Rachel Coleman
RACHEL COLEMAN is a runner, hiker, skier and super-mom. While her most important job is being a mom, she also has a successful career as a singer-songwriter and she is the co-creator and host of Signing Time, an Emmy nominated television and DVD series that teaches children to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL).
As the mother of Leah, who was born deaf, and Lucy, who was born with cerebral palsy and spina bifida, Rachel’s primary fitness goal is to continue to strengthen her body so she can show her children a world where anything is possible. The only way 9 year-old Lucy can experience the world beyond her wheelchair is if someone is strong enough to carry her there. So when Rachel’s trainer asked why she wanted to get fit, Rachel responded, “I don’t need to be skinny. I don’t care if I lose any more weight. I just really need to be able to dead-lift 50 lbs over and over and over, every single day of my life.”
Although Rachel’s fitness goals weren’t focused on appearance, she has gone from a size 14/16 to a 2/4 in the past two years through weight training, running and healthy food choices. She feels her biggest accomplishments in life are not the ones that will ever be rewarded with medals or applause. The biggest accomplishments are moments like these with her daughter:
“In August, I was hiking a steep trail in Yellowstone with Lucy on my back, we had just seen a beautiful waterfall. I was breathing hard but still working my way up the trail. Lucy leaned in close and whispered: ‘Mom, this is what you are training for.’ And Lucy was right. There really is no finish line. We are training for life.”
RACHEL’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Ran the Las Vegas Rock ‘n Roll Half-Marathon with a group of friends from across the country who read her blog and were inspired to come run with her (December ’09)
- Lifting and carrying Lucy through three days of rides and fun at Disneyland (August ’09)
- Completed the Salt Lake City Half-marathon (April ’09)
2010 GOALS:
- Complete the Salt Lake City Half Marathon in April “barefoot” with a team of blog readers and cyber-friends from around the country
- Summit King’s Peak, elevation: 13,528 feet (The highest point in Utah)
- Summit Mt. Whitney, elevation: 14,505 feet (The highest point in the lower 48)
- Train for and complete her first triathlon “I’m not a great swimmer and I just got a road bike, but why would I let that stop me?”
- Complete a 5K with Lucy on her back
PERSONAL MANTRA: I don’t have to be the strongest mom in the world, just the strongest mom in Lucy’s world.
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Way to make me cry five times while reading that! Go Rachel Coleman! This has got to be the most inspiring althete I’ve heard of in a long time.
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Congratulations Rachel! You’ve been an inspiration for so many families with Signing Time, and for many of your fans these past 2 years who have followed your fitness goals and realized that we can be fit too. For all times you questioned if anyone would consider you an athlete, this proves it: Athleta has outed you as the athlete you are!! Go Rachel go!!!
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WOW! One of my ultimate favorite clothing companies and one of my ultimate favorite people. What a combo!
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Athleta picked a great representative. Rachel, you have inspired me in so many ways over the years (as well as got me addicted to Athleta clothing). I agree with Jana, what a great combo!
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Rachel is an amazing woman, wife, mother and mentor. I have never known such a woman so inspiring. Thank you Rachel Coleman! Its been a great 2 1/2 yrs!!! (and counting) April, Grayson and Sequoia
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Congratulations Rachel! I am sure you are making them all very proud!
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Rachel never ceases to amaze me. Her drive is remarkable. Her motivation, astounding. She makes me stronger just by being. Rachel=energy. Rachel=inspiration. There is no one more deserving! What a ROCKSTAR!
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Rachel, you are an amazing woman!! Your girls are extremely lucky to have a mother who is such a wonderful inpiration to so many people in the world, as well as to them. What an incredible spirit you have!! God bless you and your family!
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What an inspiring person! Your truly are an amazing mom.
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Rachel, you and your family are such an inspiration! Amazing!
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Love you guys!! You are such an inspiration to my 3 year old son with DS. Be strong and thank you!!!!
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Wow….Rachael is definitely an inspiring person. I learned something even more wonderful about her that I wasn’t aware of….
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Does anyone know where she got that great backpack/child carrier?? That looks like an awesome solution for carrying my daughter! Go, Rachel, Go! ;)
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Left , crying and inspired. Rachel is the meaning of the word Mother!!
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Awesome article! Any idea what carrier Rachel is using?
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I have nothing to say but WOW. I’ve been a fan of Signing Time for years, but never realized there was so much to the woman with the colorful fingers!
Thanks so much!
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Hey gals, thanks for your sweet words! This really is exciting and I’m thrilled to share our adventures with so many new friends.
