Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure a year in the life?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles. in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.

–Seasons of Love, RENT

Looking back on the past year, I just cannot believe how much has changed. How much has come and gone from my life. All the new experiences, adventures, people and places.

With Thanksgiving being last week, I was very busy working on prepping my house that I’ve owned for all of 3 whole weeks, buying food, and figuring out how to cook a full Thanksgiving meal for my family in between traveling to Syracuse for work, finalizing my prior house for sale, hanging out with friends and sneaking a few workouts in.

To say the very least, the past two weeks were quite the whirlwind of events (per usual, welcome to my world). However, despite the fact I was super busy, I also felt very relaxed, happy and definitely extremely blessed.

I know that most people typically wait until the New Year to review the prior year and look forward to the next, but Thanksgiving just seems like the appropriate time for me to take a step back and really look at everything. I cannot believe what a difference a year can make. There have been so many changes in my life. Last year I was struggling with a relationship that ended, I was struggling with whether or not I would race a second 70.3, and was questioning a lot of things in my life. This year I have moved to a new city, a new home, I have completed my second 70.3 and signed up for my third AND for my first full 140.6 Ironman event. I have made new friends, joined a new triathlon team with T2 Multisport, experienced new things (hello CX!), somehow secured a spot on Team Betty 2015 (still so pumped!) and worked to embrace life to its fullest taking the bad along with the good.

Despite feeling a bit lost this time last year, I did know and hold on to one fact – I had an amazing childhood and an amazing family that continues to love and support me. They have proven that they will support me even when I do crazy things – you know, like sign up for an Ironman event, or make the decision to move to be closer to home despite holding a job in a city 2.5 hours away – I know that I am truly blessed to have this support.

And I also found that I had a few truly amazing and steadfast friends that helped me immensely this past year – through cups of coffee (or pints of beer), workouts, conversations, and even a little assistance packing up a moving truck – you guys have been amazing and I can’t thank you enough.

I don’t know what this next year will bring, but I do know that I am excited for every experience – both good and bad – that will come with the next five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.

 

Weekly Workouts//

 Week 1:

Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Work conference in Indianapolis/embracing the “off” season…

Thursday – 20 Min Bike, 3 Mile Run

Friday – 30 min Strength Session

Saturday – Swim Ladder 1800 yd

Sunday – 3 Mile Run

 Week 2:

Monday – Rest Day/Buy Local Bash & Travel

Tuesday – 30 min Strength Training

Wednesday – 45 Min OUTDOOR Bike

Thursday – 1 Hour Trainer Ride

Friday – Sick Day

Saturday – Run 3 miles

Sunday – Sick Day… should have just taken it easy on Saturday!

 

Weekly Photo Recap//

Our company tied in a community service project with a few other companies and the Indianapolis COLTS with the Thanksgiving season. Had the opportunity to participate in the Million Meal Marathon in Indianapolis!

Airplane time = thinking time.

So I’ve owned the new house for 2 weeks and a couple of trees fell down on my deck… this is what I came home to.

We WILL be replacing the blinds… good ole Bronco.

Date Night! (Can’t believe there was agreement to this…) With a little help… the fallen trees are now next year’s bonfire/campfire wood! 🙂

Officially Official! Loved seeing the announcement and the start of our discussion forum – so many amazing stories of amazing women! Not sure how I was selected but so excited to be a part of #teambetty15! A little reminder from a fellow Betty:

Buy local bash at the Landmark. Crappy picture of a gorgeous building. If you have never been inside the Landmark Theater in Syracuse, you must go

Clarks Ale House is open and I’m back in Syracuse. Obviously this had to happen:

Got to hang with this dude in Syracuse this week.

Yes, it happened. Can’t wait until next year’s CX season!

Just 3 hours after my outdoor bike ride… winter wonderland has fallen on us!

Mini pumpkin pies for all!

About mid-point on cooking the Thanksgiving Feast!Had to get a little creative with the oven space…

Whoo-hoo! First ever full thanksgiving meal that I have prepped! AND we managed to fit all of us around my kitchen island/dining room table mish-mash.

Bronco is thankful for puffy vests that fall on the floor!

Yep, claimed this one.

Family photo time!

Outside lights are up!

I have a lot of railings…

Remember the GIANT knitting needles that I shared in my last post? We’ll here is the finished project! A blanket in about 3 hours time!

Absolutely LOVE how it came out – and it was a fun and fast project!

