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You are here: Home / Active Mama's World / Women of Venus De Miles: Kristina

Women of Venus De Miles: Kristina

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Venus de Miles is a lot of things – Northern Illinois’ first all-women’s road ride, a celebration of sisterhood, support for Greenhouse Scholars, and crazy fun – but one thing it’s not is a race. So, don’t be afraid to walk your bike up that hill, and, most importantly, enjoy yourself. Join us Sunday, July 28th 2013, for our second year in Chicago and put your pedal to the mettle. Or join our Bolder, Colorado ride on September 29th, 2013.

However, if you think that there is no way you can join the bicycle ride of this magnitude, nothing can be further from the truth. I’d love to introduce you to some faces that make Venus de Miles so unique.

Meet Kristina

Kristina - Venus De Miles

She started her journey being 220 lbs and miserable. She knows firsthand what it means to be the big girl in a Tai Chi class, losing balance way too many times, but keep coming back to it week after week. It wasn’t enough to understand how to work out. She also beat her plateau by changing her eating habits. But this life transformation was only the beginning of something completely new. Kristina joined a Triathlon training group that made her feel that she can do anything. 5K, a mud run, a Triathlon.

The momentum was building and it was contagious. My friends were noticing, and they in turn were starting to make their own improvements. People love a good success story. And if you know the person, it makes it more tangible for yourself.

Kristina - Venus de Miles has some muscles

After that came a personal training certification, a winter running group, a half marathon, a zombie run, training for a century ride, and an assortment of other races and events.

I rode Venus for the first time last year in Illinois. Initially my family was going to be out of town at the time of the ride, but circumstances changed , I felt lucky to have a chance and join the ride. I loved it! I had such a great time. The pre-ride yoga was great and the post-ride party and pampering were like no other athletic event I had been to. It was such a fun day! I was on a mission to get more of my friends involved in the next year’s ride.

After the event Kristina was looking for ways to get involved more and the answer came in a form of ambassadorship. It seemed like a perfect fit and she replied. She found herself surrounded by women who wanted to not only help other women, but to help other women’s children.

I saw an opportunity to use my own goddess skills to help promote this wonderful ride and grow a fun event, but to also spread my own wings and work with a phenomenal charity.

Since that time, Kristina has been fortunate enough to speak at two ladies nights and see first-hand how a group of women can inspire other women to be the best goddesses they can be. She has connected to people with like-minded goals who will create more growth opportunities for local women. It also came w great satisfaction of aligning with an inspirational charity, the Greenhouse Scholars.

Kristina - Venus de Miles is a super woman

I had always shied away from fundraising, but I have shattered my goal twice now. This just reinforces my belief that you create your own path. If you want something, you just need to do it. I amaze myself everyday. 2 years ago, I was inactive, and 220lbs. Now, I am a force that can’t be stopped!

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Comments

  1. Jenna Wood says

    April 23, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Oh my this looks like a blast, I just love the comradely support!

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:31 am

      I know, right? The events look like so much fun!

  2. Patty says

    April 23, 2013 at 11:31 am

    What an inspirational story and it sounds like a fun event.

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:32 am

      I love how awesome she is

  3. Amber Edwards says

    April 23, 2013 at 11:47 am

    What an amazing story! And to see how far she’s come and all she can accomplish! I have no excuse. She is truly amazing and the support really can make all the difference.

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:33 am

      That is exactly how I feel – she has come a long way

  4. Bre Dale says

    April 23, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    That’s very inspiring! Thank you for posting

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:33 am

      🙂

  5. Suburban Style Challenge says

    April 23, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    Wow! What a great story! I love that she not only became successful, but that she was able to inspire those around her as well. That, I think, is the true measure of success.

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:34 am

      I am amazed every meeting people that are truly inspiring

  6. Sandy a la Mode says

    April 23, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    this looks soo fun!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

  7. SHELLEY R ZUREK says

    April 23, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    I love that she is a force that can’t be stopped, she projects that image even in pictures.

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:35 am

      Especially on the last picture, ah? When I grow up I want to be just like Kristina

  8. mel says

    April 23, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Oh I love the sportsmanship!! Sounds like a fantastic event!

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:36 am

      I loved it last year and can’t wait to do it again this year

  9. Jenn @comebackmomma says

    April 23, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    She has such an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:36 am

      You are very welcome!

  10. Margo says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    OMG she sounds like such a cool chick! :0

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      May 4, 2013 at 11:35 am

      I hope to meet her soon – she does seem totally cool

  11. Paula Robinson says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    what a wonderful event, and what an inspiring woman!

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      May 4, 2013 at 11:36 am

      I really do love this event – it is so huge

  12. Ellen says

    April 26, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    What a wonderful story & so inspirational!

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      May 4, 2013 at 11:36 am

      Totally agree

  13. Paulin says

    April 29, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    How fun! And so inspirational 🙂

    • Way 2 Good Life says

      May 4, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Honestly that is what makes me go an extra mile

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