2018--A Year in Review

Like most years 2018 was a year with many ups and downs.  While the downs are important and I have learned from them....I was recently challenged to come up with my favorite memory from the year. And being optimistic by nature, I have chosen to review the year and write about my favorite memories from each month.

December 2017

Let's start with the end of last year.

Christmas breakfast with the family 2017

Some of my favorite memories are built around family traditions...and this is one of ours.  Because both my son and his wife have blended families, figuring out who would be where for the holidays was always a chore.  A few years ago we claimed breakfast on Christmas morning.  Now it is a tradition.  

This one was particularly sweet  as my mother (far left) continues to be healthy and active at 88 (87 in this picture) and we are grateful to have her with us. Aurora (my daughter-in-law) and Josh (my son) are next.  It is always good to have time with them, as well as daughter Melanie (in the Santa hat).  But, of course, granddaughters Maeve and Ellie are the most important at Christmas.  As a lover of books myself, I remember being tickled that they wanted to know how soon they could go spend the bookstore gift cards they received.  Among piles of other gifts, a potential trip to the bookstore ranked high on their list.

January 2018

 

Flappers in Charleston!

The beginning of the year was a bit trying, as I was sick 3 times in 3 months.  In fact, when we went to do the destination race with our Fleet Feet Running group, I was suffering from a sinus infection (miserable!)  But I will always remember this trip fondly anyway, because of the costumes....

Mary and I, post 5k

and the friends we were with, and.....

Pie flavored ice cream sandwiches (Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate)

the most excellent post-race treats that we found, and....

The perfect gift for our friend C.C. found at the craft and farmers market

looking at each other when we came across this coaster  and saying in unison "C.C. needs this!"

February 2018

Maeve's fastest mile (we think)

Ellowyn's first medal

In February we went to Disney World with my son's family for Princess Weekend.  There were so many things to see and do.  A variety of us did a mix of different races, but my very favorite was watching our girls do the Mickey Mile.  Maeve was a seasoned runner having done 2 Girls on the Run 5ks plus the Disney 5k the day before and she had a really good run.  Ellie ran well too, and earned her very first medal...we should all be as proud as she was when she got that medal.

Also in February, I began my tenure as a Skirt Sports ambassador, something I never dreamed I would do....but enjoy very much.  A link to Skirt Sports

March 2018

Ready to Run the Bluegrass

March was a rough month until the very end...but it ended on a high note!  On March 31 we were in Lexington, KY running Run the Bluegrass.  I had planned to run the 7 miler, but I was recovering from strep, so I ran the Yearling (3.75 miles) and Glenda ran the Half.  Our "jockey silks" were Seattle Slew (me) and American Pharaoh (Glenda).  The race was good, but we also had incredible food (including Cincinnati Chili and super southern cooking) and met up with fun people including friends from home and virtual friends from my online challenger group.

April 2018

This was an eventful month, as Glenda ran her 4th Boston Marathon.  I can't really include my 5k or the marathon as a "highlight" as I had a weird medical thing happen with my race and the weather at Boston was epically bad!  But there were still plenty of highlights from that trip, plus other highlights from the month.

At the Narragansett Towers

We started with a trip to Rhode Island, visiting old haunts like my old neighborhood, the University of Rhode Island where I taught and Champlain's sea food (a favorite!)  We ran with my former running group and ate with them at the Mews Tavern afterwards.  And enjoyed Breakfast with a friend.  It was a magical few days. 

We continued on to Boston and did our races.  It is always great to go to Boston and have the privilege to run the marathon, but the weather was so awful on the day it is hard to call it a fond memory...though it was an epic one. 

One of our best Boston memories was the day after when some of our friends drove up from Cape Cod and Rhody to meet us for a meal.  So many laughs...what a great time.  We enjoyed ourselves so much we forgot to even get pictures!

Speaking at CALLR

Close on the heels of Boston I flew to Houston to be the invited keynote speaker at the CALLR conference at San Jacinto college.  This marked my imminent semi-retirement and felt like a validation of my professional work.  A proud moment for me...I spoke about Library Service to Special Needs Populations.

Riding bikes with Maeve

Ellie plays peek-a-boo with Bucky Badger

Not all highlights are big races or faraway places.  This afternoon with our granddaughters also stands out.  Riding bikes with Maeve and taking the girls to explore the Memorial Union grounds at the University of Wisconsin and eat Babcock Hall ice cream stands out as fun in our own backyard.

