Patrocinios y Gestion Deportiva- Atletas y Influencers

Hola!! Creo que es mi segundo post en español :) jajaja...
Mi involucramiento en el deporte y especialmente en Mexico a dado un giro- de atleta a formar una iniciativa para generar cambios positivos para Mexico y nuestras siguientes generaciones a través del deporte.

Hace unos días publique un video sobre las inquietudes que creo que muchos tenemos sobre como las redes sociales están afectando los patrocinios y gestión deportiva en Mexico (también en otros países, pero como Mexicana, mi enfoque esta ahi).

Quiero poder tener el máximo alcance posible con este mensaje para unir a todos los que quieran entrar a este movimiento de autenticidad, consciencia, y responsabilidad.

Pueden ver el video en mi instagram: @tativertizm , o en mi Facebook (esta en publico).

En el blog dejare el guion.... Los que quieran apoyar como individuos o compañías /marcas favor de darle "like" y interactuar en la pagina de Atletas Por Un Mexico Mejor que abrí en Facebook!! Apenas la hice entonces voy a ir llenándola de info y demás :) Gracias!
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Hola! 

Hoy les quiero hablar del tema de patrocinios y gestión deportiva de atletas e influencers. 

Voy a empezar contando mi historia personal de la lucha para conseguir apoyo como triatleta. 

Después, lo que he observado del mercado deportivo en Mexico,  y al final lo que propongo hacer para concientizar el entorno de patrocinios. Espero que al empezar este movimiento personalmente, mis amigos, conocidos, y los que lleguen a ver este video también se unan a el. 

Como muchos sabrán, soy Mexicana de sangre y corazón, pero empecé mi carrera deportiva en EEUU. En el pico de mi trayectoria, 2009-2011, el mercado de Ironman en Mexico apenas estaba iniciando su crecimiento brutal, y era muy difícil conseguir que una marca apostara por una triatleta de larga distancia y menos una viviendo en el extranjero.

Mis patrocinios durante mi carrera en la cual conseguí estar en el podio del Mundial de Kona 4 de cuatro veces, y ser doble campeona mundial, ser también dos veces campeona de edad de Ironman Cozumel y Ironman Arizona, y ganar el premio de deporte de la ciudad de Mexico, eran únicamente de producto - de EEUU.  

Al volver a mi país en 2014, ya semi retirada por una lesión de espalda, me di cuenta de la explosión que Ironman y el triatlón en general estaban teniendo en Mexico.  Mis ganas de entrenar, competir, y ganar nunca se apagaron, y creí tener una oportunidad enorme en Mexico no solo para darme a conocer como atleta y así poder seguir haciendo lo que mas me apasiona, sino también para tener una plataforma que me permitiera compartir mis conocimientos, y aportar mi granito de arena para mejorar el deporte en Mexico -  especialmente para nuestros jóvenes de bajo nivel socioeconómico. 

En 2015 gane el triatlón de La Paz y también volví a calificar para el mundial de 70.3 quedando en 11eavo ahi. En 2016, competi en casi todas las carreras del serial nacional quedando en el podio en mi categoría y en la general de edades en cada una. 

A pesar de seguir comprobándome como atleta, haciendo presencia por casi todo Mexico, y contactando a prácticamente todas las marcas de deporte, no solo de triatlón, y nada se realizo. 

Me quede frustrada pero mas motivada para demostrar que aun que no me ayudaran, ahí iba a seguir.  

En 2017 6 semanas después de un podio en el Ironman de Texas, quede en 2ndo en el Ironman de Boulder, y califique por 5ta vez al mundial de Kona. 

Dije, “ahora si!” ya estoy establecida de nuevo como una de las triatletas top en este boom Mexicano de Ironman, claro que me van a apoyar algunas marcas. 

Contacte a compañías de bici, de tenis, de zapatillas, lo que se les ocurra-- y aun así NADIE de Mexico, mas que CompressSport que me apoyo con ropa técnica, se junto conmigo. 

A un mes del mundial, donde personalmente solo me quedaba ser campeona por 3era vez y vencer mi propia marca de 10hrs 1 min, me puse a reflexionar sobre por que seguía insistiendo cuando claramente no estaba consiguiendo esa plataforma para tener una voz en el deporte Mexicano. Me sentía rechazada por el mercado deportivo en Mexico, y decepcionada de darme cuenta poco a poco que muchas de las marcas del sector deportivo, estaban mas bien apostando por psuedo influencers. 

