Last week was really fun. It was by far the best #BirthdayWeek I’ve ever had. It was also humbling and hard.
I started my day today writing for a few hours, and wrote nearly three pages for my blog, but after stepping away to run and swim, I came back to my computer this afternoon and erased most of it, because if I was bored reading it, I imagined you would be, too. I did keep one paragraph that sums up how I felt running 21.5 miles around Palos Verdes on my birthday, and spills over into why over these past two weeks I have felt more at peace with who I am as a person than ever, confident with choices I’ve made in my life and career, verses second guessing them, and enjoying what is happening right now, rather than regretting yesterday, and worrying about tomorrow.
The biggest lesson these last six months has taught me while being injured during a pandemic is to appreciate my life while I have it, and to do something positive with the chance I’ve been given to live it. That means doing more of what I love to do, and choosing to be proactive verses reactive in how I approach moving through the world.
However, what I love to do is not easy, and I don’t want it to be.
Setting up the final shot of my "Birthday Run" mini-movie AFTER finishing the 21.5 run last Thursday.
It has been over a year since I’ve been deep into iron-distance training, and even though I have a really good memory, there’s nothing quite like grinding against the wind at mile 63 of a 100 mile bike ride for reality to sink in that even with exceptional preparation, it is always a long day outside.
Thankfully, my fitness is coming along.
Earlier today with my girls after running my quickest GTEMPO run workout in months. Or, longer…
Last week I ran nearly double the mileage I have been for running for months, and felt great. My legs are stronger than ever, and didn’t blink when I urged them along a quick 4-mile progression run after Saturday’s Century ride, a final test confirming that they are truly back in action. Which is excellent timing, because they need to be in order to be ready to tackle Taryn’s Iron Journey From The Valley To The Sea on November 8th... Race day is less than seven weeks away....
This event will be tough.
Most of the last six miles are uphill.
Who wants to run that section with me?:)
Also, it is going to be very windy for at least forty miles of the bike ride, probably more, and the swim, well I swim faster in open water, (flip-turns are still a challenge), so pushing off the wall will do me no favors.
Therefore, even though this event is not a “real” race, I need to be in excellent iron-race shape just to be able to handle the demands of it, and I want to be in the best shape of my life to honor the reason why I am doing it.
My Uncle Pat, (Center Frame), and my Dad, (screen right), Boulder, CO, 2001.
I am not racing for a Kona slot, a pro-card, a PR, or the experience, I am racing for science.
Parkinson’s research needs funding. Without research, there will be no cure. Do you want to help find a cure? You don’t need to run those last hilly miles with me, but you can help by DONATING to my fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research by CLICKING HERE:
I still have another run to do today, because Double-Run days are my jam, they are very helpful during iron(WO)man prep, and my coach asked me to, so I am going to sign off in a minute, but before I go, I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who wished me Happy Birthday last Thursday, and to ALL of you who DONATED to the MJFF, and to those of you who WILL donate, I appreciate your support during the ramp up to this event, and in my everyday life.
The song and video choice this week is a MUST WATCH from The Chainsmokers and KYGO, titled Family. Not only is it my favorite tune right now, but the video made me cry. *Please note there are some bloody accident scenes, but it's nothing too crazy.*
P.S. Marion did not win the Emmy last week. The Mandalorian swept most categories, which wasn’t surprising, who can compete with Baby Yoda?