May 2018

The cacti were in bloom in St. George

Making s'mores on Pine Mountain

From cactus blossoms to s'mores, the Mothers' Day trip with my Mom to visit Glenda's Mom (and family) in St. George, Utah was beautiful and fun!

Our van crew from Ragnar

The middle of May saw us doing our first Ragnar.  Having written about it earlier in this blog I won't go into the details here, but what a trip!

Saw the Brewers with friends Chris and Amy Borchardt

and with son Josh and granddaughter Maeve

Some Brewer baseball with friends and family rounded out the month!

June 2018

Summer was full of races and families and friends....hm do we see a theme here?

The most scenic race of the year was in Colorado

Glenda and I at the finish of the Skirt Sports race

My first retreat as a Skirt Sports Ambassador was wonderful!  Lots of new friends and inspirational speakers, culminating in a race ... I did the 10K and Glenda that half.  We followed it with lunch at Casa Bonita...perfect.

Jocelyn and I finish the 5k in Duluth

We went to Duluth for Glenda to run Grandma's Marathon.  I decided to do the 5k the day before.  What a surprise to find that Jocelyn Mijares, who we'd met the year before on a running cruise was there too...and ran the 5k with me.  One of my favorite memories...playing with the echoes in the tunnel along the lake that we ran through.  Cracked me up.

My Mom in Ellie's pink cowboy hat

The girls try on pink cowboy hats, Ellie decided to buy hers

Josh and the Jackalope

The month finished with a South Dakota road trip with my son and his wife, their girls and my mother.  Lots of highlights...and a pink cowboy hat!

July 2018

More family, more friends, more races, more fun....

Vanessa, Sheryl and I at the Pardeville Tri

First triathlon relay of the season!  Pardeville Tri. Vanessa swam, Sheryl took on her first triathlon experience on the bike and I finished with the run.  Team: Swam, Ran, Thank you Ma'am

On the floating boardwalk in the national park

Biking in another park

Celebrating after the race with ice cream

In the first part of July we spent a few days with Glenda's family on Prince Edward Island...highlights included local national parks, hiking and biking, a visit to baby goats and bunnies on a farm, seeing the play Anne of Green Gables, running a local race, and just hanging with the family (and let's not forget the seafood!)

My brother Jeffry and his wife Bev at the Brewer game

We had the chance to take my brother to a Brewer game to celebrate his birthday.  My brother and I see each other fairly often, but haven't really exchanged gifts in a long time...so it was very special to be able to treat him.  The game was awful...but the outing was fun!

Kelly was our runner, I biked and Chelsey swam

To bookend the month, another triathlon relay with team Kettle Belles.  Too much fun!  This was Kelly's first triathlon experience. As Chelsey put it in her report..."Chelsey swam in the crick, Suellen biked up yonder and Kelly ran up the road a piece" (and we all vamped for the camera!)

August 2018

Little Old Ladies Who... Take on Alphornman

Started the month with another relay.  This time with PAC Tri Team friend Polly.  I swam and ran, and Polly biked.  We also checked out a great bakery in New Glarus.  Glenda was our photographer.  It was a quality morning with a friend.

 Sunset on Teal Lake

 Glenda has a close call with the world's largest muskie

Fishing with Glenda's Dad

Spent a few days in the North Woods fishing with Glenda's parents.  Highlights included eating the fish we caught, seeing Elk in the wild, Really good BBQ and a visit to the largest muskie and other sights at the fishing museum in Hayward. 

Team Flying Monkey Brigade crosses the finish line

The last relay in the summer featured Team Flying Monkey Brigade with one of my favorite repeat relay partners Eric, who swam and introduced Carly to the world of tri...she biked.  I, of course, took on the run.

 Jackson Hole views

View from Lucy Lake Lodge

 Making moose shadows

We ended the month with a pre-race visit to the Grand Tetons.  Favorite of many good memories was discovering and having lunch at the Lucy Lake Lodge, an excellent laid back meal and what a view!

September 2018

This is my birthday month...I turned 62.  And celebrated all month long with races and a Hawaiian Cruise.

