Alive and Kickin

Well I'm back..

In more ways that one :)

I'm back in town, back in my nice bed, back to work :( and back to a little light training! I feel good, great in fact. I'm surprised how good I feel (besides the jetlag, which is literally, killing me!). Maybe that's what happens when you gingerly run the IM marathon leg because your butt and hamstring muscles won't move. Who knows!

This is a beautiful time of year to count your blessings, look around and be happy that you're able to run, able to breath fresh air and have friends and family around.

Kona reminded me of that big time. If I thought I had some nice notes and emails before, the aftermath of Kona brought on a whole new awesome, amazing, wonderful slew of them and I was once again reminded that it's not so much about places or times, but people who care about me and come along on this journey we call life. Sure, I put countless hours into Kona, too many to count. I visualized, and saved money and prayed.. all to prepare to have "that race" but it wasn't to be. I've accepted it, and I've moved on.

Let me tell you, one of the cooler things that has happened in awhile is that upon return I got this email:

Hi, my name is Griffin and I saw a video about you on youtube one day and was inspired right away. I am 13 and this was my first year in triathlons. I competed in 3 solo sprint triathlons and won the 0-15 male age-group in all 3. I still felt like i had slacked off a bit and when i looked at the national rankings on the USAT website i was determined to make it to the top of the list. For the past 2 weeks i have pushed myself in my workouts. I set 3 personal records, i ran 2 miles further than ever before, biked my loop 10 minutes faster than ever, and swam a mile in 25 minutes. You inspired me to work harder and showed that no goal is out of reach. Thank you.

Now that, was exciting. THAT got me excited and happy that I have an awesome husband who takes the time to document our adventures and create things that speak to people. THAT showed me that once again, this is not about me, it's about others.. helping them, inspiring them and giving them hope that their life can be better / healthier / more fulfilling if they take care of their bodies. I emailed Griffin back, and we have been corresponding ever since. Maybe he needs a coach - maybe I'll be coaching an Olympian someday! Who knows!

There is a song that talks about leaving a legacy. I try to ask myself what I want that to be for me.. yes, at the ripe old age of 32 this is what I am thinking about! I know, I'm a nut. I can't help it though.

When Steve Jobs passed away last week I thought of this quote from his graduation speech, which I think holds true for all of us:

I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself- "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

I've got to tell you, I completely agree.

I hope each of you find what you are searching for in this life and consider what kind of legacy what you're doing will bring. The more I think about all of this, the farther I realize I have to go.. but I don't think that's going to stop my from trying... yep.. I have not yet begun to fight :)

Have a great day! Go make something happen!!