#LLSP Sponsored Athletes

We love inspiring stories. A big part of the Live for a Living approach is overcoming and adapting to the circumstances, choices, and current conditions of one's life. The athletes you will learn about below are true examples of this approach. Each #LLSP applicant was accepted because not only do they have a great story, but they truly embody the Live for a Living spirit by possessing the desire to inspire others.

We sponsor people with great stories who want to do cool stuff. Know someone? Is it you?

 
 
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Bryce Carlson

"I learn something from each adventure, about myself and the world around me. The kind of knowledge you can’t just read about in a book. And the pursuit of those adventures and that kind of knowledge has become a bit addictive"

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Chris Jonson

"I hope to challenge [my daughters] and inspire them to be successful even when there aren't immediate results. The same story is true with my students."

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Jessica Ibsen

"My finances have become very limited. Part of the reason I run is to set an example to my two children. They have seen me face several hurdles and fight and claw my way to the finish."

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Maria Deligiannis 

"I really don't like to start off with this description because I don't believe it's what defines who I am, but it is certainly the reason why I find myself here, doing this, at this very moment. I am a 31-year old widow."

Joshua Alger

"Unfortunately around Thanksgiving of last year my mother passed away in a paragliding accident. It was really tough to deal with and it has been a little bit of a struggle getting back into flying without her."

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Britt simmerman

"I think people are truly fearful of failure, and I fall very squarely into that category. As a leader, I've been looked to for guidance on how to succeed, how to achieve, and how to win, but just as important is how to conquer fear."

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Leslie Denton

"I live in an area where there's not a lot to do and inspiration is hard to find. I want to help students that come through my classroom, realize that they can rise above their circumstances..."

Danny Stokes

"...I have never done a free-fall jump. As a runner, I have completed numerous marathons, but never any distance greater than 26.2 miles..."

Amy Brooks

We have a soft spot for Moms working to raise their children in a healthy environment. Amy is challenging herself in the one of strongest ways possible...

 
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Christian Banda

Christian has Parkinson's. Experiencing symptoms at the age of 31, and later diagnosed a few years later, Christian could have easily given up. But he didn't. Check out his full story, and get inspired.

"Blind Pete"

How does Blind embody the #liveforaliving spirit? Having completed Warrior Dash, Savage Race, Spartan Races, & World's Toughest Mudder, "Blind Pete" isn't going to let a lack of eyesight get in his way.

Jill Bates

A common theme on #LLSP sponsorship request applications is weight loss; but there is "weight loss" and there is "dramatic weight loss."

 
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Erin Barttelt

Hell yeah! A firefighter. A FEMALE fire fighter. Read Erin's profile and you, too, will be "rah-rah"ing for this driven firefighter. Erin embodies the Live for a Living philosophy in so many ways.

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Holly oswald

Let's be honest, Holly doesn't love running. More of a strength athlete, Holly began adapting her training with more running, putting in the work, and building up to 15 miles a week.

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Lucas Rivera

Lucas wants to run 200 miles. But that's not why we chose Lucas for #LLSP. We chose Lucas because he oozes commitment. He is refreshingly simple in focus and we believe in him as much as he does himself.

 
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mike russell

We accepted Mike as an #LLSP sponsored athlete purely because we were inspired by his willingness to admit that he needed the public accountability to help him stay on track. We often say, "it takes a village," and this is a perfect example.

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Mel Barkalow

Mel is a very first, official #LLSP sponsored athlete, and was chosen because of her intense drive, determination, and focus. She has a great story and loves to motivate others in so many ways. It doesn't hurt that she is also a law enforcement officer.

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Tara lind

Tara has lost more weight in one year than many have in a lifetime. Over 140 lbs! Tara has a goal of completing a Spartan Race in 2017 and actively training to make that goal come true.