Racing in Wyoming beauty

Glenda and I in matching outfits with our awards

The start of the month was the marathon relay at Jackson Hole in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.  We placed....I'll always place in the marathon if Glenda runs the first 19+ miles. :)

Movie star moment in Maui

Mermaids who caused a second look

Later in the month we took a cruise in Hawaii with Coach Jenny Hadfield and John "the Penguin" Bingham, our second tour with their group (the first was in Alaska).  We did many races, saw many sights, wore many costumes and met a lot of cool people.  But a couple of the highlights for me were a challenging hike on Maui which culminated in a swim in a pool at the bottom of a waterfall...the sort of thing one only sees in the movies.  The other was everything about Kona...running on the famed Ironman course, splashing in the ocean at the swim start...but perhaps most of all was the double take from John that morning as we appeared in our mermaid costumes and he momentarily thought that we were being particularly daring with our seashells (we weren't, those are dance tops under those shells). Makes me laugh just to think about it. 

Judy Hops and Nick Wilde in a great Focal Flame photo

Which brings us to the end of the month when we did the Zoo Run Run dressed as Officer Judy Hops and Nick Wilde from Zootopia.  This was the first race that I did very seriously after starting triathlon training at the start of the month.  It was a great race and I beat my goal for the first time in ages!

October 2018

An eventful month for sure!

On the 5k in Chicago

and after

October found us in Chicago for Glenda to run the marathon.  I did a 5k in my Blackhawk skirt and earned a sweet hat.  But even better I was able to spot Glenda on the run and high 5 her as she finished her second marathon major of the year!

Ellie and I put our best face forward 

Door County color

Then a weekend in Door County, WI enjoying the autumn colors with the kids.  I had an especially good time walking and playing and clowning around with Miss Ellie while the others were off on a Segway tour.

Lambeau selfie with Glenda, Amy and Chris

The following Monday we were off to Green Bay for our first Packer game!  Friends Chris and Amy took us to the game (Chris is the only person we know who is more sports nuts than us!)  Fun time with friends and a GREAT finish to the game which the Pack won at the last second with a field goal.

Jake Blues takes on the Pumpkin Run 

Had another great race at the Pumpkin Run!  My running felt on a better track and I got 10th in my age group which earned me a medal as they go 10 deep.  I also really loved this costume...and this is one of my favorite photos of the year. 

November 2018

November included another Marathon Major for Glenda, another race with lots of friends and a trip that included both sports and family.

This cracked me up from the Play that Went Wrong Program

Just a Broadway Baby, pounding 42nd Street

Glenda still has a high kick left at the end of her third major (5th marathon) of the year

A trip to New York for the Marathon in early November included running down an empty 42nd Street dressed as a Rockette.  A visit to Broadway to see The Play that Went Wrong was definitely a highlight, I don't know when I've laughed so hard, and we are still quoting bits of the play at each other.  And finally I got to sit in the stands and see Glenda (also dressed as a Rockette) finish her third major of the year.  I could not be more proud of her.

Santa's and Elves at the Elf Run with Brenda and Eric

Surprising how Rockettes become elves

Another good race with the Elf Run in the winter run series.  Best part was loads of friends doing the race, especially running into Milwaukee friend Eric and Brenda Knight. It was just a fun time all the way through.

A trip to the strip

Basketball tourney fun ... Hook 'Em

Running the Vegas Turkey Trot in my Fall colors

Finishing my last workout of the trip in St. George

Thanksgiving saw us enjoying the trifecta of fun things.  First was a basketball tournament featuring our beloved Longhorns.  Watching them beat North Carolina was particular thrill.  Then a Thanksgiving morning race in Boulder City along Lake Mead...this is one of my absolute favorite places in the world to run.  Then we went to St. George, Utah for a family holiday with Glenda's family.  It was all wonderful...but I'd go back just for the Veyo Strawberry Rhubarb Pie .... or maybe my mother-in-law's cherry cobbler.  I'm especially proud that I hit every single workout on this trip, even though some were better than others.

December 2018

And to end this musing, St. Jude's 10k in Memphis

 Meeting Madison in Memphis....hello Bri!

We three kings of Elvii are :)

It was rainy and warm that day, and to be honest the race was a slog a lot of the way.  But there were still fun and favorite moments, like hearing our names at 5.5 miles and turning to see Tri Team friend from home Brianne Pitts!  And of course finding yet another Elvis at the after party.

Finally

I hope for anyone reading this, that although we all have down times (I certainly did this year) there are alway fun times and good moments to remember...and it pays to review them and be grateful.  Thank you for letting me share mine with you!  And I wish many for you in the coming year. 

Cheers!

10 ways to #win

You may be a back of the pack runner like me and think you can never win.  You may be a fast runner and feel discouraged because you didn't win. At the end of the day we cannot all be the same and only one person can cross any finish line first...but there's more than one way to #win...In fact I have come up with 10.

