Tuesday, April 26, 2011

More NOLA 70.3 Pics!

One of the things I enjoy most about racing (besides racing itself) is traveling to places and getting to hang out with wonderful, healthy, positive like-minded individuals that are all pretty incredible I might add. The people who do this sport are generally humble and likable, eager to lend a hand if you need help or forgot something and really just all around nice and respectful.

Sure, you'll have your occasional jerk or transition hog etc. For the most part though, I've really enjoyed everyone I've met through the sport, and some people, like my friend Jim here below
are still close friends of mine today. I may not see them but once or twice a year, but email, blogging, Facebook and other technology keeps us close and caught up on each others trials and tribulations, wins and loses and most importantly, just how lucky we are to get to live this life.

When I think back over my years in this sport, do you know what stands out to me the most, not the place this, or the time that, but the experiences, the people, the amazing things I saw or interactions I had with the local people of that area. It's the beauty of the whole thing wrapped up into something that has really changed the way I look at life, and shaped the person I would like to become someday.

Granted, I'm sure I've done something, somewhere, to make someone mad at some point, but hopefully, it's been less of that and more of that I've made friends out there that I hope to run into race to race, year to year!

One of the really cool parts was the dinner that Heidi held at her house on Saturday night! It was so nice to meet some new people and get to know Heidi's friends from her team etc. Of course, I reunited with Barb and it felt so gooooddddd :) Ha! It really was a blast!
This is a picture of yours truly, Marni, Karel, Flex's new friend Campy, Barb, Tamra, Michele and her hubby.

Race morning, once we found out that the swim was cancelled, we basically just hung out and had a blast! It was a good time trying to figure out what to do next! Chillin in transition with Heidi and Barb!
A big thanks to Oscar for capturing this shot of me on the race course or I wouldn't have any!
Barb, Beth and I after the race! Three happy, sweaty, gel covered ladies!

Beth and I representin Ballou Skies! Also, not pictured - Jason Jacobs who had a great race!! Good to see you Jason!

All in all, I didn't have my best race, but I'm really pleased with how I handled it. I didn't get down on myself or mad, I just picked my little head up and kept on rolling. Now that I've had a chance to recover and take another look at things, I'm ready to rock and roll with some more great training and see how this season unfolds!

Thanks to all of you for giving me encouragement, lifting me up when I'm down and for just listening to me ramble! I appreciate it so much!

Off like a prom dress to run! Have a great day!


6 comments:

Pretend this is real said...

I haven't done any triathlons (yet) but I feel the same way about marathoners. Most people are really great about encouraging each other, sharing tips & tricks and generally being great. Love the pics!

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

love the pics :) nice that you got one on the course- my race pics sucked..... maybe i'll see you soon!

Unknown said...

You are smiling on the run! you look so confident! Thats what brings you together and keeps you going!! :)

Christi said...

Great pics! And you are right some of the best times with racing are not necessarily the race but with the people you meet!

Kiet said...

This is why we really do the sport, I totally get it.

Jamie said...

Awesome pics. I'm with you, racing is fun, but the people I've met along the way make triathlon 1000000 times better. Maybe next time we are racing together we'll actually get to meet!