Perseverance
Teresa Vargas story is filled with strength, inspiration and Perseverance. Teresa shared her story in Issue #1 of Run Your Life magazine, that she was in a significant car crash, that had caused her to have to rely on a wheelchair. With the support of her family Teresa worked hard recovering from her injuries, while she was battling emotionally hard days. She worked hard to recover so that she may return to doing the things that she loves. I sent Teresa some follow-up questions so we can learn a little bit about her and see what she has been up too!
Introduce yourself! Who are you and how would you describe yourself?
That is a loaded question!
My name is Teresa Vargas. I am not sure where to start when describing myself. There are so many different parts of my life that come together to make me, me. I am a wife and mother of two. I love my family and try hard to make sure that everyone has what they need. I work full-time, which is both satisfying and tiring at times.
Thankfully, my husband and kiddos understand that running and being outdoors helps me to be the best version of myself. I am generally motivated (although, sometimes that escapes me) and eager to accomplish my goals - whether they are personal, professional, or related to running/hiking. Overall, I think I am a pretty basic
person who loves being with the people I love but also having time to do my own thing.
What inspired you to agree to becoming a contributor to Run Your Life Magazine?
When I saw a request to contribute to Run Your Life Magazine, I jumped at the chance. I want the world to know that plus-sized people can accomplish hard things, like completing marathons and hiking 14ers. I also want people to know that life is full of challenges. The accident I wrote about still affects me, but it didn't stop me.
With the right support, we can all accomplish a lot. The magazine was a great vehicle for me to help spread a positive message.
How would you summarize the takeaway of your article?
I wrote about an accident. The key takeaway is that life is not a straight line. We zig, and we zag. I wanted to share that while detours can be really, really hard, it is possible to find success. The first 5k and first 14er I completed after my accident felt like amazing victories. I never would have thought that a 5k was a victory
after completing a handful of marathons. Sometimes we have to redefine success; that is ok - even necessary for our mental health. Learning to be ok with starting over or redefining success is not easy
but with the right supports it is possible.
Has anything changed for you since writing your article?
Since writing the article, I have continued to run and hike. I have completed a few more races and a few more 14ers. I have had a few more injuries. Still, I am going with the flow and hoping to complete a half sometime in 2024. I also want to re-hike Mt. Bierstadt because I didn't feel great the last time I summitted. I hate leaving things on a bad note - so I am going back for a re-do!
Do you have any new advice or takeaways for the Run Your Life community?
My advice is to list a couple of realistic goals and chip away at them. I can get in my own way at times - whether it is because I lose confidence or I let societal standards try to define me - so I get that making and completing goals is hard. I tell myself that I am allowed to feel the feels, but I cannot stay there too long. I can do hard things, in my own time and in my own messy way. And, so can you.
I hope that Teresa’s story has inspired you! I know that I am in awe of her strength and perseverance. I am also grateful for the reminder that even when life sends us detours that can make our journey hard, we can still find success!!
If you would like to read Teresa full story you can find it in Issue #1. Issue#4 is now available!! You can purchase Issue#4 of Run Your Life Magazine in Digital or Print!