Age group first in a small triathlon

1. Actually be the one that crosses the finish line first overall or in your age group or category.  Placing in the race, your group or category counts too. We all understand this one...it is most often what we mean win we talk about winning.

My 5k PR was run as an "interloping American tourist " in Victoria Park, London, UK 2013

2. Have a PR (personal record) or PB (Personal Best) regardless of how you placed.  This one is pretty easy to understand too.  I once PR'd a race..and came in last!  It's all about who shows up.  But a PR or PB is a win, no matter how many people were faster or slower. 

My goal for this race was to run/walk a new more aggressive ratio for the whole race. Nailed it!

3. Meet your goal for the event. Honestly, it doesn't matter what your goal is...could be trying something new, running negative splits or even slowing down because you are running this as a training run.  Whatever it is, when you nail it....that's a win!

I have a number of finish pictures with this same expression, upright and with a small.  Every one is a win. 

4. Finish upright and with a smile wanting to do it again. This may sound simplistic..but honestly it's huge.  I usually set 3 goals for every race, and this is always one of them.  In my mind, anything that will encourage me to remain active is a win.

This is my wife Glenda and my granddaughter Maeve running a Girls on the Run 5k...and if you look along the fence, there I am cheering them on (I raced too, but finished early as Glenda ran with Maeve)

5. Encourage other people. There is something very special about cheering other people meeting their goals and making their dreams real.  And it doesn't really matter if it's cheering your family or a friend, or high fiving a total stranger...it's all good!  In empowering others you can empower yourself...and, friends, THAT is a win!

This race was at altitude and I struggled...but that is why I used it for this saying, because that is what I did. That and let the mountains pull me along

6. Celebrate every small victory.  Even in a bad race, there is often a victory or more than one.  Often they are tiny, "kept going when I wanted to sit down and cry," "learned an important lesson," or "was really able to appreciate that popsicle at the finish."  These victories may be infinitesimal and you may have to look very hard, but they are there and it is important to celebrate even these wins. 

One of my favorite ways of keeping it fun is running in costume.  I always try to make the costumes very run-friendly

7. Have fun! Make yourself and others happy. I run in costume sometimes, I choose small out of the way and unique races sometimes,  I do all kinds of things to keep it fun.  That doesn't mean I don't work hard or try hard, it just means that I prefer to treat my races as playgrounds (and if you don't think that is serious...really watch kids some time) not proving grounds.  Bonus...having fun can be infectious and when your fun makes someone else smile or laugh out loud...that's rocket fuel to keep you going...and that is a win!

This is my crew at Disney last February.  Me, Glenda, Maeve and Maeve's mama Aurora hiding behind us

The Flying Monkey Brigade conquers one of the several tri relays I did with various friends last summer

8. Share the experience with friends and loved ones. Time spent together is always a win.  Building each other up, sharing the joy (and the occasional pain) is a win too. And sometimes you are introducing someone to the sport...that's an extra special kind of win.

Working hard and loving it!

9. Enjoy what your body can do. I have a shirt that says "Someday I will no longer be able to do this. Today is not that day."  And at 62, for me, any race day that is NOT "that" day is a win.  Sometimes it just amazes me that this creaky old diabetic body with the cranky back and the sore hips can do this at all...and even more amazing is how strong it sometimes feels.  WIN!

Just one example of meeting up with others at distant races, this one in Lexington, KY

10. Be embraced by a community of runner and triathletes, fast and slow, all over the world. Finding one's "tribe" is a win.  Just sayin'

If at first you do succeed...still Tri again!

Finish picture from Pardeeville Sprint Tri July 2016

I am not a multisport newbie.  Over the last 11 years or so I have done 15 duathlons, 17 triathlons and participated in 15 or 20 relays.  The dus and tris were largely "super sprint" distance (also called mini tri, try a try, teaser tri, starter tri, etc) along with a few sprint distance tris. 

What I have never done before is personal coaching.  I've had a coaches for running and I've taken part in triathlon programs.  I've been a member of a number of running and/or triathlon teams.  But when I hired a coach through my current tri team starting September 1 that was a new thing.

Always in the past I have pretty much thought of myself as a runner who does the occasional du or try.  As such, I have concentrated on running and used biking and swimming as cross training.  Even when I was part of the Tough Cookies, a women's tri team in Austin, TX and sort of following their tri training program this was my mind set. 

