How to go
Who: First United Methodist Church
What: Hope for the 21st Century Speaker Series featuring author Kristin Armstrong
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6
Where: St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Center, 409 E. Main St., Troy.
Tickets: Free tickets are available at the Troy First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Jay and Mary's Book Center all in Troy; and Up and Running in Washington Twp., Montgomery County
TROY — Kristin Armstrong suffered heartache while millions watched her marriage fall apart.
But despite the bumpy road, the ex-wife of cycling great Lance Armstrong said she has a positive message for others.
“It’s good to know that life goes on,” she said.
Adversity — be it divorce, cancer or financial hardship — doesn’t have to be the end of the story, The Miami University grad said.
“It doesn’t define you,” said Armstrong, who lived part of her childhood in Cincinnati. “You can make the choice. You can be a bigger, strong person on the other side.”
The mother of three will be the featured speaker at the First United Methodist Church’s Hope for the 21st Century Speaker Series 4:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Center, 409 E. Main St., Troy.
Armstrong, whose children’s book about Lance Armstrong was published in 2000, turned seriously to writing after filing for divorce in 2003.
“I wanted to pursue a passion and not just a job,” said Armstrong, who ran her first marathon in 2003. She credits family, friends, faith and fitness with helping her get through the taxing ordeal.
Her first inspirational book, 2008’s “Happily Ever After: Walking with Peace and Courage Through a Year of Divorce,” was inspired partly by cards and motivational letters of support.
She has stacks of them.
Armstrong’s latest published book, “Work In Progress: An Unfinished Women’s Guide to Grace,” will be available for purchase after her speech.
The book signing will be coordinated by Jay and Mary’s Book Center.
The contributing editor for “Runner’s World” magazine’s seventh book will be released at the Boston Marathon and be about running.
Armstrong said she feels no ill will toward her ex-husband.
“He and I are co-parenting together and raising these awesome kids,” she said. “He and I are great friends.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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