Entonces dije, “Si eso es lo que quieren, si eso es lo necesario para al final poder influenciar en el deporte, eso hare- si entrenar, y ganar no vale tanto, y las marcas quieren que dediques tu tiempo a encontrar la mejor luz del atardecer para hacerte fotos sexies y selfies, vale, lo hago! Si prefieren que dediques tu tiempo en conseguir el mejor robot de instagram para aumentar tus likes y tus seguidores en vez de sudar para mejorar tus tiempos y resultados como verdadero deportista, pues mas fácil!

Y asi pase unos meses incrementando mi “valor” en redes, pero personalmente no fue tan fácil como pensé- pues espiritualmente sentía que me estaba traicionando yo misma. Es decir, mi valor propio lo había crecido desde chiquita a través del deporte puro y duro, y venderme de esta manera se sentía falso y feo. 

También me hizo sentir que me estaba rindiendo de mi propuesta final de cambiar las oportunidades para jóvenes Mexicanos. Si no valen tanto los resultados, y basamos los apoyos mas en guapura, en tu “look”, y en el dinero que inviertas para crecer tus redes, como le va a hacer el deportista que no tiene ni para comprarse unos tenis para patear el balón de fut por la calle?! 

El choque entre la autenticidad y falta de es lo que está creando un malestar en las redes sociales y lo que determinará el ejemplo que ponemos a los niños de las siguientes generaciones. 

Yo me había desviado de la esencia de hacer todo únicamente por el amor al deporte y mi propia satisfacción y llegue al punto de querer reconocimiento por lo q había logrado por que creo que al final todos queremos sentir que nuestros esfuerzos pudieron generar un valor externo, que pudieron aportar algo a la sociedad.

De un día al otro, ya no aguantaba mas y me arrepentí. Quite mas de 2,000 seguidores que me había conseguido mi robot- y que al final probablemente ni se vinculaban con cualquier marca que quisiera patrocinarme y buscara un retorno medible y tangible (cosa que me pregunto si las marcas de verdad están conscientes de ello).  Puse mi cuenta en privado, y tome un break literal del deporte y de Mexico, y me vine a estudiar una maestría a España.  Estoy a dos meses de acabar la maestría, enfocada al marketing y gestión deportiva y este tiempo aquí me ha renovado la confianza de que SI puedo marcar una diferencia en Mexico, de cómo alinear esa pasión por el deporte y también por competir, con la parte laboral que implica la política deportiva. 

Dentro de mis planes esta juntar a los que tienen criterio deportivo, y de gestionar recursos para atletas e infraestructura, y formar un consejo que sirva como intermediario del gobierno y del sector privado. 

En la parte de patrocinios y mi marca personal como atleta, claro que volveré a competir- al menos en varias de las carreras nacionales. Mi crecimiento tan chico o grande que llegue a ser, será orgánico, y con el fin de ayudar a los demás. Cada patrocinio que llegue a recibir, tendrá que ser igualado para un o una joven de bajos recursos. Es decir, si una marca de tenis me manda un par, tendrá que haber otro par para alguien de necesidad. Si llegara a tener un patrocinio de bici, al mínimo, yo misma recaudare fondos totalmente transparentes para conseguir una, o cuantas mas se logren, para los que no tienen para comprarse.  Y cada carrera que haga tendrá alianza con una fundación, para que el esfuerzo personal tenga un beneficio ajeno.  

Sean deportistas, influencers, Mexicanos, o de otro país, los invito a unirse conmigo en este movimiento de patrocinio colectivo en la capacidad que puedan.  

Muchas veces pensamos que lo que nosotros hacemos personalmente no llegara a cambiar el entorno general, pero si varios hacemos algo, la suma si que lo cambia. 

Gracias, y darle! 

Programa de Entrenamiento 12 Semanas pre-IRONMAN

Hola! Es mi primer post en Español :) jaja....

Como sabrán si me siguen en Instagram, diseñe un programa de 12 semanas para preparación especifica de Ironman.

Es ideal para los atletas que ya lleven mas de un año en multi-disciplinas como nadar, bici, correr, o spartan, bici de montaña, etc, y que tengan buena salud.

