About Me
I’m Jessica Stevens, wife, mother of 4, teacher and a runner. Exercise has pretty much always been a part of my life. As a teenager, I was training to be a ballerina. I even danced with the Tampa Ballet and as a trainee with Bay Ballet theater when they started. I was able to dance in many ballets and musicals. As a dancer, I would exercise, rehearse and prepare almost 8 hours a day. To most would be work….but to me…that was my life. Sadly, I struggled with an eating disorder that consumed my life. In 1995, I met my wonderful husband and discovered that the Lord had different plans for my life. I have been happily married to Michael for 15 years and he is my biggest encourager. He is the one who even did this blog for me.
My journey as a runner began when my mother’s sister signed her up for the 2012 Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon. I thought it would be fun to spend time with my aunt and my mom. Needless to say, as I began to train for the 1/2 marathon, I found myself developing a passion for running. My very first practice run with my mom was only 2.6 miles and we went at a 14.5 minute mile! Since then, I have been reading and learning about running and now am trying to train for the Disney Full Marathon in January 2013. I was able to complete the marathon despite a terrible IT band injury. It took me 5 hours to complete it and I am hoping to train again to complete the full marathon in 4.5 hours. Whatever the Lord allows, I will do. I am hoping to achieve my goal in January 2015.
My husband and I thought this would be a great place to journal and hold me accountable. It’s hard to balance life as a child of God, wife, mother, teacher, and runner. So hopefully my family and friends will be encouraged through this blog.
My favorite verse that I often repeat to myself while I am running is “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13