Oh, of course I did some masters swim sessions, and a few open water workshops.  And yes, I did a series of bike workshops several years ago...and some group rides.  But it was always a bit of an aside.  

It isn't that I haven't had success in duathlons and triathlons.  For example, in 2013 I was third masters Athena at the Fast and Furious sprint duathlon...enough to get me an invitation to du nationals (though I didn't compete in Nationals) 

Glenda and I in 2013 waiting for Fast and Furious awards

And I've done well in a few  tris, like....

This age group 2nd at the Ranger's Mini Sprint Tri at the School for the Deaf in Austin, TX

Or this age group first at the Earlybird  Sprint Tri in Whitewater, WI in 2017

I've enjoyed my past triathlons, and I don't feel any need or desire to be an Ironman or a Half Ironman...or even to do Oly. A sprint is a stretch for me, in terms of both race and training time. 

So if I have done these before, and I have had success in the past, and I don't want to do a different distance...why pay for personalized coaching?   It is simple.  I want to train for triathlon...not be a runner who is dabbling. I want to get to a start line at least as confident about the swim and bike as I am the run. Many people can do that by following a plan in a book, and many do. Many people can do that by participating in a training group and doing a set plan, and many do.

But for me a coach is important. Having one adds a layer of accountability.  There is also the fact that I do have some restrictions, physically and personally.  A coach can both personalize a plan to accommodate these restrictions and give a little nudge when I lean into them too hard.   It is the case that these limitations are real ...but that does not mean that I should not push to be the best I can despite them. 

So I've started early, my first race next season is the first weekend in May, I have another mid-July and I'm looking for something in August or September.  Right now I am building base...which means I'm swimming and biking more than I ever did.  And doing workouts that are structured.  I've already moved beyond dabbling runner status.

I know many people may wonder why I started so early.  I don't think that is necessary for everyone..but for me I knew I would need some time to navigate the relationship with the coach.  Physical issues need to be discussed and worked through...and personalities enter in to it.  I knew this from working with run coaches in the past and I am very glad that I can afford to start early and work through everything in to a comfortable working relationship.

I am now nearly 2 months in...and there is still some coaching relationship navigation going on.  But so far, so good!

Have skirt, will travel

Last February at Disney's Animal Kingdom

For years, Glenda and I have traveled a lot.  Family and friends say they can't keep track of us. Last February I became a Skirt Sports ambassador.  I have worn Skirt Sports for running. biking and racing for years, but once I became an ambassador, I found myself  wearing skirt sports for more activities.  Travel is an obvious choice...since skirts pack easily and don't wrinkle. So in the last months, from fishing in Northern WI to a speaking engagement in Houston and everywhere in between Skirt Sports keep appearing. Below is just a sample...

In February, I discovered how well the #happygirl worked in the Disney Parks when we were there for the Princess weekend with the family (I wore a Jaguar in my race as well)

And the Jaguar doubles as professional wear

In April I was off to Houston to keynote at a small library conference.  (Yay Jaguar for keeping me comfortable and confident!)

 

Mother's Day weekend in St. George, UT (and a quick run in my #golonger)

 Even good for an hour long trip to Milwaukee for baseball

Travels, near and far, continued in May with a trip to St. George to visit the in-laws and a hop over to Milwaukee with the family to see the Brewers play (in my Happy Girl).

View on the race in Colorado

Finishing the Skirt Sports 10k (a couple of "Happy Girls")

June took me to Boulder for the Skirt Sports Ambassador Retreat...and wearing skirts all retreat long led me to up my travel-skirt game.  It didn't hurt that I added a few new ones at the Flagship store.

Water fun at Wall Drug with Maeve...

and Ellie

Skirt power in the Badlands

with Ellie at Mt. Rushmore

Doing the Vanna White move at Crazy Horse

It is quite true that the #happygirl is my favorite skirt and several of them went with me on a family trip with my son's family and my Mom to South Dakota. I love that they were comfortable riding in the van, and still looked fresh, no matter what we were doing. 

Ocean view from our trip to PEI

Clowning in my #happygirl in PEI

Who doesn't love ice cream?

More scenes from PEI

Later in July it was Prince Edward Island with Glenda's family (got to have time with both sides!) By this time I had figured out that a suitcase full of mostly Happy Girl Skirts was a useful thing. 