For those of you wondering about the carrier I’m wearing, it is from a company called Baby Hawk. It hadn’t been easy figuring out how to comfortably and safely carry a 50 pound, 9 year-old. I contacted them about building a custom Baby Hawk for me to carry Lucy in and they agreed. They have Baby Hawks, Toddler Hawks… and in my house, we call ours The Lucy Hawk.
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Thanks for answering the carrier question Rachel. It looked like a BH, but different, it was driving me crazy. It’s good to know that the company worked with you to make a carrier that worked for you and Lucy.
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Nothing could be sweeter than seeing Lucy in her “Lucy Hawk” ready to take a neighborhood walk with Mom Rachel, with snow on the ground and the Wasatch Mountains in the background! Congratulations on your super preparedness to take care of Lucy’s needs! Your fitness goals weren’t on appearance, but your food and work-out schedule certainly made you even more beautiful and fit for Life! Now I know the secret of your fabulous work-out clothes–they’re Athleta! Congratulations and good luck for a great 2010!!
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Where was the tissue alert? Oh, Lucy! Such words of wisdom for such a small little girl.
Rachel, you and your amazing family continue to inspire me daily. Thank you for allowing us all to be a part of your journey.
:)
Love the Lucy Hawk!!!
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Could you be any more cute, trendy and awesome?!!! (and that goes for both you, Rachel and Lucy!!!)
Good Luck in 2010 – I’m hoping for my first 5K! -Kerry
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Rachel, you and your family never cease to amaze. Congratulations on becoming the best “momathelete” I know!
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How many times will I read this story before I stop being moved? You go, girls. Here’s to “YES!”
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Even as I told you years ago that you ‘shined’ above the rest; I am so amazed with how ‘shining’ you have continued to become and such a fabulous woman, wife and mother. You go Girl!
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Rachel reaches all her goals that she sets and I’m sure 2010 will be no different. What an inspiration to all of us who really want to get fit. I never tire of hearing her story. :)
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Rachel,
It’s an honor to be a featured athlete with you. It sounds like you live in Utah. I’m up in Wyoming. If you want some company on King’s Peak — not that you have any shortage of supporters and fans — let me know. I love meeting inspiring people in person.
Dina
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Rachel, you and your family are an inspiration! I have a baby Lucy too and I also carry her in a BabyHawk Oh Snap (which is what your carrier looks like). She’s only 32 pounds, but you are inspiring me to get and stay in shape so I can continue to carry her for as long as she’ll let me!
I hope you have many babywearing snuggles with your girls ahead of you.
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Rachel Coleman, how I just love and adore you. You can make me laugh and you can make me cry. I am constantly amazed by your strength and abilities. Thank you for sharing your goals and accomplishments with us. You are truely inspiring.
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Rachel you are the strongest woman I know both physically and mentally. You inspired me to lose 30lbs and keep it off and have got me addicted to Athleta clothing at the same time. You truely are an athlete for LIFE!
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Rachel is truelly inspiring as a mom. My daughter and I have met her while filming for Baby Signing Time.
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Rachel,
My daughter also has spina bifida. I loved your signing times videos and watched them with my son before we ever learned my daugher would have spina bifida, or that yours did also. I always loved your songs and message about doing things in their own way, in their own time, and how special each child is. Madi is currently one and I wear her often in my babyhawk, beco, or other similar carriers. I’ve always said I plan on extended wearing, but was never sure how to do it. I’m so excited that I found your article!! You will have to send some tips my way. I, too, want to take my daughter everywhere in this world, including places that her wheelchair or stander cannot follow. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Jamie
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“I don’t have to be the strongest mom in the world, just the strongest mom in Lucy’s world.”
oh my gosh, that’s a great one! as the mom of an autistic 1st grader and two others who need all the support they can get, I just LOVe what you said!
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I just cried reading this … if only we all had your strength and determination.
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I saw the pic of Rachael in my e-mail from Athleta & had to scurry over to the site to concur with Athleta’s choice. She is such an inspiration! I have loved her for years when my oldest (now 6) watched signing time as a baby.
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Holy Moly, tears just flew out of my eyes at how special her story is! Rachel, you are truly an inspiration and a Supermommy!
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This is what parental love is in a beautiful nutshell…I am profoundly touched.
Going to print this to share with my trainer and put on my fridge. Much love to Rachel and her children!
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You are amazing! Obviously, God chose you to be a special instrument..it is wonderful to read about how you’ve blossomed into an athlete as you’ve performed your Mom duties..Thank you for this blog. I needed to read it.
