Reflections

We began our journey to Lake Placid yesterday.  We spent this night in our cabin in Old Forge and woke to see the fog lift off the waterfront. 

 As we traveled north, I reflected on what I had done to reach my goal.  Whenever I had a chance, I trained in the Adirondacks whenever we were there...crisp runs with the leaves crunching under my feet, winter snowshoe and trail runs, hours on the indoor trainer watching the snow fall, open water swims in the Old Forge channel accompanied by my kayak lifeguard Joe (and once my my sister-in-law Teresa) who kept me away from boats or swimming into docks!

And the best of all, long rides on quiet S. Shore Rd and North on Route 28 to as far as Indian Lake.  I enjoy training solo.   I enjoy the solace of watching nature, experiencing the smell of the balsam and cedar trees, the sound of a babbling brook and reflections on lakes.  I love the quiet of a trail run.  Throughout my training, I would think about mom and that would keep me going.  Whenever I would struggle, she would be there encouraging me and cheering me on.  Her favorite color was yellow.  Sometimes I would see signs; a giant clump of daisies in a field with not other flowers, or one yellow flower.  The best was a huge flock of yellow butterflies that just appeared on a trail and when I got close they gently rose in the air.  This also made me think of my friend Dave, who was sent to heaven with a lovely flock of butterflies.
As we drove north on Route 28, I thought about those rides.  I always share stories of my rides with my Joe; of how I saw baby fawns, turkeys cross the road, battled construction zones and even had a line of traffic behind me when I was chugging up a hill that only had half a lane paved!

What I felt was a great sense of accomplishment, and that no matter what the day holds, I gave it my all to get ready!
I am blessed with the awesome support of my husband.  I could not have done this without him!  He is my rock and my best half!  And my wonderful, loving children who always encourage and support their crazy mamma!.  They even surprised me with a plant garden waiting for me when I checked in at the hotel!

   And to my extended family with your love, excitement, hugs and words of encouragement!
Thanks to all of you who have supported me along this journey!

Do It For Me

A week from today, I will be in Lake Placid competing in my first full Ironman distance triathlon!  I have met some incredible people along the way and have enjoyed their stories and personal reasons behind their journey.  So I decided to share the reason for my journey.

Although I have been a triathlete for 4 years-enjoying the training and competition of multi-sport, the last year has added an internal depth to my commitment - for Joe’s mom.  She was a very active 76 year old who enjoyed Jazzercise, yoga, and volunteering in a city school’s reading program.  She was always on the go.  Mom was always interested in how my training was going, where my latest ride had taken me, or how I did in a race.   When people would make comments asking things like “Why do you do this” or “you’re crazy” Mom would firmly tell them “Because she can!”

When her cancer progressed and she could no longer participate in these activities, she told me to “keep going.”  “You do this for me because I can’t anymore.”
Last October while Mom was in hospice care, I would do my training rides to visit her, or do a training run on the Genesee River trail nearby.  I would arrive in my bike gear and she was always excited to hear about whatever route I traveled and how my training was going.  And, in quiet times when we were alone, she would remind me to keep going for her.
On the evening of October 28, 2018, I received another of many emails about registration for Ironman Lake Placid and a reminder that their free deferral program ended at midnight.  So, just before midnight I registered.  At 1:30 AM we got the call that Mom had passed away.
Mom has been with me through my training for the past 9 months-every bike, every swim, bike, run, strength, stretching session.  I carry her words and her incredible strength with me always.

So, my very first full Ironman is for you, Mom!    I love you!