Tamara's Inspiring Journey to Ironman Chattanooga

This year I have had the privilege to work with a wonderful friend and athlete.

East Ridge Bicycle Triathlon Team

Her name is Tamara and her story is extraordinary. On September 25 2016, she will celebrate the journey at Ironman Chattanooga with a 2.4 mile swim in the Tennessee River, bike 116 miles in the Chattanooga Valley & run a full marathon while her city of friends cheer her name. My heart overflows with joy to be part of her journey. Getting to the starting line of an Ironman triathlon, is no easy task for anyone. There is suffering & difficulties along the way. Many people do not make it to race day. It takes deep passion & commitment to keep pushing when the body & mind want to quit. Heart & soul will carry you through when you want something bad enough. Below is Tamara's story. She is a member of East Ridge Bicycles Triathlon Team. What she doesn't mention is that earlier this summer, she battled serious injury and training took a back seat as she focused on healing so that she could be healthy for race day. Her mental strength is inspirational.

Tamara's story, told by Tamara:

September marks an anniversary for me that many people don’t know about. I will be 41 this Friday and looking forward to participating in my first IM. I wanted to share how I began my IM journey.

My journey actually started in September 2005, when I had a mental breakdown which finally led to my diagnosis of Bipolar disorder. Immediately, my wonderful husband sought treatment for me and during many years of therapy and medicine, I am who I am today. I admit this has been a long and difficulty journey but I am so thankful for a supportive husband, family, friends and the Lord. I would not be where I am today without His and their amazing, unconditional love. After being diagnosed, my therapist encouraged me to begin an exercise program.

I began running in 2006 hoping to release enough endorphins to be somewhat stable. I continued until 2007 where I began to be discouraged so I quit. In 2010, I learned of a program called Run For God by Mitchell Hollis. This is when I became literally crazy. I began running 5ks, 10ks, 15ks, Half Marathons, Split Marathon, Marathons, and Ragnar. During these many years, I have struggled with many injuries. It was in 2014 that I sustained a left calf injury that led to PT. The Physical therapist recommended I find a new hobby. One day I went to pick up my medication from my pharmacist, who is also a very good friend, She asked, “I have you ever done a Triathlon.” I said, no. She said, “Chattanooga is hosting a Half Ironman.” At that moment I told her I would check into. You guessed it, I began the Crazy world of Triathlons in 2015.

I participated in a Sprint Triathlon in April, Half IM in May and many Olympic Triathlons that following season. In September 2015, I signed up for Chattanooga Full IM.

My journey began in 2005 with mental healing but I can say that my true journey began the day I signed up for IM. I have struggled mentally and physically for many years but the JOY that comes from meeting new people, learning and listening to others stories of how they became an Ironman, the opportunity to encourage others is why I can say I am thankful that God has given me the mental and physical ability to hopefully on September 25, 2016, I will here my name Tamara Edwards you are an IronMan.

My Ironman journey isn’t just about the mental and physical aspect but the spiritual, too. I give praise to the Lord who gives me strength and endurance each day. This IM journey wouldn’t have been possible without knowing and trusting in him. On race day, I will mark upon my heart this verse, “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust in Him, and He will.” Psalm 37:5

Special Thank you to so many people, I hope that sharing my IM story others will find the strength to go beyond and mental and physical restrictions to becoming an Ironman. Ironman isn’t just a race it is a life of experiences.

Tamara

Please Cheer extra loud when you see Tamara on the course next week!!