Today I was suppose to participate in the Peasantman Olympic Distance triathlon. For 10 weeks, I swam, cycled and ran. Each day, I looked at my training plan and put in the work. Half way through the training, I participated in the Xterra trail 10k. My expectations were low because I knew the course would be tough. So I decided to run with my heart with no goal except to finish. Unbeknownst to me, I placed 3rd in my age group. With a high from this accomplishment, I continued to train fervently.
Life got in the way.......
My dear friend, only a few years my senior, died. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on 6 months prior. Here is the backstory. In early Oct., we planned lunch. I set a location but she refused to confirm. Without thinking much more about it, I got up for my typical Sunday morning run and planned to confirm our lunch plans upon after running. When I returned from my run, I learned that lunch plans were cancelled. When I inquired more about the cancellation, I learned it was the "C-word-Cancer."
Fast forward to March 28. Because I am a routine queen, I got up early to run. The weather was warm, but overcast. After running, two miles, My phone rang. My friend was on life support. My mind could not register the words. There I was in the rain sobbing. I ran home as fast as my breath would permit. Grab a quick shower and headed to the hospital.
The last visit. There she was in intensive care surrounded by tubes, vents, and IV drugs. But in my eyes, she was just as vibrant and funny as the day I met her. See as a nurse, I logically knew what was happening, but my mind did not match my heart. Mind understood she needed to be released from a failing body. Heart selfishly says, "No, please stay because we need to laugh more." Mind won.
What does this have to do with triathlon? Everything.....
1. Live now. Triathlon is a high risk-high reward sport. Actually, anything you want in life is. You put everything into your training and have no idea what conditions await you on race day.
2. Live boldly. Are you waiting to do something? Ask yourself why are you waiting? Time waits for no one. Get up and put one foot in front of the other and do what your heart desires. (Guess what??? Most people I know are afraid to do something new, but we (I include myself in this) pack up the fear and carry it along with us. Make fear your friend and take it with you, don't let it hold you back. Besides fear and faith cannot co-exist so choose.)
3. Every day is a gift. I have no regrets for not participating in my triathlon today. The conditions were not conducive for me. But I still have all the benefits from all the weeks from swimming, cycling and running. I learned strong. I can cry and still run. I can translate grief into purpose.
I will miss my dear friend, but now I have another angel to comfort me when I am scared on the swim or frightened while riding down hill. Her battle with cancer did not stop her from smiling or cracking jokes when she was in pain. She is gone. However, she left me with a gift. She showed me how to live better, freer and happier. It is very simple. Live now.
Until next time....
The journey continues
Coach Stacy
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