Triathlon Season 2011

The triathlon adventures are over for the year and the thought of a long cold winter leaves me longing for sun and sacrifice.  The end of the season brings satisfaction, thankfulness, and motivation to do better next year.  To accomplish the things I wanted to, I had to make a lot of sacrifices.  It wasn't always fun, and it definitely wasn't easy, but I knew I had the support of the people who love me.  The hard work is always worth it in the end. 

I think I did "ok" for myself in terms of results :), I won the races I dreamed about for years.  However, the wins aren't the things I feel the most satisfaction in.  This blog (understandably) is usually about me, from my point of view, what I feel, how I did, etc. but I am so thankful and grateful to have had amazing trips with my parents, my sisters, Scott, Uriah, Corrie, Jess, Kevin and his family, Anne, and so many other amazing people.

I had thought about winning J. Clarkson for the entire year.  I had dreams (some nightmares) about it for months, every day it was on my mind.  After completing the dream and winning, I am so thankful to have had my parents and Janet's parents there to share the trip, race, and satisfaction with me.  We will all hold that race and experience in our hearts with fondness.  It really is what dreams are made of.

*Janet's Parents

*A fitting end to a great story

*Courtesy WY News

*Courtesy WY News

The State Games was also a trip that was a dream come true.  I felt so strong during the whole race, but again it was the people who I shared the adventure with that made it what it was.  I was very lucky to share that weekend with Corrie, she's an amazing girl who really added to my enjoyment.  She provided me the support I needed to be at my best.  I will hold that weekend as one of the most special triathlon memories that we have shared.  My sister Mackenzie, my friend Mike, Cheryl, and Kevin Sr. were all very special parts of the second dream that came true.  I can't help but feel like the luckiest person in the world to have shared such adventures with them.  The post race pizza party with Corrie's family was both delicious and (un)nutritious.  I get pizza a few times a year and it was delicious.

*Corrie was a big part of my success in tri season 2011, I was lucky to share so many adventures with her :)

*Friends make the break-away together

*Mike and me at the time trial.

I will always be in debt to all of my friends and family who made 2011 as great as it was.  The trip to Seeley with my family, Corrie, and Jess was awesome.  I didn't have a great result, but that's beside the point.  The Yakima trip with Kevin, his family, and Anne also holds a very special place in my heart.  I felt like family the whole time, I like spending time with them.  Rob and Trina really took care of me when I crashed, it made me feel very special to know they cared about my well being. 

Kevin and I had so many adventures together, we sometimes over look and take for granted how lucky we are to be friends.  Man, did we clean up with the awards this year.  As if I were not lucky enough, I had even more tri adventures with my Washington family, Bill, Debbie, and their gang. They always treat me like royalty when I go to their house...as long as I finish in the top 5.  I am thankful to have them as family.  Rory and Deanna of BuDu Racing have also become very close to me this year.

*I am lucky to have shared my most special times with Corrie, Jess, and Kevin

*Yeah boy

*People say we look the same, except my sister has larger muscles

*Spring Festival Tri!

*The boys getting ready to take care of business

*My bodyguard and mentor Bill

*Family portrait

*Didn't win them all...humbling

*Team EMT, they patched me up great.

I have always felt that I get energy from nature.  In my travels, I have seen sights that would make photographers jealous.  When I see places like these, I can't describe it in words, I get energized and motivated.  It's a powerful feeling to have.

However, it wasn't all pretty music and nice feelings.  I had a few tough races, ouchies, and let downs.  The most physically painful, of course, was the wreck.  I use a flying mount technique, at the Ellensburg tri I used the flying dismount technique, it's not as effective as keeping the rubber side down.

*Not good

One thing about my tri photos, there is always lots of smiling!  I love the people who share the adventures with me, the integrity of the sport, and the lifestyle.  If you know me, you also know I love winning, wearing sweet triathlon outfits, and pictures!

*Kevin with his arm-charm, Anne

*Sidewalk sleeping (well not at the moment)

*Kayla and Scott

*One thumb up

*Two fingers up

*10 tooth smile

*Looks like Kevin had a good time too

*Time to hibernate

It's hard to know what to say to end.  I was lucky on so many levels.  I am so thankful to be me and to share the most precious memories in my life with the special people that understand who I am and my passion.  There is a lot of hard work to be done between now and tri season 2012.  See you all soon.