Celebrating Five Years of Growth at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California

Five years ago, I found myself navigating the difficult waters of heartbreak and uncertainty. After a breakup that shattered my expectations, I felt lost and adrift. The woman I thought would be my forever turned out to be just a chapter in my life. With a job setback and a challenging shift with my daily living, I realized I needed to make a change. This is when I took a leap of faith and sought the guidance of a life coach.

My coach’s most significant assignment was to help me find validation within myself rather than seeking it externally. This journey was about healing my heart and rebuilding my sense of self. A critical step in this process was embracing fitness. I began visiting different gyms each week, jotting down pros and cons until I finally settled on ChuzeFitness in Mission Valley. The incredible staff and supportive community there became my second family, offering encouragement and camaraderie when I needed it most.

As I immersed myself in my fitness routine, I started my mornings with walks in my neighborhood and local trails like Torrey Pines and Mission Bay. These peaceful strolls allowed me to connect with nature and clear my mind. It was during this time that I discovered the stunning Flower Fields in Carlsbad, a place that would soon become essential to my healing journey.

In my first year as a season pass holder, I committed to walking at the Flower Fields almost daily. Surrounded by the vibrant blooms of 80 million ranunculus flowers, I found an overwhelming sense of peace. This beautiful environment reminded me of the importance of self care and reflection.

During one of these walks, I met Tim, an employee at the Flower Fields. Our conversations sparked a friendly challenge about how far I could walk. I initially thought 10 miles would be a stretch, but that day, I pushed myself to an astonishing 25.29 miles. This challenge quickly evolved into another cherished tradition between Tim and his friend Ross. The challenge is the race up the Row 5 Hill which takes place the Saturday before Mother’s Day. For five years, this friendly competition between Tim and Ross has brought us together, complete with a trophy for first place and a whimsical baby Croc shoe known as the "Crocodile Tears Trophy" for second place. It’s a fun way to celebrate our connection to the Flower Fields and each other.

As the years progressed, I continued to set personal milestones. In 2023, I proudly walked 28.50 miles, followed by 28.92 miles in 2024 and 26.61 miles in 2025. This year, I achieved an incredible 32 miles!!! Each walk is more than just a physical challenge, it’s a time for deep reflection and personal growth. I set out at 9 AM, determined to keep moving until the fields close at 6 PM. The support from friends like Tim and Ross, who check in and even treat me to a hot dog at mile 20, refill my water bottle throughout the day, and cheer me on has made this experience truly special.

This year also marked a significant milestone when the Flower Fields hosted its first 5K, "Fields of Luck," around St. Patrick’s Day. Eager to participate, I donned a festive outfit and surprisingly ran the entire 3 miles, earning my first official medal in a run/walk event. This accomplishment encapsulated my journey, proving how far I’ve come.

Recently, I came back to the Flower Fields during the off season for an encore and participated in a 5K walk organized by the American Lung Association, aimed at raising awareness for lung disease research. Reuniting with a dear friend from my early days in the theme park biz made it even more special. This event was a poignant reminder of community support, with participants coming together to uplift those affected by lung diseases. One spokesperson beautifully summarized the spirit of the day, stating, “It’s great seeing neighbors helping neighbors.” This uplifting atmosphere of hope and togetherness was a fitting way to celebrate my five year anniversary at the Flower Fields. A special thank you to Team Francine for welcoming me to join their efforts in support of the American Lung Association. It meant a lot to be part of their team and to walk through the fields together.

Every step I take among the flowers serves as a reminder of the resilience I’ve cultivated. These walks are more than just distances, they are personal challenges that push me to confront that inner voice questioning my resolve. I’ve learned to be my own cheerleader, encouraging myself to keep going and embrace the journey, celebrating each small victory.

As I look forward to many more years at the Flower Fields, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, friendship, and self-acceptance. Each mile brings me closer to my personal goals, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of friendships. Here’s to blooming friendships and continued personal growth in the magnificent Flower Fields of Carlsbad!

"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends." - Okakura Kakuzō

Here are some helpful links:

The Flower Fields

The American Lung Association

Happy Destinations,