More good news! I qualified again this year – sadly, I once again will be unable to participate since it is the weekend AFTER Ironman Lake Placid. Maybe next year…

Last (but certainly not least) Miss Roxie relaxing. Not sure how this position is comfortable, but she seems to be happy with it.

Cheers! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!

 

A Break from the Normal. Thoughts on Life and Friendship.

I am sure there are more than enough people writing about this. I have not taken the time to read or watch many of the news stories about it, but I do know that we lost a very talented person from this world. Robin Williams was an icon of our time, and his films and work will last in my heart and on the screen for years and years to come. He was an actor that I grew up with and loved. Between the genius of the Genie in Aladdin, Peter in Hook, and being Mrs. Doubtfire herself (to name some of my favorites), he kept myself and millions of others entertained throughout my childhood. As I grew up, I discovered other masterpieces of Williams acting, which entertained me in an entirely different way, yet I loved just the same.

I know that not everyone will have this same sentiment, I know that not everyone loved every movie or show that he did – and I didn’t love everything that he was an actor in or produced on stage or on screen – but seriously, who is going to love every bit of work that we each do in this lifetime? Irregardless of how you feel about Williams or his acting, the world truly lost a beautiful mind yesterday. 

Since the passing of Robin Williams, I have seen the following quote circling around the internet:

“I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.”

It comes from a movie that Williams was in during 2009 (which I personally have not seen), and was a line spoken by Williams. I’m sure it will be quoted again and again in the coming days, but when I read it, it hit home. There is so much truth wrapped up in this one statement. As someone who found herself with people in her life like those referred to above, this quote rang close to home.

I know I am getting more in depth than normal on this blog, but I think this is an important topic. The people in your life can either nurture you and help you to grow, or they can slowly block you from the sunlight, make the world seem dark and lonely. You need to choose your friends, those that you really let into your life, wisely. 

Looking back on the past 30 years of my life, I can easily identify the times of my happiest days. They were among those who took time to truly understand me, and I took the time to understand them. Those relationships that just kind of clicked, without drama, without judgement, without worry or fear of what others might think. The relationships that were easy and uneventful.  

Respect. Trust. Love.

The three pillars that relationships are built on.

Respect. Trust. Love. 

Built from from shared experiences, adventures, the laughter and fun that accompanies life.

Respect. Trust. Love.

From getting to know someone and truly inviting them into your life. 

Respect. Trust. Love.

These three pillars surround the best friendships, help hold up the clouds, and let happiness shine through. 

And when the clouds push down, those three pillars – Respect. Trust. Love. – As long as the integrity of the pillars has been cared for and has not been compromised, can withstand the storm, and leave you with people to dance in the rain with. People that will readily defend you. Protect you, pick you up when you stumble.

Because we all stumble. 

We each try our best each and every day, but at some point, no matter how hard you try, you will trip.  Or maybe you’ll even just flat out face-plant. I know I’ve been there. It’s at that point you know who is really in your corner, who you really have a true relationship with. And who is going to be there through thick and thin. The ones that do not waiver. 

Those with no hidden agenda, ready to tell the honest truth, to provide perspective when you just cannot find it. Those you can really count on, those that step forward and show you their true loyalty, those that are standing there ready to dance in the rain with you.

And once you know who those people are, you need to rely on the foundation and pillars built, care for those pillars, and then you can only hope and pray that at someday you will be able to repay those people for being there when you needed them most. 
 
I am fortunate to be able to say that I truly have number of strong friends who have constantly and consistently been there for me. Friends who have provided perspective on what true friendship means. Friends who picked me up after making the same mistakes made time and time again because my heart just wasn’t ready to let go of something yet, even though I truly already knew it was time to move on to a new adventure.

Friends who I do not believe I’ll ever truly be able to repay, but that I hope that I might repay even a sliver of what they have provided to me. Friends that just might read this and know that I feel forever indebted to, and would do anything to return the love and support that I’ve received. Not only in this past year, but in the 29 years prior. 

I know I am blessed to have these individuals in my life. For the times they encouraged me, the times when they have scolded me, and the times they have provided perspective and have shown they care – despite choices made. These individuals that have been there mean more to me than they could ever truly know, appreciate, or realize. 

