The Kindness of Strangers

I lived in the South for a decade or so. Now we're not talking deep south where I said "Well, bless your heart", but then again I thought of saying that a couple of times when I came across people. We are talking South in the sense that people knew I wasn't from around there. In fact, having had stints in Orlando, Florida, Carbondale, Illinois, Marion, Illinois, and Durham, North Carolina ... one very important thing I learned is that I have a Chicago accent. And just as soon as I figure out what that actually is ... I'll get back to ya'll on it. See what I did there, huh? Bless my heart, right?

Re-Committing

Don't let the title fool you. I've not fallen on the wayside, lost my way, or given up. In fact, I can pretty proudly say just the opposite: I've stayed on track and then some.

This re-commitment goes back to the beginning; or near the beginning, but definitely the beginning of this year for sure. The first race I trained for was the Commitment Day 5k on January 1st of this year. Will and I ran side by side, him finishing one second ahead of me; literally.

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.