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Like many others before me reading this brought flowing tears to my eyes. I too had seen you Rachel on PBS kids TV which I watch with my 4 year old daughter. What a wonderful story. Strength in your body came directly from the strength of your spirit, which came from one source: pure love. A lesson we can all learn from.
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Okay so I just read that you are the one on Signing Time…I LOVE THAT SHOW! Both my daughters and I watch and I love your voice. Learning of your story, Rachel I do believe you are my new FAVORITE WOMAN!!! Ha-ha! Wow, is all I can say. What an amazing woman you are and Lucy is blessed to have a mom like you and we are so thankful she shares with the rest of us on Signing time!
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Rachel, Thanks for inspiring me. I am grateful for the strength I receive when I read your blog posts.
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Rachel! You are a true inspiration to mothers everywhere! You are the true esensce of what a Super mom is and what is most important in life. The BEST of wishes in all your endevors!
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Rachel – you’re very inspiring. I’m a mom of a non-verbal special-needs daughter who needs extra attention – reading was your story was amazing – I workout to keep up with my daughter’s needs as well and I think for my own sanity. You go girl and give those amazing daughters an extra hug!
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Wooww!!!! very inspiring!!!! I wish we all had something more deeper than looks to be healthy and never give up, I hope i will find my strength soon, i really need it !!! Thanks!!
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Wow! Rachel… I’m a mom of three little ones, 40lbs over weight and in training for my first 1/2 marathon. You touched my heart and your perseverance gives me inspiration. God has truly blessed you and you are a beautiful example that all women should follow. Your fruits of your labors are shining bright in Lucy’s smile. Thank you for sharing your story!!
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Rachel… I can not even begin to tell you how inspired I am. My two children (5 and 2) have LOVED your Signing Time Videos… we get them from the Library, but I never knew the other side of your back-story. We live in CO and just love to hike with the kiddos. I love your point about training for life and not the finish line. That is what I have been trying to get across to my children by taking them out and demonstrating the need to stay fit on my own. I once was a burned out competitive swimmer, but now run/swim for fun, but I have never been able to put into words the ultimate goal! Thank you for sharing your story.
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Rachel’s drive fueled by the love for her children made me cry. Talk about beauty and unconditional love. Thank-you for sharing your story Rachel. I wish you health and happiness
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Rachel… As the mother of two, one of which is special needs, I can’t begin to tell you how inpired I am!!! A friend called just a week or so ago to ask me to start training with her for our local mini marathon… I totally do not like running, but maybe this is a challenge I need to take on. Thanks for sharing your story. Oh, and btw we love Signing Time!
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Rachel: God has truly blessed you with a gift of inspiring others. Thank you for your honesty in your blog and for the awesome pictures too. Athleta has gained my respect as well for selecting you as one of their featured athletes. Thank you.
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Hands down Athleta picked the best rep by having you :)
God Bless you Rachel and Lucy – what an amazing duo!
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As a mom of 2 girls who love to watch Rachel and the Signing Time show (we own one of the DVDs) I had to read this. I didn’t know anything about her other than Leah. Of course this brought me to tears. What an inspiring and amazing story! The next time I say “I can’t do it” I’ll think twice!
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Thanks again for the outpouring of love and support! Being “super hot and skinny” never inspired me to change my habits for more than a few days. Being “strong enough for Lucy” has inspired me to change my life for more than 2 years. I had no proof that I could be a size 4 or maintain it for any period of time. I dreamt of being a size 8… But it wasn’t “dreaming” that made the difference, it was DOING.
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Thank you Rachel for your deepfelt inspiration shared through your amazing story. Reading your blog every day reaches my heart in knowing more about you, Lucy and your journey of strength. I felt especially touched by your ‘personal mantra’. May all your wishes, efforts in ‘doing’ and sheer belief in ‘I can’ come true and more!!
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As a new mom and a special education teacher, I found this story to be SO INSPIRING! It really needs to be shared with all new parents AND parents of children with disabilities!!
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Simply put . . . Rachel, you are the coolest.
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Hi Rachel,
I was wondering how things are going for both you and Lucy, in general…just wanted to reach out in saying ‘hi!’ I have to second, hands-down, that Athleta really did superbly in having you as one of their amazing sponsors and more.
Again, thank you for being you!
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I am moved every time I read your stories. I love your blog. I love to hear your girls’ words of wisdom. I love the inspiration and encouragement that I get from reading about your life. Keep it up. Thanks:)
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Rachel, for the past 3 years you have been a fixture in our home through your wonderful videos (Thank you!). And now, reading this, I am even more amazed at your strength and abilities. You are a true inspiration!