Los requisitos recomendados son los siguientes:
1) Poder nadar 3km sin bronca
2) Ya completaste un 70.3 o tienes experiencia de maratón o varios medios maratones
3) Puedes nadar los 4 estilos
4) Quieres mejorar tu Personal Best
6) Quieres un programa que venga de "old school" donde aprenderás a conocer tu cuerpo sin aferrarte tanto al Garmin/tech
7) Quieres sesiones especificas y un programa diseñado orgánicamente con fundamentos que le han funcionado a campeones AG y Pro
8) Quieres sesiones de natación y demás que no te aburran
9) Quieres un programa que puedas utilizar con confianza antes de cualquier Ironman y en cualquier momento/fecha
10) Quieres ganar, y/o calificar para Kona

Iba a poner link de PayPal en mi blog pero no es ideal para clientes en el extranjero aparte que me hace convertir mi cuenta a una de negocios- estuve todo el día lidiando con eso.

Si quieres ordenar el programa que viene con los entrenamientos de esos 3 meses a detalle, y una descripción del como y porque del programa ...escribe un email a tativertiz2@gmail.com con tu nombre completo y edad.


Gracias y a darleeeee!!!

The Shame in the Game

Let me start out by saying that I never thought I’d make a blog post out of something that anyone with the logic of a 4 year old could see was a black and white matter.

But, after a few days now of constant absurd defenses, and the fact that the very governing body of the sport- IRONMAN- decided to uphold times, qualifications, and records of cheaters, I feel the urge to voice my opinion on a permanent platform as a participant, ambassador, and lover of triathlon for over a decade.  After all, the day I can’t say what I think and feel, I’d rather be buried a few feet underground.

Numerous people took my anti-drafting comments over the weekend personal, and the defensive attacks commenced because when you’re guilty what else is left to do but defend and be paranoid that everything is about you?

To those, all I can say is that guilt you feel won’t go away any time soon; and my comments, along with hundreds of others that thought and wrote about the blatant drafting (aka cheating) over the weekend, were valid because it’s a sport/industry we’ve been a part of for over a decade and we’re incredibly sad to see how much it has decayed; because we have raced numerous IRONMANs and other non draft races letting packs (and slots, and PRs, and podiums) go by; and lastly, because if we don’t speak up and let this slide, what hope if any is left to save the essence of IRONMAN?

When I started racing in 2006, I got into it because I read articles, books, and watched documentaries about what IRONMAN and the people that did it were about- a desire to push the human body to its limits in an individual competition. Back then (yes even in 2006) it wasn’t about how many IM’s you’d done or how fast, or how expensive your bike was, or who designed your race outfit- but instead this community that shared a passion for athleticism and the outdoors. That’s it! How simple, how fun, how raw!

Despite my own achievements, I always (and more so to this day) felt like a goldfish in a sea of sharks, because I was fortunate enough to train with and be mentored by some of the most accomplished, ethical, and HUMBLE men and women in triathlon.

Now, it’s ego, it’s money, it’s whatever it takes to get that time and beat that person, and if it’s gotta be done wrong and dirty, “bring it!”… because the ego boost is more important than the ethics behind those achievements.

Records, and personal bests are meant to be broken, and as a lover of all sports, there is no one I cheer for more than the bad ass hard worker that makes shit happen and breaks those barriers- even if those are mine or a friend’s. In fact, it only drives my motivation and appreciation for what we’re all capable of. With one simple condition: that it’s done clean. Drafting, like doping, is illegal in IRONMAN racing- you draft, you’re cheating, and your outcome on that day is not legit.  Period.

Regardless if they’re my own family member or close friend- independent of the love and care that will always remain intact, my respect for them as an athlete goes to zero.

So, with a heavy heart, I accept losing “friends” and watching our dear sport deteriorate, while upholding my principles. For me, and for the vast majority, what happened in Texas (and in any other race where athletes stood behind their artificial times despite cheating), is a disgrace, and does not count for anything except a colossal disappointment of the brand itself and the people that chose to break the rules.

The only plus side to IRONMAN Texas having the most blatant and massive violations I think of all time, along with the race officials not patrolling the course, is that hopefully this will spark more consciousness into the triathlon industry in general, and the cheating-inclined will think twice before going down that path the next time they race.

Work hard. Race clean.

Turning in my chip- the final blog entry.

This past June, at Ironman Boulder, I gave EVERYTHING I had both physically and emotionally.

In 2012 I was forced to abandon triathlon- it was a huge turning point in my life that in retrospect I am forever grateful for. It took me back to my roots in Mexico (where I swore I'd never live- the irony is awesome) where I connected with some amazing people, and experienced both challenges and gifts that I'd never imagined life would throw at me.

