When I was in seventh grade, I tried out for my middle school cheerleading team. My extracurricular activities consisted of track, softball and dance, but all the popular girls were cheerleaders, so I decided that’s what I needed to do as well. With no former experience, I made the team … but it was far from what I’d envisioned. We had to wear our uniforms to school on game days, which required walking through the halls in short, skimpy skirts. I learned wearing that uniform gave people the perceived right to judge the kind of person I was without ever getting to know me. And, I yearned to be out running on the track rather than chanting on the sidelines of the school gymnasium. Oh yeah, and I chipped my front tooth in a head-to-head collision with a base.

I desperately wanted to quit.

When I discussed my plan to quit the cheerleading team with my dad (who also happened to be my track coach), he immediately dismissed the idea. In this family, we don’t quit, he said. When we commit to something, we follow through with it. You never have to be a cheerleader again, but you’ll have to wait until the season is over to make that decision. You can’t quit on your team or your committment. 

It seemed like such a silly thing at the time, but that experience has never left me. My dad has had a profound impact on the person I’ve become. His expectations were as strong as his unconditional love. When I was doing something well, he encouraged me to do it better. When I wanted to pursue a passion, he’d emphasize preparation. When I thought “good” was good enough, he would suggest it wasn’t the same as “great.” It wasn’t overbearing. It wasn’t unrealistic. But the status quo was never going to cut it in my house, nor was quitting.

Twenty-five years later, I’ve found myself reflecting on many of the beliefs my dad instilled in me. I was both the kid and the adult who believed that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and really work for it. While 2018 has been an incredible year in many ways, it has also been a challenging one. I’ve experienced some adversity in both running and in life that has made me question, perhaps for the first time, if that is really true. Can I really do this? Am I really capable of this?

There are days I feel like saying no. Days certain runs, certain situations feel too hard. Time to throw in the towel, find something new. But then I think about my dad and know there is only one answer: Yes I can, yes I will.

Earlier this month, my dear friends at Brooks Running invited me to pick one person who inspires me to receive a head-to-toe outfit from their fall collection, along with one for me as well. Without hesitation, I chose my dad.

Because he is still encouraging me to expect more from myself and those around me.

Because he believes in doing what’s right over what’s easy.

Because he won’t let me believe that quitting is an option, even when the going gets tough.

Because he is the greatest “Poppy” to Baby rUnladylike who lights up every time she sees him (and who never hesitates to read her favorite princess book).

Because he is still out there running, day-in and day-out at age 65, and credits his Brooks Running shoes as the reason he has been able to continue going injury-free as he ages.

Becase my dad is the reason I developed a lifelong love for the sport and know amazing things are still possible.

And, most importantly, because his skills (or lack thereof) at taking jumping photos with me in our new Brooks outfits are so bad that they make me laugh until I cry. And laughing hard can pretty much fix anything. (It took a handful of tries to get this first photo. You’re welcome for all the outtakes.)

To everyone out there who may be doubting yourself, your abilities, your journey or your dreams, let my dad (and his terrible Instagram jumping technique) remind you that you’ve got this, to dig deeper and find the extra gear that will take you where you want to go. When there are bumps in the road, go around them. When there are obstacles in the way, jump over them. Keep showing up. Keep being true to who you are. And keep striving to be the best version of yourself.

Thanks for the reminder, Dad.

Wondering what we think of the latest Brooks fall gear we tried?

My dad LOVES his Ghost 11s. He prefers them over the Glycerin, the Levitate and the Launch and feels they provide him the right amount of cushion and comfort while feeling strong and supportive. He also loves his shirt and shorts.

I adore the latest model of the PureCadence. I liked the 6s as well but the 7s are incredibly comfortable, light, have adequate room in the toe box, fit my foot well and feel fast on. They are very flexible and also have adequate shoe lace length which is important to me. I wear them as a universal shoe. I also surprisingly really love the 3″ 2-in-1 shorts. I definitely prefer a tight-fitted short versus a tempo-style short, but these are a great compromise. While I wish the shorts only had their underlayer as opposed to both, they fit and feel great while providing added modesty if doing strength and core workouts where you’re laying on the floor. I also love the Just right racer sports bra, which I can wear and run in comfortably now that I’ve stopped breastfeeding and my boobs have shrunk to a sad, small size. It offers medium support and includes removeable pads, which have been washing and wearing well for me so far. I do not like the Distance tank and would not buy another. The fit is just off for me, it gets soaked in sweat and isn’t flattering. I prefer the longer, more streamlined Pick-up tank as my go-to top (I have eight of them in different colors). Links for all of these items are in our photo above. Brooks provided both my dad and me with all of these items for free. All opinions are my own, unbiased and uncensored views and always will be.