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Inspiring Story about How to Make the Impossible Possible

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A personal story of weight loss, finding self love, and running a marathon.

In this story we meet Kiah Twisselman, who you may recognize from her appearances in People Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, or on Good Morning America. Kiah believed that her goals were impossible, but with some very simple steps, she was able to overcome obstacles and make her wishes come to life.

This goal to make the impossible possible is that mindset that Kiah wishes to share with her story. She wants to teach people the mental tools she has used to create a life of joy from the inside out.

Now that Kiah has lost over 125 pounds she has a new goal in site, completing her first marathon. Kiah shares her story and invites you to follow her as she trains for the 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon on February 14, 2021.

 

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Frustrated and Ready for Change  

My name is Kiah and I’m a cattle rancher turned entrepreneur and life coach. I was raised on my family’s cattle ranch in rural California. I battled with my weight all through my childhood up to my mid-twenties. My mindset told me there was no way I could have a healthy lifestyle. I played the victim to my obesity for years, blaming my genetics for why I couldn’t lose the weight. My career was my excuse for why I didn’t invest in the gym. There wasn’t enough time and money.

In 2018, I was on a flight for work. For the first time in my life, I had to request a seatbelt extender. It felt like a new low for me. Coincidentally, just before the flight, I purchased “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis. That book contained the words I needed to read at the exact time I needed to read them. Hollis’ book was my wake-up call. If I wanted to change anything about my life – my career, my health, my lifestyle – then I needed to take ownership of my life. I needed to start making better choices for myself.

I shifted my motivation for my weight loss. I went from a place of self-hate and desperation to a place of choosing to be one percent better each day because I LOVED myself enough to show up and do the hard work. Click To Tweet

5 Simple Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle

Later that year, October 1, 2018, I started my health journey (again) with five simple habits as part of Hollis’ Last 90 Days Challenge. 

  1. Wake up one hour earlier for yourself
  2. Give up one food that doesn’t bless your body
  3. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water
  4. Write down 10 things you’re grateful for
  5. Move your body for at least 30 minutes a day

After 90 days I lost 25 pounds. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like I was making empty promises to myself every New Year. More importantly than the habits, I had really started to work on my mindset.

In one year, without any fad diets or a gym membership, I lost 103 pounds. What had seemed impossible was possible. To date, I have lost more than 125 pounds. 

 

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If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done. I’m so proud of us for finishing our FIRST 5k race! We didn’t come in first, not even close, but you know what? We lapped everyone sitting on their couch and we FINISHED! I’m so thankful for these beautiful, encouraging people in my life. When the tide rises, all the ships rise together. When we are strong for ourselves, we lift up the ones around us. Don’t be afraid to get in the race. It will be hard, but it will be so worth it. Courage over comfort, always. And yes, you better believe this health journey is #FueledByBeef! ??? ••• #slo5k #raceslo #5k #beefit #sanluisobispo #beef #fueledbybeef #eatbeef #beefitswhatsfordinner #courageovercomfort #madeformore #phitnphat

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The Next Step: Run a Marathon

Earlier this year I had the incredible honor of being featured in People Magazine, Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, and Women’s Health for my weight loss transformation. Now I’m a full-time life coach and weight loss coach. My mission is to empower others around the world to love themselves through health and happiness, too.

I want to teach people the mental tools I learned that helped me create a life of joy from the inside out. Click To Tweet

My journey is far from over. I continuously challenge my own beliefs about what is possible. Running used to be my least favorite activity of all time. Yet here I am training for the 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, my very first marathon! Amazing things can happen when we start believing in ourselves. I look forward to seeing you on-course and at the finish line in February 2021!

Kiah’s bright personality and real love for life shine through in everything she does. We know that she will absolutely crush her goal of becoming a marathon finisher. Be sure to her journey and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Remember, you too can make the impossible possible, just believe in yourself. Looking for a supportive community? Join our Facebook Group and follow our blog for our latest advice and more inspirational stories. 

 

High Five Events Moves Up 310 Spots on 2020 Inc 5000 List

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Placement on 2020 Inc 5000 list is 310 spots higher than 2019

Inc. magazine revealed that High Five Events is ranked 1853 on its 2020 Inc 5000 list with an impressive growth rate of 229 percent. That represents a jump of 310 spots from the 2019 rankings. High Five Events debuted on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list at 2163. The 2020 Inc 5000 list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“Since our first triathlon in 2003, we’ve strived to produce top-notch, large-scale events, better the communities in which we live and work, and support the community of athletes we serve,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re proud to return to the 2020 Inc 5000 list and will continue to focus on enhancing our events, like the 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour on February 14, 2021.”

The list’s aggregate revenue in 2019 was $209 billion

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of more than 500 percent and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for more than 1 million jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” said Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

High Five Events is also owned by Jack Murray and Dan Carroll. Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years’ combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations. The 18-year-old company owns and produces the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, CapTex Tri presented by Life Time Fitness, Rookie Triathlon, Jack’s Generic Triathlon, and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. They also produce 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour and Cap10K.

Boost Your Hydration with these 4 Easy-to-Make Recipes

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The 2020 August Running Playlist: Music to Your Ears

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We curated the 2020 August Running Playlist just for you

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. Every year, we showcase live music throughout the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course and at the 3-block-long finish line festival. These monthly playlists will allow y’all to hear what we’re listening to. Each song can be found on its monthly playlist and our master #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We also share every song on Twitter. Hit the ‘Follow’ button on Twitter so you know what’s next! The 2020 August Running Playlist has everything you need, from Manchester Orchestra’s heavy guitar riffs to Gloria Gaynor’s classic “I Will Survive.” Pro tip: having a playlist that you love is a great motivational tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Playlist pro tips:

1) In Spotify, drag the 2020 August Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) Then click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Click play on the 2020 August Running Playlist before you take off for your next run. These songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you like that we didn’t list? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.