As I promised near the beginning of this post, this was more in-depth and personal than normal for this blog – but with the passing of Robin Williams and the circumstances surrounding it, one is reminded how truly short life is, how blessed we are to have a chance at it, and how quickly things can change. And obviously, while I didn’t know Williams personally, his sudden departure from this world struck me.  It reminded me of others that I knew and cared for that have passed, others that were taken too soon from this world, that were too talented, and had too much to offer.

Life is short. Perspective is important. True friends are a blessing.

Weekly Workouts// 

Not too much to report on this front – I’ve been taken out by a lingering cold that made itself well known and apparent this week. While I’ve been bummed that I’ve been sitting on the sidelines, I’ve been appreciating the time to relax (always have to look for and find the silver lining). 

• Monday – AM – Swim 2050 – Fast 50’s… not my fastest, but it’s been a while since I’d seen the pool. 
• Monday – PM – Long Run – 2 hours, 25 minutes – 15 miles, the wheels fell off after mile 12… 
• Tuesday –Recovery Ride – Rest Day – Cancelled Workouts
• Wednesday – AM Swim/PM Run – Rest Day – Cancelled Workouts
• Thursday – 30 Minute Run
• Friday – 50 Minute Swim/Run Brick
• Saturday – 50 Minute Brick Rest Day – Cancelled Pre-Race Brick
• Sunday – Caz Tri – Plan to get better, failed. 

Weekly Totals//

• Swim – 8250 yards – 1 Hour, 5 Minutes
• Bike – None
• Run –  22.2 Miles, 3 Hours, 25 minutes
• Total Time – 4 Hours, 30 minutes

Weekly Photo Recap//

I only have one photo this week. A photo from my long run as I made my way back from Caz Lake. We really do live in a beautiful world. #lovecountryroads

 

 

A Childhood Worth Celebrating.

Many people use Thanksgiving as a day to count their blessings. A day to reflect and give thanks. However, as we all know (but may not be very good at actually doing), we should give thanks everyday for the opportunities and blessings that we have in our lives. The blessings of food, shelter, water and air. The blessing to be born in a country that is not in a state of war, or one that persecutes people for their religious or other personal beliefs. The blessing to have a large family that loves you, even when you are all driving each other crazy. The blessing to have a bed to lie in, a warm cup of tea, and socks on our feet.

Today is a day of giving thanks for blessings big and small.

I have many things to be thankful for and grateful for. Blessings that I can count each and every day, not just on the day where you are supposed to count them.

I am lucky. I truly have been so blessed in my life.

For November, I took on the blessing a day challenge, and have a list of things that I am thankful for. An item for each day, it’s now 28 blessings deep. The happy part of this challenge is that it was not a difficult task for me, and I honestly could have written more than one thing per day (and sometimes did).  However, no need to worry, I won’t be providing my list here. Instead, I’ve decided just to write about one blessing that I believe has been so instrumental in forming and helping to provide me with the rest of my blessings:

I was born into an amazing childhood.

There is no denying it (although I know my 10 or 12 or even 16 year old self would have argued otherwise at times…).

I had two parents that loved me, two sisters to grow up with, a large family that was enveloping and close (most of them lived within a 5 mile radius), and was raised to remain humble and modest.

Growing up, I had experiences that provided tough love and skills to last a lifetime.

My mom was my 4-H leader, my youth group leader, and all around cheerleader for my life. She watched my field hockey and softball games, and encouraged me to learn to ski, play the clarinet, the piano, to cook, sew, wire lamps, and learn woodworking. She also let me and my friends do crazy things like build a giant 6 foot tree out of wire, cardboard and duct tape in the basement for a competition we were once in… But more importantly she also knew to let me have experiences and encourage me to venture out on my own for week long summer camps in the Adirondacks where I learned to love camping, kayaking, sailing, hiking, and how to build lifelong friendships over the course of a few days. (Even though it scared the crap out of me, being the shy introverted 9 year old kid that I was – these experiences taught me how to be more independent and outgoing.)

My dad worked hard (and still works hard) every day on the family farm to bring the best quality eggs to the local restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, and homes. Raising chickens, growing the crops, feeding the flock, gathering the eggs, packing the eggs and of course scooping the manure. I may have complained about having to help out on the farm sometimes but I’m so grateful for the work ethic my father and the lifestyle taught me.

