“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dream, and how you handle disappointment along the way.”
Fitness was non-existent in my life for many years. Actually, for most of my life. Sure, I played sports, danced as a child, and ran around outside; but that was the extent of it. I developed asthma early on and used that as an excuse to not run track or participate in gym. When I did try to play sports, I was left winded and defeated. Exercise and sports were pointless.
Fast forward many years to 2008 and I found myself going through a divorce and raising two children. I weighed close to 180 lbs and I was unhappy. During the time that my ex and I were separated, I developed an affair with the open road. I craved that time alone to think, to breathe, to be free. At that point I couldn’t even run around the entire block, but I wouldn’t let that stop me.
By the time my divorce was finalized, I had run my first 10k. I knew I needed more, so I sought out more and joined my first gym. Towards the end of my time with my trainer, I said “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” He stopped me and said, “No. YOU did all the work. All I did was guide you. A person has to want to succeed…and you DO!”
That was all I needed. I began participating in more local road races, started CrossFit, registered for my first obstacle course race with Merrell Down and Dirty- and so began my romance with mud and barbed wire. I cannot explain the rush one experiences when overcoming an obstacle or crossing the finish line. The experience is different for everyone. I write up each of my experiences in my blogs Diary of Jane and LoveMudRunLift. They are my passion- Spartan, Civilian Military Combine, Merrell Down and Dirty, Superhero Scramble, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash…you name it and I attempt it. I’m currently taking on new challenges through S.E.R.E. and GoRuck while also developing a new relationship and understanding of my body.
Through racing and CrossFit, I have completely changed my life around. Training varies from my own at-home designed routine, to dancing, CrossFit, GetTough Fit, flipping tires and training sessions with bricks in my pack or a weighted vest. My desire to live a healthy, inspiring life is what has brought me here. While I possess a BA in English and an MS in Elementary Education from Hofstra University, I’ve decided to further my education and am working towards receiving my personal training certification. This is more than just a hobby. This is my life.
My goal is to be able to give the gift of fitness and a healthy lifestyle to others by sharing my passion and enthusiasm for a life well lived.
Love. Mud. Run. LIFT!!!
Deanna Moran Tropeano is a 2006 and 2011 graduate of Hofstra University. She lives on Long Island with her two small children and aspires to be a personal trainer/life coach. In 2009, she began participating in local road races and quickly fell for the adrenaline rush experienced during obstacle course races. Since then, she has raised funds through her racing for numerous charities and organizations including Alzheimer’s and Juvenile Diabetes. She shares her experiences with others through her two blogs Diary of Jane: Adventures of a Single Mother and Love Mud Run Lift. Recently, she became an athlete ambassador for Simple Brandz and excited to begin working with StrongFigure.com.
Read more from Deanna:
- Save Money and Solve Racing’s Biggest Obstacle
- From Pre- to Post-Race: Be Prepared!
- How Do Working Moms Stay Fit?
- Exploring the Darkest Part of Yourself
- Fear NOT the Inversion!
- 7 Rules of a GORUCK: Can You Handle It?
Please use the comments section below to ask Deanna questions and get advice on your training goals! Not sure who to ask? CONTACT US!