This time, in the middle of a World Championship race, around mile 30 of the bike, I looked around at the motivated, fit girls zooming by, and all I could think of with a slight grin on my face was "dang, I'd rather be at brunch right now". In a sudden moment of clarity, I knew I was done; that life in sport had come full circle for me, and that this time I was CHOOSING to exit. I felt healed, strong, and armed with knowledge of what I want in life, and this was far from it!

So, I rolled into T2, and turned in my chip to an official who asked "are you sure you're finished?", and without hesitation, I said "yes, I am sure".

I knew if I continued to run, despite the fact that my back was also screaming, I could rally to the finish and there was the risk that endorphins, mixed with "I did it despite x..." could lead me to continue down this rabbit hole and through Hawaii and who knows what.

But my soul, my deep down desire of self and purpose, said "No, stop! There is so much more you want, and if you keep at this you're just distracting yourself from, and delaying what you yearn for to enter".

They say when you really close a door, another opens. So this is my dare to the Universe (or whatever you want to call it)... the door is closed. What do you have in store now?

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Last year, I had a taste of the perfect balance- where I could share sport as a hobby, whilst living life as a normal young woman. Just shy of getting the job, settling into a relationship, and connecting all the little dots, it all shattered. It was one of the biggest blessings in disguise, because through that, and in the months that followed, I grew the equivalent of a decade as a person.

I gripped triathlon again full force, and used it to propel me out of grief, and into relentless power. Once that had been achieved, once I reclaimed my strength, I just went through the motions of training because I was having a blast with friends and trips, and "workouts", but my body was exhausted, and my heart was ready to move on for no one else but ME.

One of my favorite quotes, sums it up perfectly. I hope that in reading this, just as I'm told I've inspired people to train and race, I hope others are inspired to own their downs just as much, if not more, than their ups, and voice their emotions so they can connect, learn, and ascend into so much more than they thought possible- it's the essence of being human. There's no shame in expressing your feelings, and feeling them through. It's the only real, raw, vulnerable, and courageous way to heal and grow.

"I sought help when I needed it and honored my feelings instead of trying to 'be strong' and 'man up' just so everyone could think I was some emotional superwoman. My true strength came from acknowledging my weaknesses, my fears, my heartbreak, and myself." - N. A.
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Now, sitting in a Starbucks, at the place where my and THE triathlon seed was planted- Encinitas, CA- I have peace and open arms for whatever follows, and am thoroughly enjoying working out for pleasure.

There's no list of goals or OCD planning- because life has taught me that the most wonderful things can never be anticipated, because they are usually greater than anything you could've dreamed up or written down.

Maybe I'll get a job in CA, maybe in Mexico, maybe abroad? Maybe I'll travel a few months.. Maybe I'll fall in love again...

Maybe all of the above
 ;)

Cycles...

Life is full of them, in every context. Some we open/close overnight, others take longer, maybe even years. Whatever the case, it's when we heed the lessons life is trying to teach us, when we finally outgrow something,  or it just doesn't serve our purpose or path anymore that these pages of our life story turn to another chapter.

Ironman Boulder was a closing of a cycle in my life. It was much more than training these last few months- it was rediscovering WHY I wanted to race an Ironman (which btw, when you can answer that, is when you know you should be doing it), rediscovering my strengths, and more importantly my weaknesses in multiple aspects, finding out who is there for me as a true friend/supporter, what thoughts, feelings, and things do or don't serve me, and what it is exactly that I want for myself at least in the short term of a few years.

To quote one of my favorite authors, and public speakers, Brene Brown, "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. It is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage." 

That is racing, and that is life lived authentically.

I'm back home now, after achieving the one goal I had for IM Boulder: the slot to Kona. It'll be my fifth time on the island for that race, 10 years after my first Ironman which happened to be Kona! So to say it is special, is an understatement.

After a solid few weeks of incredibly needed rest I look forward to putting on the best preparation of my life for this Ironman. It starts a new cycle with immense experience, growth, grit, and connection to the people that are really my pillars for this fabulous journey.

Let's go over Boulder briefly....

First, I want to thank Andree and Chris Miceli for being the most wonderful hosts during my stay! Spoiled doesn't even begin to cut it. I met them in Cabo when they were there for IM in 2015, and that's the cool thing about triathlon- in one weekend you make friends for life.

