozens of fellow thrill seekers as they go “Over the Edge” of a 16-story building in downtown ABQ, all to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

My Story

After hearing Randy Mascarello and Tim Harris from Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM), speak at the 2012 SHRM New Mexico Conference, I was inspired and wanted to show my support for Special Olympics.


“Oh Yeah!” Tim prompted the entire room at the conference to yell this out every time he did to celebrate each accomplishment he spoke to us about. As we heard him recount his participation in the Special Olympics and I saw him beam with excitement, I found myself joining in “Oh Yeah!”

Starting at 8 years old running my 1st mile race up through my first Ironman Triathlon finish a few years ago, sports has taught me lessons that I have carried with me throughout my life. When asked “Why do you do endurance sports?” by people who look at me like I’m crazy, I usually answer “I do it because I can, and I think of those who can’t.” One of my favorite quotes is “You can quit and no one will care, but you will always know.”


The look in Tim’s eyes told me that Special Olympics meant to him as much as my Ironman finish has meant to me. Repelling off a tall building sounds scary and challenging, but it’s a challenge I would love to take it on to help others be able to know what it feels like to be part of something special and to build the confidence in those athletes that compete in these events. If just one more Special Olympics Athlete gets to yell “Oh Yeah” and beam with pride, then I am all in.

Any help is greatly appreciated please help me spread the word!  Thanks in advance! Please visit my Personal Fundraising Page. I am proud to be an athlete and to do what I can to help others participate in sports.


Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.


Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!