Taking OWS One Wave At A Time

As I've mentioned before, growing up I never really did more than step foot into Lake Michigan; literally. Now as I continue on my unexpected journey I've survived twice of not only stepping foot into Lake Michigan, but also putting my face in, breathing air out, and swimming through Lake Michigan.

I Got My Rear In Gear

Family isn't necessarily defined by blood. It's defined by choice, by your heart and feelings. Growing up I was not fortunate enough to have cousins nearby, in fact my cousins all lived more than a dozen hours away. We'd visit in the summer on vacation for a week or so, but that part of my family with Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins were in a different state, in a different region. I was fortunate to grow up with an extended family that filled the void.

Rockin' and Rollin' for 69,168 Feet

I did it. I ran my second half marathon. That's a strange statement for someone who never thought she'd run one, let alone two. Huh, I ran my second half marathon; 13.1 miles; 69,168 feet. I am a two-time half marathoner.

I'm Getting Ready to Rock ('N' Roll) ... But ... This Is More of A Thank You

I do believe I can pretty confidently say I'm a child from the 80's. Well, I say that, but if you factor in my high admiration of the 90's alternative and grunge phase, I can pretty confidently say I'm a child from the 80's and 90's.

I was born in 1981. So really, it was the late 80's when I, like may others my age loved New Kids on the Block. It also should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that the line "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" resonates a bit more with my generation than others; we take that very seriously.

Literally, Open

A pretty big part of Triathlon is Open Water Swim (OWS). I've read about it. I've seen photos of it. I've wondered about it. I can't avoid it, I have to do it.

When I did my Sprint Triathlon in Naperville, the swim was in a man made pool/beach/quarry. AKA: a very bizarre place to swim. It wasn't quite a pool like a pool you're thinking of. It wasn't quite a beach like a beach you're thinking of; it did have sand. And when I think of a quarry I don't think "Gosh, I'd like to go swim in there!" Also, let's not forget that when myself and fellow athletes got to the shallow end, we literally had to stand up, walk around until the next lane was deep enough to swim in again. It was odd.

I TRI'd to TRI and I DID

It's now been a little over 96 hours since I ran across the finish line at the Esprit de She Sprint Triathlon in Naperville, Illinois. Ninety-six hours of mixed emotions, excitement, reflection, and moving on in life. As much as I want to live in the moment quite possibly forever, I have to prepare to have my next moment.

The day before my triathlon I had to pick up my packet, get marked, go to the race expo, and a race course talk. I wasn't nervous, I wasn't anxious, I was excited and I wanted to GOOOOOOO! Poor Will, what a guy, seriously. I had overtaken our second bedroom with all of my stuff laid out in event use order and in most cases with multiples in case there was some freak accident.

Running In A Sea Of Pink

Everyone is on some type of journey. Whether it be a journey of education, profession, living life to the fullest, health, figuring life out, or fighting for your life.

I don't actually know Megan Bugg. In fact if it weren't for social media, I wouldn't know Megan Bugg, her story, her battle, learn about her family, her community, see photos. Megan doesn't know who I am. But I'm part of Team Megan.