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Only one word to describe what you’ve shared with us: AWESOME!
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Racheal, a friend told me about your blog because she thought we would have some things in common. I am a mother of 4 children. One of which was born with cataracts in both eyes and had to have them both removed, and another is an amputee. I am also a triathlete and have completed 13 Iron Mans. This is what I have gathered after following your blog for a few months now.
I know what it’s like to have people feel sorry for you Racheal. I’ve seen the looks they give me and my kids and you and I both know what they are thinking. It’s hard. But I have to say I have never tried to capitalize on my children’s disabilities. It seems like you can’t go for a simple hike without blogging about it. You are making your kids disabilites a bigger issue than they are. Do you realize that? Instead of just signing up for a 1/2 marathon and running it, you have to make sure everyone knows that you’re doing it. Why? Why the article in the paper? Why not let Lucy and Leah REALLY be like everyone else?
Secondly, I’m genuinely perplexed as to why you were chosen to be a sponsored athlete when you were overweight 2 years ago? You ran a marathon in 5 and a half hours and a 1/2 in 2 hours? Don’t get me wrong, that’s definitely an accomplishment and I’m not trying to take away from how hard it is to just get started, but I feel like this is a slap in the face for women that have never struggled with their weight because we’ve worked our butts off our whole lives.
I wish I could have emailed you directly and not done this on such a public forum because I know you have quite the following and am ready for the backlash but had to get this off of my chest. When you can start running just for the sake of running without feeling the need to let everyone know, that’s when the satisfaction comes. Because, you see, that’s what athletes do.
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Kathy,
Thanks for your point of view. Congrats on completing 13 Iron Man races, that’s really amazing.
~Rachel
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Hi Kathy,
As a fellow blogger like you, I’d simply like to add a why not? to the why? mentioned here. Rachel’s journey is of interest to me and others as well. Her story inspires me and many bloggers/readers here. It’s a real story she’s wonderfully willing to share with us. And that by itself is special. Not everyone is in a place to feel free to do so.
Her fortitude in sharing her story is something well-worthy of acknowledgement, in my opinion. I enjoy being closely plugged into her fitness journey and travels (including her family members). Working hard toward something you believe in and feel a passion for, is oh, so right! and deserves a solid mention in my mind.
Wow!!! Congratulations on completing 13 Ironman races!!! That’s really exceptional and admirable to boot!!!
P.S. May I express my ‘thank you’ in sharing your point of view and feelings with us here. Stay strong as you are. All the best with any upcoming races you plan to engage in!! :)
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I believe that Athleta selected Rachel Coleman to represent their company because she represents real women. She faces life challenges just like each and every one of us do. Rachel is a positive role model, and her journey is amazing. Athleta could not have made a better selection.
The definition of athlete is ‘a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill.’
How does that NOT describe Rachel?
The quality of our lives is directly influenced by the attitudes that we have toward ourselves and others. Why waste time on negativity? How productive is it to put anyone else down?
The sponsorship inquiry is available on the bottom of this page. I’d encourage anyone to Go For It!
Reference:
athlete. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 20, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/athlete.
Also, Ironman is one word. Unless you are the superhero.
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I loved reading about Rachel and Lucy, and loved the comments as well. I have two healthy spirited little boys, a demanding full-time job, years of sleep to catch up on, and fitness ambitions that I manage to fulfill only now and again. Much of the time I can’t help reeling from stress and exhaustion, but I read this and am reminded how precious these very tough moments are as well as how much tougher they might be — and why not champion them?
Lucy and Leah will never be like everyone else, and neither will Rachel. And while fitting in may be important, so is standing out, especially in our culture. People run and become athletes for all different reasons. The blog is openly associated with a for-profit commercial interest, but that doesn’t diminish its value, in my opinion!
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Wonderfully said and written Kim! I couldn’t agree with you more. Athleta, its athletes, and bloggers (like you and I) are all coming from a shared area of interest in simply having us feel and know there’s a large team-like family of active participants who face periodic challenges with given smiles, inspiration, perspiration, aspiration, strength, muscles, sweat, and tears in the journey, support, and venture of it all.
Championing tough moments allows us to grow, get stronger inside, and define who we really are as individuals…isn’t that what living life’s all about? For me, its been sooo worth it! Every minute, every mile, and every moment of it.
Thank you, Kim for sharing your perspective!! :)
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