A loon in the fog on Teal Lake near Hayward, WI

Running in the north woods

In August we spend a few days up north fishing, snarfing s'mores and sight-seeing.  My skirts were with me there too. 

And the story continues, I'll be in Wyoming next weekend and Chicago in October and New York and Las Vegas in November and Memphis in December...and my skirts are coming along. 

I would be remiss not to note that you can get your own Happy Girl (or other Skirt Sports merchandise) here and if you use the code 5Adam you can get 15% off most full price merchandise.  You can use the code over and over between now and January 31, 2019

.

Happy Travels!

Examining my path

If all goes according to plan, I will be finishing my quest to run in all 50 states in June or July of 2019.  I have other quests, of course...the Canadian Provinces and the counties in Wisconsin.  But a few years ago I did a sprint triathlon (not a relay) and have decided I would like to do another...but I want to do this one with more guidance than a book or my own guesswork.  I started looking into a coach, and have chosen one, I am spending a lot of time thinking about my path.  What do I want?  What am I willing to do? What is possible?

I have come to the conclusion that that last one is not the right question.  I know any number of people who will tell me that I can do anything I put my mind to and that nothing is impossible.  They mean well, I know, and are trying to be motivating.  I also know that pretty much all of us can do more than we think, and we can accomplish big things if we work hard (this is not the same as being able to do anything we put our minds to, btw). 

The real question here is, what are my priorities? And having identified those, what is it that I want and am willing to do? I am still working through this...and will probably continue to do so through my first months with my coach (I start in September). But this blog explores where I am with all of this now.  

I think people pursue recreational athletics for a lot of reasons, and I share some of those reasons with people...but I very decidedly do not share some of the common ones that I have read about.  My path is different from many, but I am not lost. Conveying what my path is, and what I want it to be, is now my task as I approach this coaching relationship. It is a coach's job to help you along your path...but you need to be able to tell them what that path is and where you want to go.  

Perhaps I should start by defining what it isn't...

It is not for the huge challenge. To be 100% honest, my life is challenging enough. For the last 18  years, I have been the primary family caregiver for a family member...my daughter.  She is doing reasonably well these last few months, and she lives in assisted living, so it isn't a 24/7 job physically, but the emotional component cannot be ignored. I also live with a couple of chronic illnesses, that are well handled, but require some energy. I am not saying "poor me" here...just saying that I am not looking for challenge for the sake of overcoming challenge. 

It is not to prove something to the world. I am 61 years old, and the older I get the less I care what the world thinks of me.  Soon I will be that little old lady in the Jenny Joseph poem who decides to, ".. wear purple with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me," (because she likes to and doesn't care what others think). Of course I am pleased if people say they admire my work or are inspired by something I said or did.  It is nice to be appreciated.  But I no longer set out to be admirable, if that makes any sense. 

It is not to win.  Or rather not to win in the traditional sense.  For me every time I toe the start line is a win...every time I hit the finish line is certainly a win.  You can tell by the look on my face when I finish a race that, that is truly winning.  Do I ever place?  Occasionally.  Do I like it when I do? Of course.  But it isn't the point.  Being out there is. 

Proof that finishing=winning

And here are some things it is....

Getting and staying fit is one motivation for my journey.  I'll admit to not being the best in terms of my diet, but working out still helps maintain better blood sugar..and keeps me stronger (if not as thin as I'd like).  There is still a tremendous difference from when I started...and I want to keep building on that.  

This is where I started!

Enjoying what my body can do is an another important factor. For a lot of my life, I have been concentrated on what I can't or shouldn't do....starting with problem hips, later a banged-up knee and a less than perfect back and of course just getting older.  I don't know how many times that I was told by both medical professionals and concerned family and friends that I couldn't or shouldn't do something.  I bought it for a long time.  But then I decided that I'd be conservative, but I would try.  I found that I had to be a little careful not to push too hard too soon, but it was miraculous how good it felt to move and sweat. And as I go through phases of faster and slower, I am still grateful for these feelings. 

Just preparing myself to succeed :)

Having fun though, is my main goal.  That means I wear costumes, build relay teams and do goofy stuff. But it also means enjoying the feeling of moving in a group environment.  I will never beat myself up for not being competitive. But I would not be happy if I didn't pursue my race days, with the same intensity and passion that my grandchildren exhibit on the playground.

...with all the passion and intensity that entails!

This may sound like I'm not interested in working hard, but I am and I will..and I'm looking forward to seeing what this year brings. 