[As a side note: I’m also grateful that my dad never got (too) angry when he came home and discovered the house was littered with barbies, legos, and homemade play dough – or when my sisters and I had the couch cushions strung around the living room so we didn’t have to touch the floor which had turned to molten lava while he was out in the barn. Thanks Dad, you’re the best! Love, Your Favorite (no worries, your secret is safe with me) Eldest (is this safer?) Daughter]

Yes, I’ll admit it. As a child, I was often embarrassed that I grew up on a farm. Embarrassed that I had skills to successfully cook (this was before the foodie movement), sew and design outfits (before project runway was even an idea in some producer’s brain) and build a shelf or other woodworking project . Embarrassed that I was different. I didn’t have the latest clothes, video games, or toys. I didn’t get to just go walk down the street to hang out with friends, go to the mall to shop, or head to see the latest movie whenever I wanted.

What I did had was so. much. better.

Even if I didn’t realize it until later in life when I got to college.

Even if I’m still realizing it.

Seriously, how many people that are 29 years old know how to cook, bake, construct a front porch, sew a quilt, knit a sweater, take every opportunity she could to travel, and finish a mid-distance triathlon? (And are crazy enough to sign up again… more on that later).

Seriously. I. am. weird. different. That’s never going to change. Nor do I want it to.

I look at my life and sometimes don’t know how I became the person that I am today. It’s a little crazy when I think about it. How did I learn to do all of these things, and when did I become the girl that is always looking for the next adventure to go on? When I start to wonder these things, I realize, I just need to look at my childhood and thank my parents. I was encouraged to learn everything that I could, to pursue my dreams, and to never give up or give in when things are tougher than you thought they would be.

So this Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to publicly thank my Mom and Dad for not letting me have the newest toys and gadgets, for not letting me go to the mall to hang with friends, and for making me work on the farm during the weekends. You both taught me more than I could ever hope to teach my own children (when the time comes), and provided me with a best thing a child could ever wish for – endless love and a childhood worth celebrating.

Currently

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks and I haven’t had time to write anything… sometime soon I’ll write up a post, but in the meantime, I thought I’d do a fun quick survey I saw a couple other bloggers post! (Enjoy this random view into my daily life!)

Current Book: Tell the Wolves I’m Home.
Current Music: Going through a Grouplove phase this week. Current Guilty Pleasure: Danish Cream Ice Cream… with raspberry topping… when I can get my hands on it.

Current Nail Color: OPI – Rising Star

Current Drink: Iced Green Tea from Panera

Current Food: Salad’s from Panera, or Burrito Bowls from Chipotle.

Current Favorite Show: Orange is the New Black (but only until the Walking Dead returns…)

Current Wish List: Happiness and health for my friends and family.

Current Needs: Food, Water, Air, Love & Support.

Sorry if these don’t seem like genuine answers but I seriously feel like I have all the material things I want or really need. As I get older wiser, I’m finding my focus shift more and more to the things that can’t be found on a store shelf. (Although I can’t deny that I still love getting new running shoes, outfits, trinkets, etc…)

Current Indulgence: Does running at Green Lakes count? …I’m going to go with yes, since I suppose I could just run in my neighborhood instead of making the drive out to the park. I just love running here, between the roads, lake trails, the meadows and the woods there are so many different terrains and trails to choose from. Plus it’s nice to just disconnect for a while and get lost to think on a long run!

Current Blessing: Honestly, I have a lot of blessings to be thankful for in my life – my health, my family, my friends, I could go on for a while but I guess if I had to pick one current blessing, I am so happy that I got to see my college roomie LW the past two weekends! LW moved to New Zealand after college and met her husband – they recently expanded their family with the addition of baby Paige! We only get to see each other every couple of years (other than our skype dates) and it was so awesome to get to hang with her!
Current Outfit: How about favorite current outfit? My dark blue jeans and striped top or pink plaid shirt and my sandals – would have a pic for you but, the clothes are currently in the laundry…..

Current Excitement: Race season is winding down for me (thankfully… it’s been a crazy one… seriously. Who does that?!) but I still have Ragnar ADK to look forward to!

