8k Beat the Bridge race, and stepping out of my comfort zone.

You want to know what I've found to be one of the BEST feelings? That feeling I get after I successfully partake in something that scares me.

One event in particular that I would like to share, is one that took place a couple weeks ago. It was Sunday, May 21st, 2017, when I did something I NEVER would have considered in the past.

I was given the opportunity to lead 1 of the 2, 15-20 minute warm ups for the 5 mile Beat the Bridge race in Seattle Washington. The Beat the Bridge race is sponsored by Nordstrom, and is put on to beat diabetes and benefit the JDRF foundation. How was I given this opportunity you ask? A few months ago I became what is called a "Zella Pro". Zella is an awesome, high quality active wear brand sold by Nordstrom. My duties as a Zella pro consist of me taking photos in my Zella clothing, and promoting it on social media. The reason I applied for this position, is because it's actually a brand I believe deserves the promoting. Due to the fact it is well made, comfortable, and super cute! The internet is crazy these days, and marketing via social media is HUGE! Anyways... I received and email from one of the women who work for Zella, saying that they were in search of volunteers to lead the warm up for this race. And this is when something crazy happened... some courageous being took over my body and replied "I would love to help out!" WHO was this person? This couldn't be Kelsey, the shy, introverted girl, whose stomach drops a little when it comes time to present in front of her classmates... now a CROWD of people.... AY YI YI. The woman replied confirming I was in, and there was no turning back after that. The weeks went on, I was given the schedule for the event,the night before I was feeling the nerves majorly, and then before I knew it, it was the day. Not only was I about to lead the warm up, unsure of how many people would stand in front of me, but I thought "what the heck", and signed up to run in the 8k race as well!

I showed up at the Husky Stadium at 6:45am on a Sunday, with my amazing support crew; my mom, Sandy, and my boyfriend, Trevor. I was so incredibly grateful that these two were wiling to get their booties out of bed at 5:00 am on a Sunday, when they could happily be sleeping in.

As I approached the stadium, a stage with a big sign attached saying, "Beat the Bridge, Warm up Presented by Zella"stood before me. Indicating that THIS was indeed the place I needed to be. A stage, as if I wasn't already nervous... and to top it off, I even got to wear a headset so my voice was nice and loud for all to hear. I was greeted by two lovely ladies, who are fellow "Zella Pros", and were there to help with the warm up as well! I awkwardly babbled on about how I was nervous, and how I planned everything out.... like my warm up, and what I was going to say to the crowd. These girls were so nice, and they themselves slightly nervous as well, and without taking a step out of my comfort zone, I may have never crossed paths with them.

At 7:30am it was time to get things rolling. Music playing, headset on, and up the stairs to the stage I went, with the other two girls by my side. I got up there, looked out to the crowd, and then I just went for it. I was comforted by the fact I had my mom and Trev standing in the back cheering me on, the girls beside me, AND these two little girls standing in front partaking in my warm up with me. To be honest... I probably paid attention to the little girls more than anyone else. I made conversation with them, and for me that was enough to keep me calm and make it through this scary moment. Kids are so innocent, and non judgemental, wouldn't you find comfort in that as well? I was so happy to look out to see people following along, doing something good for their body, with help from me!

After it was over, I honestly felt INCREDIBLE. I was proud, my support crew was proud, and I truly felt like I wanted to do it again. WHAT! You could say my endorphins were flowing,which was perfect because shortly after I had 5 miles to run.

Surprisingly, this was only my second official race. So I was a bit nervous for that as well. I was joined by a friend and his buddy and we ran just under an 8min mile, for all 5 miles. I love running,  it's my favorite thing to do when I need a good workout, and I'm lacking equipment. However, I didn't prepare for this race at all. Besides the treadmill running I did at Orange Theory Fitness, there wasn't a whole lot of other running happening, and absolutely NONE outside. BUT I DID IT, and I thank my body so very much for making it through.

The morning ended with a delicious brunch with my mom and Trev at a local restaurant called Azul. We filled our tummies with grapefruit mimosas, carne asada, chicken fried steak, chorizo, and eggs! 

It's important to remember that everyone's comfort zones differ in size. While my experience may not seem like a big deal to some of you, it was a big deal to me, and from it I have learned, I am a whole lot braver than I thought, and capable of anything I set my mind to. Stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying new things is the best way to grow, and thanks to this I will be able to be more successful in other aspects of my life.

So, why did I bother writing this post? Some of you may very well be wondering... I wanted to share a moment in my life in which I stepped out of my comfort zone, something I would have never had the courage to do in my past, and a moment that I am extremely proud of. I wanted to share in hopes that maybe after reading my positive experience that came from taking on something new and frightening, that you would be motivated to do something that scares you! What is it that comes to mind? What's that one thing that pops into your head that you dream of doing, but can never get the courage to do so? Is it applying for a new job? Asking someone on a date? Taking part in a new hobby? Getting out in front of a crowd? Trying a new food? It could be anything! As long as the thought of it freaks you out a little bit... :)

 What if I ask you to write down that dream, and encourage you to make it a reality.... would you do it?

"It's okay to be scared, being scared means you're about to do something really, really brave."