I went in to Boulder, mentally ready and of course physically since I had prepped well for IM TX and also had that event in my legs. But that was a double edged sword...a couple weeks ago I felt the deep fatigue in my legs that just wouldn't shake. I did nothing too "long" in these six weeks between the two Ironmans, but still it lingered.

The swim was the best part of the day, it was a beautiful morning, and the Res is awesome. Exiting the swim, I found myself right next to Larissa- our newest 18-24 IM AG World Champ also from Mexico! It was super cool to head out onto the bike together :)

About 20miles into riding my legs were shot. Just bricks. Fortunately, I was enjoying the ride/scenery too much so convinced myself to just get to T2 and it was okay to hand in my chip there.

So I got to T2, and I honestly have ZERO idea how suddenly I was running. It was robotic, like I didn't even think and just headed out.

I ran about 8-10 miles decent, at least it qualified as "running" so this pumped me up and got me thinking dang I might just be able to finish this quite well, what a lovely surprise. Then slowly from there, everything fell apart.

This was unlike anything I'd ever experienced in a race because it wasn't mental demons, it wasn't caloric lows, or GI upset, or cramps....it was UNPLUGGED, DONE, ZAPPED, LEGS WILL ONLY WALK STOP TRYING TO RUN RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

So at mile 16 the walk began. Larissa passed me and yelled to hang with her. LOL, girl was moving! I smiled and told her to keep at it because I was beyond done.

Then an angel came by :)... At around mile 10 I had met this guy in a Timex kit, later to find out his name is Kyle, we briefly exchanged some words of encouragement and I ran ahead. At about that mile 16/17 aid station he saw me walking and said "Oh no, you said you want that Kona slot, you're not gonna miss it! Move your a**!" He was moving slower than Larissa, and it was like hearing my coach say none of that this hurts business, how bad do you want it?! So the jog of death began.

We walked the aid stations, and trotted the rest. The last 4 miles were an indescribable agony. It literally felt like I had to lift 200lb legs each step.

But then, there it was, the finish chute... Kyle and I ran in together, and he was right- KONA BABY!!!!

We fine tune who we are by filtering out what we are not....

Hi! Ha!

It's been almost a year since my last post, and so many life changes, adventures, races, new friends, old friends, highs and lows....I kept wanting to post an update, but it just seemed overwhelming at times.

Now I feel there's been such a delay that it can be easily summarized...

You may or may not know, I moved to Mexico City for a few months last year (what I thought would be at least a couple years- figuring if I really couldn't stand the city at least I'd land a solid, decent paying, job that could grant me "experience" and eventually justify a work visa back to the US).

I spent 3 months on countless interviews- some for really exciting opportunities, others not so much. Regardless, the salaries and hours were akin to selling my soul. No thanks. Add in the traffic, the pollution, and just the every day hurdles of a city like that and I realized day by day that the simple, and at times too-peaceful, life in Cabo was beginning to resemble UTOPIA.

Eventually, I did get an offer and was one day away from signing the dotted line- but felt like I was betraying my entire self in doing so.

In addition to a personal issue, the decision to honor what I value in life and of myself, had me packing my bags quicker than when we got hit by Hurricane Odile lol, and back to Baja I went :)

Despite the harsh realities on the career front, I had an AMAZINGGGG time racing and traveling all over mainland Mexico and truly did come to appreciate the many things Mexico City has to offer. It will always be a place I enjoy returning to for brief periods at a time.

It was an experience that I had to live, and do not regret for even a second. That city had taunted me for many years, and I feel it was inevitable that one day I'd try it out.

Most of the traveling last year was (surprise!) to triathlons, and that was another silver lining- getting to check off all the races that when living in Cabo are just too far to go to all in one season!

Throughout all that Olympic/draft legal racing, my back pain started to subside, and my stubborn AF little voice inside started to wonder ... "can I make a comeback?...."

Naturally, the second I landed back in Cabo, equipped with some altitude training and "race weight" by default haha, I wasted no time in laying out my goals for 2017.

It helped that I had already singed up for our inaugural Los Cabos Marathon, which took place end of January. To add to the fun, a few killer athletes had recently moved to Cabo and so the perfect training bubble was in place!

The marathon went well- it was a super gnarly course, all along the hotel corridor, with relentless climbs and downhills that just crushed the quads. But the trail running prep for the marathon plus the race itself, formed an excellent base for the year.