Tough Muddin’

Last weekend was Tough Mudder in Buffalo…. well, actually Alfred, NY (2 hours south) – but whatever.  So, I must admit, I signed up for this event through the encouragement of A and I was not looking really looking forward to running the event because I had always sworn that I would not participate in a mudder.  No particular reason, just never had any interest in participating in one.  Well, now that I’ve done it, I have to say I loved this event and I’m so happy A talked me into it.  Between the walls to climb, the miles and miles of mud (we’re talking serious mud…), and the crazy off-the-wall obstacles that the mudder is known for, it was a great day.  The 11.6 miles ticked off no problem and I was ready for another go round at the end – despite being hit hard by the electroshock therapy… and yes I apparently blacked out when I was hit, no I don’t remember anything other than the fact that I was hit, and then was standing up out the obstacle covered in mud. Fun stuff. Ok – honestly – I could have skipped that part, but whatever, it was till a great day.  In fact, it was such a great day, that we’re going for round 2!  Well actually round 3 for A, round 1 for C and S – yes, we’re at it again, the crew from Forest Frolic is heading to Mt. Snow next weekend for some muddin’ fun – oh and some serious climbing.  The entire course is up and down the ski slopes… the course is supposed to be one of the more challenging mudder courses, so this should be a great time!  (Yes, I pay companies to beat me up for fun. No I do not need a psychiatric evaluation…)

Rather than spell out each muddy and wonderful mile of the tough mudder, I figured I’d just share the few before and after photos that A and I took together, and throw in the proofs from the professional photographers.

Before… slightly concerned about what is about to happen…

Pre-race thumbs up.

Carry your teammate. No problem!

Glad my parents prepped me for this when I was younger.

Mud Mile. So fun!

Finish Line – Post my experience in Electroshock Therapy…

All done! (P.S. Check out the amazing photo bomb over my shoulder)

Fav pic of the day! All smiles & semi clean post our “showers” with the hoses provided.

Obviously this doesn’t cover the whole course, and unfortunately (fortunately?) there are no pictures that have been recovered of either of us during the electrical obstacles.  I was happy that we were able to run the entire 11.6 miles and we even took on every “burn zone” which meant we did well over 120 pushups, a bunch of burpees, and a 250 yard bear crawl during the course.  Oh and I was pumped that I was able to do every obstacle without any major problems.  I even jumped off the cliff without freezing (heights just are not my thing – even though I’ve bungee jumped a couple times, still have a hard time with them.)  The only real issue I had was the monkey bars – I only made it about 4 in before I dropped – monkey bars have never been a friend of mine.  I think it has something to do with chipping my teeth on them when I was in kindergarden, but maybe it’s time to overcome that.  I’m thinking I need to just start hanging out on playgrounds to practice – and try not to be the creepy lady in the process… 🙂 My final comment on the mudder is my love for the mud. This course made sure that everyone ended up completely muddy. There was absolutely no avoiding it, and they placed mud pits all over the course.  Seriously, if we were not going through an obstacle, we were slugging through some mud.  It was fantastic.

When A and I finished, we actually contemplated going for round 2. Sadly, as we talked about getting back in the starting pen it started to rain.  Maybe this was a blessing in disguise, since we probably would have gotten part way through and regretted the decision to go for the second lap.  We decided we really didn’t feel like tackling all the obstacles if they were totally slippery from the rain, especially if we were a little tired – it would make it all the more likely to end up injured. (And I would have had way more gnarly bruises to add to the collection that have appeared on my body the past few days…)

After leaving Alfred, we were absolutely starving… we had breakfast around 6 am and finally were out of traffic around 4pm. (Note to self: pack a cooler with some food for Mt. Snow.) As we drove through Alfred on our way out, we realized that every restaurant was packed with mudders so we decided to head to Geneseo for food.  This was a plus since I got to 1) see Geneseo for the first time in over 5 years – I spent a year here in my undergrad so it’s always fun to visit and 2) we got to check out a place that A has had his eye on for a while: The Sea Cow Grill.  Seriously, it’s called the Sea Cow Grill.  How can you turn this down??? Especially when we both work in dairy and the restaurant looks like this (I apologize for the poor picture quality):

As it turns out, the Sea Cow Grill was delicious! Although I’m pretty sure after 12 hours of not eating plus throwing in the 11.6 miles and all those obstacles, you could have fed us anything… but seriously, I’d totally eat here again. Amazing food. Nice waitstaff. Tasty beverages. I give it a gold star.

After we drove the rest of the way home (with a pit-stop at the outlets), it was time to officially clean up with an actual shower and head over to JB’s Bacon-Birthday.  Sadly, the rain put a damper on the evening, but it was good to catch up with people even though we were exhausted from our marathon of a day!

Well, that pretty much sums up the Saturday.  I hope you all had a great weekend and are having a great week!