Touching Dreams

As a young child I was certain that I was going to be a professional athlete when I grew up. I just knew it. It was a fact.

It was a fact because it was my dream...

I remember my Mother asking me "Sion, what do you want to do when you grow up?"

Without hesitation, I would blurt out "I am going to play for the Phillies!"

"Okay, what else would you like to do...?" She would ask. 

Growing up in Corrales, New Mexico, I had the childhood most kids would envy. A caring family. A beautiful place to live and everything I wanted. But early on I felt lost. The lack of belonging I suffered was so confusing. I can still feel that emptiness while I reminisce.

Things didn't go exactly as I had imagined. I guess making life long plans at the age of seven doesn't always pan out. 

I eventually lost my desire to play baseball and sometime after that, I lost all motivation. I drifted through high school with no drive and no direction. It wasn't all bad, there were some good times. But truth is, I was beginning to spiral down a dangerous road. 

After high school my life grew increasingly more grim. I was lost. I did the only thing I was good at, I inebriated myself. Years went by as my days bled together. I lied to those around me and stole from the ones trying to help. I would look at myself in the mirror with disgust. 

I eventually left my life in New Mexico behind. I ended up in Tucson, Arizona. I was still determined to continue living life on my terms. And the life I lived continued to deal me a bad hand.

I vaguely remember sitting in front of an auto parts store panhandling money;

"What happened to you, Sion?" I asked myself.. "Why did you do this?"

I had bottomed out, so a grabbed a shovel and continued to dig. At some point I had a moment of clarity and hit pay dirt.

I recall sitting in a room full of people and feeling more alone than ever before. I sat there in a daze, dreaming of a better life. A life to be proud of.

"This isn't the life for me.." I remember thinking. "Get out of here."

And so I left. I left in search of a better life. 

With the continued support of my family, I eventually began to rebuild my life. And somewhere along the way, I began to run. 

First it was a half marathon with my sister, Ariana. Then it was a road races and marathons. I couldn't get enough. This led to trail running and ultras. To mountains and vistas. 

I raced as much as I could. I found peace of mind. I ate. I slept. I laughed. I cried. 

I ran until I collapsed. 

A void had been filled. I had discovered my secret to life and I was in love.

Running had saved me and subsequently, trail running defined me. 

2014 has been by far, the best year of racing I've had. I experienced just about everything imaginable in terms of weather. From blistering heat to blizzards and everything in between. I have grown quite a bit as a runner over the last year and I have worked harder than ever before.

The work has brought me one step closer to that dream I had as a young child. While ultra running will never pay my bills, it has given me purpose and a sense of belonging. It has allowed me to become the athlete I dreamt about before those dark days.

Being chosen to be a member of the Aravaipa Racing Team has proven once again that with some grit and some determination, even the most lost can find a new road. With one foot in front of the other, I have run far away from my past and into a world of beauty and peace.

Aravaipa Running has become one of the premier race organizations in the nation, putting Arizona on the map as a prime destination for those looking to participate in quality events. I can't adequately express the gratitude I have. The excitement is palpable.

I want to personally thank Aravaipa Running founders, Jamil and Nick Coury for giving me the opportunity to represent such a first class running company and family.



                                 Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and
                                 sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit you dreams.
                                                         
                                                                               ~ Donovan Bailey



                                       

Team Aravaipa 2015