How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Or a few days of it anyway since Lake Placid...

I rode my bike in beautiful settings.

Sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

Sometimes not even thinking about the pace.

Sometimes on flats that seemed effortless.

Sometimes on hills that are still daunting.

Sometimes without a care in the world.

Sometimes thinking about a friend waiting with a flat.

Sometimes planning marina buying schemes.

Sometimes silently with my own thoughts.

Sometimes grossed out by roadkill.

Sometimes in amazement of deer bounding across the road.

Sometimes followed by a decadent brunch, yummy picnic or river chillin'.

Most times with friends who just love to bike.

What a great way to start the fall...

Reflections

Over a month has passed since IMUSA.

The race report took forever to write - unlike Florida's.

And "unlike Florida" is what I've found myself saying many times this past month as I've reflected on IMUSA and IMFL.

Leaving me wondering if IMFL was a fluke.

I loved so much about IMFL. The training, the start, the swim, the weather, most of the bike, most of the run, the crowds, the finish. Other than a few miles on the bike and run - I felt pretty darn great the whole race.

IMUSA, on the other hand, seemed like a struggle from the start.

Like the apprehension before signing up.

Like an injury that affected my spirit and confidence about running maybe more than my physical capabilities.

Like bike rides that helped my hill climbing, but also made me realize how much still needed to improve.

Like the complications from a switch in asthma meds that took weeks to notice.

Like race day challenges, from cramps to broken toes to weird nutrition issues.

Like losing your furkid two days after the race - and knowing your husband bore the brunt of some really tough conversations.

And while there were also many wonderful moments, too - new milestones, awesome coaching, great workout buddies, challenging and fun training camps, stretches on the bike and run course, amazing family and friend sherpas, the beautiful house we stayed in, a great IM gift from my folks...

I've concluded that Florida...

was magical.

But maybe the challenges of Lake Placid were more....

Ironman.