Betty
. . .  a hot chick. One that is attractive, stylish and self confident. A Betty is typically a looker. – Urban Dictionary
. . . an athlete doing “epic shit” and proving that “badass is beautiful.”

As I wrote at the end of September, I took a major step in a journey that started in 2012, a few months after surgery and a few more before my 40th birthday – I applied to be a member of Team Betty. And while I was proud of myself for embracing the labels of athlete and “Betty,” I didn’t have high expectations that I’d make the team.

In fact, as my father would tell my brother when he’d ask for something ridiculous, I thought my chances were “slim to none.” Not because I was not deserving, but because the members of Team Betty, including my friend Alex are AMAZING. (Seriously – go check out their action on Instagram).

I was a rookie trying for a walk on spot in the big leagues – competing with 1,500 applicants from around the world.

So you can imagine my surprise when this love note landed in my inbox.

Holy. Shit.

That’s really all I could think – and frankly, it’s still where I am three days later.

I have much to learn about what it means to be a member of Team Betty, but one thing is already clear – I’m in great company. Through Instagram and Twitter, I’m starting to get to know my fellow teammates, and have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of greetings from Bettys from around the globe.

Applying to be a member of the team was a big step for me, but it’s certainly not going to be the last. In fact, I’m certain that with the encouragement and support of my new teammates I will be taking on challenges that I once thought impossible.

Because I’m a Betty. A hot chick. A badass. An athlete.

Thank you to my friend, teammate and new “Team Betty sister” Alex Carleton for encouraging me to apply!

 

Thank you to my friend Kristin for racing with me – in person and virtually. What’s next?

Thank you Heather Snavely and Brooks Running for believing in me from the start – sending me my first pair of real running sneakers in 2012 (and every other pair I own) and supporting me ever since!