I kicked off the season at the La Paz Olympic- which is one of the best, most beautiful, races out there. I placed first in the AG, and 2nd OA behind by new training partner, and stud, Cibelle.

After that the focus was on Ironman Texas to qualify for Kona. It was a race I'd mulled over registering for or not all winter, but went for it just shy of 2 months out, because it seemed far enough to get in good form, but close enough that I had no time to lose motivation, or get overtrained for.

I did manage a mountain bike injury and a nasty head cold (of course!). Nonetheless, come April 22, the hunger to race was at its peak, and I was thrilled with the result. It landed me one spot and a few minutes short of the 3rd Hawaii slot for the 30-34, but to pull off a 10:15 feeling solid was enough to keep me pushing forward. Either way 70.3 Worlds was still on tap.

In less than 48 hours I signed up for Boulder, and that brings us to today!

There are no expectations for Boulder other than to bust my A** for that Kona slot. The body feels good, the inner demons are being quiet, and so it really boils down to controlling what's in my hands, and accepting what's not.

Ironman is an incredible metaphor for life- all you can do is show up, give your best effort, and let the chips fall where they may.

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See ya'll June 11, in CO. Thank you to my family, friends, supporters from all over that I have never even met, but ya'll reach out (it means so much!), my new coach, and some very exciting new sponsors!!!

Detour

Last Friday after coming home from racing Challenge San Gil, down in Queretaro, Mexico,  I was out doing a 2hr ride on top of a morning run and lunch swim- a little rev back in the engine to kick start the final push for Vineman.

I’ve been registered for Vineman since finishing Cozumel in November where I surprised myself with a solid result given minimal long distance training. All year, subconsciously or consciously, I kept delaying the beginning of actual Ironman training until “surprise!”, it’s July and I barely have time for anything before a taper.

Still, knowing how quickly things become boring and monotonous to me, especially when training 99% solo, I really only needed 2-3 long rides and runs to top off the pretty consistent training I’ve had all year and race fresher than in other IM’s, but perhaps better.

Somewhere in that 2hr ride on Friday though, I had to be honest with myself. I have no desire to race Ironman. The only reason for me to toe that line again is to break 10hrs, and I’d really need a miracle to do that right now. Regardless, I have other things that I’d much rather focus on that breaking down my body and numbing my mind like that again.

What a relief it is to just do what you really want and know is best for you! It’s not like anyone really cares, and there’s no pressure from sponsors, family, or friends…but somehow the commitment I had made to race, and race well, was becoming too much to let go of.

It’s been a lovely few days of hanging out with old friends, doing yoga, lifting more, and I’m excited to head out for random group rides and keep this relaxed approach going.

Through my forced exit as an elite and a couple years not racing at all, to contemplating a comeback, I’ve now arrived at a wonderful sweet spot of sorts: I want to be the weekend warrior- enjoying the social aspect of training and racing, and tackling manageable, fun, and healthy distances.

So the focus right now is on landing a full time job in a city that I had never ever …EVER… entertained as an option. MEXICO CITY. Yep.

If you know me, you’ll likely spit your coffee out reading that. But it’s true. This year, and certain wonderful people, have made me see that concrete jungle as a world of possibility, culture, excitement, challenges; no longer just a threat of traffic and pollution. Perspective is everything!

I found myself going more often in the last few months than I’d cumulatively been in years.  With each visit I saw myself living closer to family, meeting new people, and expanding my career to the point where one day if I choose to, I can justify a foreigner work visa because I’ll actually have the professional experience. Or maybe I’ll actually love it and stay. Who knows? No one- certainly not me. It's scary, but it’s also incredibly fun.

Hakuna Matata, the circle of life. I love the irony of going to live in the city that brought me into this world and one, which I had sworn off entirely.

Since moving to Mexico 2 years ago, my country has given me a lot more back than I gave it credit for. 2016, so far, has been full of great times and adventure- there’s nothing in me yearning to go back to the US at all.

Being a big believer in the Law of Attraction, I can’t help but smile as the interviews roll in since taking this detour. I don’t want to jinx it, so won’t name the company, but this afternoon I’ll be Skyping with an Ad Agency that everyone in the SMU Ad/Mktg school had their eyes on- lo and behold they have a Mexico office ;)

This blog doesn’t have much momentum anymore since it was centered on my athletic career. So these posts are more of a diary than anything. I can’t wait to look back in a few years and remember the time when I made yet another big shift into another thrilling chapter of life.

The journey…it’s all about the journey….