Hi, I’m Tara Faye and this time last year, I was afraid to run a 10K (6.2 miles). I started running again in 2018, but did not really consider myself a “runner”. Because I was “slow” and walked often. In fact, I had planned to do the Gruene 10K in 2022 and talked myself out of it, because I leaned into my self-doubt, struggled with the mental side, and my endurance. Follow through was my demon and I let it hold me back. I also never really identified as an athlete growing up. I was in theatre, band, and color guard - all very physical activities but “athlete” was not a role I took on. Until now. As I type this article, I now run 10Ks several times a week and completed my first half marathon on Sunday, November 19th, the Two Rivers Half through Two Rivers Running. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget and I look forward to building as I prepare for my second half this month (January 2024)!
I am a runner. I am an athlete, and I continue to show up and keep pressing to become the best I can; but it is not always easy. In fact, it’s hard. Being uncomfortable is guaranteed but embracing the joy of hard work and gratitude helps. It takes time, years even. My three Ps, prayer, patience and progress, no matter how small, keep me going time and time again.
I restarted my health journey in 2018 at my heaviest. I had just married my forever husband and gained an amazing bonus daughter. I had just lost my corporate job and was navigating life as a wife and mom and wanted the best for us. With new shifts in life, I started walking and jogging to help my physical and mental health. I knew if I was not right, I could not be right for others. It was a little here and there but at least it got me moving in a direction. In 2019, I stopped drinking (thank you God!). In 2020, I conquered 75Hard (a physical and mental challenge but honestly only scratched the surface). In 2021, I found a bible study group that changed my life, and helped me grow my walk with God.
In 2022, I started working with a trainer, Kristie Mozisek with Absolute Fitness to help with my strength and nutrition. But I gained so much more, a friendship and confidence like no other connecting with her. I stopped focusing on the scale but focused on progress, no matter how small. And as a result in 2023, I won a local fitness challenge, lost 20lbs, and started running with a good friend. I actually started to feel like a runner, an athlete. I decided that running was something I enjoyed and loved how it made me feel. And through an answered prayer I connected with and joined the local running community through Two Rivers Running, owned by Michelle and Nick Blomstedt. I even got the opportunity to lead one of their weekday walking groups and joyfully take on the role.
What I realized is that when you surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better, you become better. You live a lifestyle that gives you the confidence to get up, show up and be there for those who matter! Taking care of YOU gives you the energy you need to pour into others.
I run to be a better steward for the Lord, for my loved ones, and for my friends. I am a joyful runner that gives thanks for God’s grace every day, the discipline to keep going and my community.
Tara Faye Ensor is a local writer, Account Director with Direct Texas Printing & Marketing Group in New Braunfels, TX, and owns Articulate Expressions, a marketing writing service. You can follow her on Instagram at @joyfullytexan and @articulateexpressions.
I am a runner. I am an athlete, and I continue to show up and keep pressing to become the best I can..
When you surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better, you become better. You live a lifestyle that gives you the confidence to get up, show up and be there for those who matter!