dance |

Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it’s about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it. – Hannah Brencher

Here’s the thing about training for a longer distance event. It gives you time to think, and think, and think. To think about the goal that lies ahead of you and the distance that you have traveled and the distance left to travel to reach that goal.

Typically, my stream of thoughts while training flows all over the place. Half the time, when I reach the end of my workout session, I can’t even tell you what I’ve been thinking about. But I know I had a stroke of genius somewhere mid-workout.

Once in a while, I’ll punch in notes to my phone and then look at my notes later. Thinking that I’ve discovered or come up with some great idea but sadly when I look at said notes, I wonder what I was thinking…

But anyway, training gives you time to think. To think about swimming, to think about biking, to think about running. To think of technique, and distances, and nutrition. To think about family, friends, relationships that are strong, and those that have broken. To life changes, to embracing current moment, to reminiscing of the past and most importantly looking to the future and all the mystery that it holds.

Which brings me back to the bruises. And the scars. Everyone has them. Literal and figurative. The scars and bruises create a map of the places you have been, the people you have loved and lost, the friends that have come and gone, the little moments, the big fat notable occasions, and the events that shaped you without you even realizing it.

This year, I know there are going to be a number of events and occasions that are going to shape my life in notable ways. But more importantly, I know there will be little unanticipated moments which will provide growth, happiness, and fun. And there will also be the moments that provide scars, bruises and yes even some not so happy times. But that is life right? We have to be willing to move up, down and sideways. Forward and back. Sometimes we have to flex and bend. Other times, we have to tackle whatever comes our way. And even when we are knocked down or pushed back, we need to find the gumption to get back up, dust ourselves off and keep on moving. Even if it means moving in a direction not previously planned on.

This year, I (miraculously) secured a spot on Team Betty. At first, I was shocked and excited that I was selected to be part of the team. Now, I am honored. As I get to know these women better, learn their stories, the ups, the downs, the sideways, I am in awe.

This past week, a few of my Betty Sisters shared some stories of things they were dealing with in their own lives. It was stated by a Betty that not all that glitters is gold, and it is clear that despite how happy and upbeat some people are to the outside world, they can often be fighting bigger battles than ever shown. It has become clear to me that Team Betty is a team of amazing, strong, beautiful, badass women. I feel completely honored to be training and connected to this group. It is definitely a blessing that I did not see coming when I submitted my application last Fall. (Also, the fact that our sponsor list was rolled out the past two weeks was another amazing perk I didn’t fully appreciate when I applied. Seriously, we have some rockstar support from some amazing companies!).

Anyway, getting back on track, I truly believe that some of the most beautiful people have withstood the nastiest storms, stood up just once more than they were knocked down, and somehow did not let their battles harden them to the world. Optimism and kindness people. They matter more than we can appreciate. Optimism and kindness.

Which brings me to my final topic, also being supplemented by another quote from Ms Hannah Brencher:

“If you don’t step out into the life you want, no one else will ever do it for you. If you don’t become the person you’ve always wanted to be, that person will never exist and the world will never know what it missed.”

I am more convinced than ever, that the world is full of amazing and wonderful people. I am also convinced that the world is full of critics. And you have to ignore the haters. Otherwise known as the wisdom of T. Swift: “…players gonna play… haters gonna hate…” and dancers gonna dance! We should all chose to dance. Forget the haters. They’re going to keep hating, and making fun of people, and being miserable. Typically, the haters are those who are unhappy with their own life choices. So dance. Collect the scars. Embrace who you are, chase your dreams, and live the life you were meant to live.

Show the world what you’re made of. Get up when you get knocked down. Each and every time.

Bruises are badass and beautiful.

Weekly Workouts//

Week 1:

Monday – Rest Day
Tuesday – Power Test – Bike
Wednesday – Swim, 2800 Yards
Thursday – Planned: 45 minutes of weights, Run 50 Minutes – but I was sick (again) – so I rested
Friday – Planned: 70 minute bike – turned into a rest day due to sickness
Saturday – 135 minute Trainer Ride – Easy Spin
Sunday AM – 3100 yd Swim
Sunday PM – 70 minute Base Run

Week 2: