It feels good to feel good.
I just spent a fabulous few days with my best friends (Emily and Hadara) in Nashville, TN, AKA, Las Vegas of the south, and although we did hunt down many of the gorgeous murals strewn around the city, and cheered on numerous soon-to-be brides as they paraded down Broadway buzzed in cowboy boots, halter tops, and Party City veils, we really could’ve been anywhere, because all that really mattered was that we were together.
The start of our Mural March on Saturday.
It is amazing that over twenty-five years has passed since our friendship kicked off in earnest in June of 1995 over a pizookie cookie dessert celebrating my friend Hadara's birthday at a BJ’s restaurant in Laguna Beach, CA. I suppose we’ve grown up since then, we now have mortgages, children, husbands, careers, we can legally drive, drink, and vote, and yet we are exactly the same.
I pushed for this reunion back in March because I knew that after the enormity of Ironman St. George was behind me, I needed to take a break and reset before launching into the even more massive second half of the year.
Honestly, I was shocked that they were up for it. Both Emily and Hadara have young kids and blistering careers, so I did not set my hopes up too high that they could peel away from their bustling lives for a long weekend at the end of May, but within mere minutes of putting it out into the universe, they said “Yes!” Next, I suggested Nashville as a fun spot we could travel to fairly easily from our various corners of the country, (California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania), and once confirmed, our fingers started dancing across keyboards booking fights and searching for accommodations.
Post rooftop rainy dinner on Saturday night.
True, neither of us thought that the Grand Hyatt would be the popular location for middle-age Spring Breakers, (that was not the vibe we signed up for), but a within walking distance Whole Foods, and an abundance of quality conversations between the three of us made up for the sloshy and sunburned clientele that spread all over the pool deck.
Meanwhile, one of the weekend highlights was visiting my favorite author, Ann Patchett’s independent bookstore, Parnassus Books. I have wanted to make the pilgrimage to Parnassus for years, in fact it was one of the reasons why I threw Nashville into the hat for possible get-a-way locales. Unsurprisingly, Ann was not in the store during our visit on Sunday afternoon. However, I am happy to report that many other people were, thus proving that the indie bookstore scene is thriving in Tennessee!
Lurking LA writer geeking out at Parnassuss Books on Sunday afternoon.
Monday morning arrived early for me, as I was the first one up and out the door off to the airport for an early flight home.
Our brief, but enriching weekend together personally served more than its purpose. I revere and appreciate my friendship with these two women more than I could ever express, and since time grows more precious by the minute, our time spent in Nashville will be cherished.
From left: Hadara Katarski, Emily Tweten, and yours truly.
Moreover, I feel relaxed and rejuvenated to kick off the next six months of focused training and more frequent and meaningful racing; BIG goals have been set, and I am ready to GO!
The song and video choice this week was our theme song for the weekend, AND is one of my favorite tunes from the always amazing, Lizzo.