An angel in my pocket

My pocket angel

The last few weeks have been very eventful.  Some events were good and some were of the worst kind, and this is the story of how some of those events came together.

Our Annie

Event #1...The worst

Wednesday evening, May 30,  while watching TV, I received a message on my phone.  It was the coach of my triathlon team, The Prairie Athletic Tri Team of Sun Prairie, WI sending a message to the team.  One of our members, Annie Rubens, had been in a bike accident while on a training ride and was in critical condition. She hit a pothole and was thrown, hitting her head.  She was with a group and an ambulance was called immediately. Our coach was asking for prayers...and of course she got those...as well as a team that came together in an incredible way to support Annie's wife and family.  Though my schedule did not allow me to participate beyond prayers, it was heartening to know that things were being taken care of.  When we went to bed that night, Annie had had one surgery to relieve pressure and though things were still dire, we had hope.

But when we woke there was news of a second surgery and continued brain swelling.  Things were obviously dire.  By mid-day the news went out that there had been a massive brainstem bleed, the doctors felt this was non-survivable and that Annie would be removed from life support later in the afternoon per her advance directive. We were told that if we wished to say good-bye we should come now. I could not get away, but planned a good-bye of a different kind as soon as I could find a few minutes. Annie passed into another realm at about 4:30 in the afternoon on Thursday May 31.

Any death can diminish a group.  But hers leaves a gaping hole.  Annie was a natural cheerleader, encouraging others as easily as most people breathe. She had introduced many, many of her teammates to the Ironman bike loop...and cheered them in the pool or through the jitters of open water swimming.  And not just on our team either.  She was also our unofficially official photographer, gently bossing us into appropriate positions for group photos. "No cleavage, no bunny ears!"  and posting candid photos in a popular "caption this" on our team page. "Photos or it didn't happen," was a frequent refrain.

Not only our team, but the group she was riding with, the other triathlon teams in the area, as well as numerous running and other athletic teams in the area have come together as #oneteam to celebrate her.  And all of us are striving as much as possible to #belikeAnnie.

Event #2...Also not so good

On June 1, I was off to Boulder for the Skirt Sport Ambassador retreat and the 10k at the SS 13er.  I arrived in Denver to the news that my daughter was having problems. And before the day was over she had been admitted to the hospital.

Fortunately my Mom and sister-in-law were willing and able to help her (and me) out and see her until I was back on Monday.  It is not so unusual for Melanie to have brief hospital admits...but it was just another worry on my plate as I entered into a much anticipated weekend.

She was well taken care of and released shortly after I got home, but her being sick certainly didn't do anything to relieve the emotional heaviness I was carrying.

Event #3...Really Good

The much anticipated weekend was the Skirt Sport Ambassador Retreat in Boulder, CO.  It included a Friday night cocktail hour, award ceremony and fashion show, A Saturday morning workshop with speakers, a team building thing, yoga and more...and the Skirt Sports 13er, 10k and 5k on Sunday.

Our skirt encounters started before we ever got to Boulder as I found myself introducing myself to people at the rental car counter and taking pictures with people I had never met at a scenic overlook near Louisville.

Had a meet up with skirt sisters before I ever made it to the retreat!

After we checked in to the motel, we were off to take a huge bag of gently used running gear to the "mothership" store to donate for the Running Start program. And, of course, have a shopping spree to fill the spot the donation had taken up in our suitcase.  While we didn't manage to fill the WHOLE space, we had a lot of fun looking and trying on styles that we were a bit afraid to order without trying on...and we did leave with a good number of new skirts.

Later Glenda dropped me off for the Friday evening retreat event while she set out on a short hike and photo practice session.  The evening event was fun.  I settled in with a glass of wine and began chatting with others.  Since it was my first time, I was a little shy (despite appearances, I am actually not entirely comfortable in large groups...especially those I don't know), but soon I was talking to several others.  Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The food and wine were very good and the program ranged from emotional to hysterical.

I can't write every detail but for me the most emotional were the tribute to a skirt sister lost to cancer this year (particularly as I came with the fresh loss of Annie weighing heavy) and Nicole DeBoom's description of her winning of the Ironman Wisconsin, but being there all alone...and how that was one of the things that led her to the idea of women being there for each other. which is so ingrained in the Skirt Sports culture.   I could picture her race as all the places she mentioned were very familiar to me...and I think that made the story even more powerful.

