Life after Ironman

While taking forever to complete my race report, life returned to normal in many ways, but changed in a few, too.

The week after Ironman was full of little celebrations, including a wonderful lunch for TRIgirl LD and me thrown by our coworkers, massage gift certificates from my brother and sister-in-law (whoo hoo!), creative scrapbooking items from my cousins, roses from the hubby and autumn flowers from my aunt and uncle. After about three days, I felt ready to resume training, so having get togethers planned with friends was probably a good thing that prevented me from foolishly attempting workouts that my body wasn't ready to handle.

With a week of complete rest, I started back up with a few short runs and swims. They went well and I've been gradually increasing distances and intensity. Though TRIgirls SL and CH - along with Coaches G and S - put my measly workouts to shame by completing the Richmond marathon a week after doing IMFL. And oh, by the way, TRIgirl SL and Coach S ended up qualifying for Boston!

We all had one piece of unfinished business left - tattoos as promised by Coach S. We ended up going in three groups - with 7 out of the 9 TRIgirls getting inked. TRIgirl DL and I headed off together. We both wanted to personalize our MDOTs a bit.



TRIgirl DL placed her pink MDOT on her right outside ankle and added a wave to represent her love for scuba diving.


I put mine on my left inside ankle. And choose an orange M for Florida, added a flower dot for all the TRIgirls and girlied it up some more. (Photos are from my cellphone - not the best quality.)

I freaked out for about a half hour afterwards, wondering what I'd done, but have had no regrets since.

Thanksgiving week was spent in NY. Lots of great times visiting with friends and family - and sharing my brother and sister-in-law's first Thanksgiving in their lovely new home. Many people were gushing congratulations and wanted to hear all the IMFL details - it was almost embarrassing! I started to think to myself - gosh, it wasn't all THAT. My parents even gave me a beautiful and thoughtful crystal necklace - circles - for the "complete" athlete. I totally love it!

Reminders everywhere of all the incredible support I know I am so fortunate to have.

Moving Into a New Age Group

Today TRIgirl 40 officially moves into the 40-44 age group.

It has been a whirlwind of birthday festivities - already spanning several weeks – starting with fun and fabulous visits from my family. This past weekend, several friends gave me a wonderful party – I am so fortunate to have such generous and terrific friends. They even pulled together a list of 40 great moments we’ve shared over the years. So many memories that made me smile - and laugh out loud. The hubby has also been very sweet and thoughtful – helping with the party and finding lots of ways to make this birthday special.

Reading through the cards, receiving such thoughtful gifts, I know I am the lucky recipient of lots of unconditional love - the people whom I care about and who care about me - accept me - faults and all.

Once in awhile, I’m still taken aback by turning 40. The number can seem…well…big, up there…or yikes – middle age. But, for the most part, I’m comfortable with this milestone birthday. I’m surrounded by caring family and friends. My career path has been diverse and rewarding. I’m healthy. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Life is good - no, wait - life is awesome.

This birthday celebration may just make the record books for being the longest ever, culminating in Panama City this November. Ironman Florida has been a huge present to myself - between all the equipment purchases and “me” training time demands. And having my husband, family and friends coming to the race is the gift I wanted most this year.

That Little Voice

The little voice was whispering in my ear this past weekend when my mom and dad were in town for Easter. “Skip Saturday’s workout – your family drove six hours to be here.”

The little voice was squelched. My parents helped me win this one by being very understanding of my four hour absence Saturday morning to bike and run. Nor did they complain when I took a nap in our family room because I was wiped out from the week of exercising and waking up early. (I knew fighting off the nap would be tough because I was already feeling drowsy on the way home from the long and cold brick.)

Two weeks ago, the little voice taunted me when my brother and sister-in-law were in town. “How much more fun would it be to keep the wine flowing instead of switching to water and going to bed early.” But they were just as supportive during their visit as my parents were this weekend.

One friend nearly took my temperature when I told her I couldn’t go to a wine tasting because a key running workout was planned. The little voice was not very happy with me either.

And with the day-to-day long training schedules, my husband has been quite the trooper handling the extra furkid duties. This little voice of guilt is sometimes the hardest to ignore.

Family visits, special events, bad weather, home chores – there are many excuses the little voice tempts me with to skip more workouts than I should. Having such a great family and supportive friends makes it easier for me to ignore its reminders about all the fun I may be missing.

There are many months ahead where the little voice may win – so I can’t thank my family and friends enough for putting up with me and my training.