The most fun had to be a toss up between the awards (which hit just the right tone) and the fashion show.  Of course I enjoyed seeing the new product lines and hearing about the award winners, but more than that I enjoyed the atmosphere.  There is nothing quite like the kind of goofy, unselfconscious rowdiness that ensues in a group of supportive women, with no men around.  It was a blast!

Saturday morning was equally good.  All three speakers were inspirational as they shared their stories.  I particularly liked Mirna Valerio's talk about her journey. What a personality and what an inspirational athlete! Our final speaker was Colleen Cannon, former pro-triathlete and founder of Women's Quest.  She gifted each of us with a pocket angel like the one pictured above.

We also had a team building exercise in which we were broken into groups for a "Shark Tank" game, where we were to design a new product and pitch it to a panel.  The ideas went up for an online vote and the winning team got prizes and a possibility of having their product produced.  My team did not win...but it was a blast. 

All in all I think I would do this again next year...hopefully starting in a better frame of mind. 

Event #4...Positive in the end!

The final event of that weekend was the Skirt Sports 13er/10k/5k, a mostly women's race.  Glenda did the 13er and I did the 10k.  It was sort of emotional for both of us.  It was our first race after Annie's death and we were missing a tribute to her at a race at home. But we decided to honor her the best we could.  We got a sharpie and marked ourselves with #belikeAnnie and vowed to encourage others along the way as Annie did.  And to race like we meant it...also an Annie thing to do. 

I had discussed a race plan with my coach, and he told me to start out very slow and then pick it up later only if I felt OK.  This is because I am a flatlander and would not have time to fully acclimate to the altitude.  I didn't want to get an oxygen debt early on. As we started uphill for the first mile, I soon saw that there was not going to be any easy that was TOO easy (and I was not alone).  I tried to concentrate on encouraging others. But it was a struggle.

About 3/4 of a mile in someone said to me, "I have to ask, who's Annie?"  I explained about her.  The woman told me she was sorry for my loss and we went on.  A few seconds later, there was a tap on my shoulder.  It was the same woman. She handed me her pocket angel and said, "I never carry these things, but today I made an exception.  Now I know why.  I need to give it to you.  You need it more than I do." I thanked her through tears (and oddly I had left my own pocket angel in the hotel...now I have 2).  She said she didn't mean to make me cry, but I said tears were cleansing...I hugged her and we went on. But I felt Annie was there with me, and that I needed to soldier on like I meant it, whether I walked or ran.  I resisted the urge to turn around at the 5k point (I really did struggle with the altitude) and decided that I would make sure to enjoy the scenery and the moment.  

Although Glenda and I were running different distances, our courses overlapped.  Much of the course was on the top of a Mesa with incredible views.  The rest of the course was nice, but the middle section on the Mesa was breathtaking.  Just before we ran from the scenically-perfect-photo-op to the less spectacular, but still nice but not quite as scenic part Glenda and I crossed paths.  She said "quick, do you have your phone?"  and I panted "back pocket."  She helped me get it out and said, "pictures or it didn't happen!" and we took a selfie with that spectacular background.  The timing couldn't have been better if Annie had gently bullied us into position herself. 

We happened to be in the same place at the same time "pictures or it didn't happen"

Glenda then went on to finish the race first in her age group.  She was also the first "flatlander" to finish. The only women to finish before her were from the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. When she had caught her breath, she trotted back a half a mile or so to run in with me.  I told her during that last mile that our speaker Colleen Cannon had said her personal motivational song was the Indiana Jones theme and that seemed like an appropriate song to get me across the finish line.  We actually sang it a little and I said I was going to belt it out when I was finishing...but of course there was music at the finish so I mostly just sang it in my head.  We crossed the finish together.  There were hugs between us and with Nicole DeBoom (Skirt Sports founder).  And as we left, there was another hug from a skirt sister who had seen something I had written about Annie and had been looking for me and waiting for my finish JUST so she could hug me. It seemed fitting somehow to be surrounded by supportive women (and support them too) while dealing with thoughts of Annie, one of the most supportive people I have ever known. 

A challenging race in many ways...but a happy finish!

I was the final finisher in the 10k, I really did struggle with emotion and the altitude. But I also cheered others, took pictures and finished like I meant it.  And though my time and pace were pretty abysmal, this was one of the best races I ever did and I am grateful for the experience.  Do I really think Annie was up there somewhere manipulating our meetings and reminding me of the lessons I already knew?  I don't know...but I had an angel in my pocket and #belikeAnnie in my heart and that's good enough for me.