Big Sky State Games

I must have done something right somewhere along the line because I was treated like an absolute Prince by so many people at the Games this year, to whom I am grateful. Opening ceremonies was a dream, it was a treat, and I had so much fun. 

 

*Pretty sure this shows how happy I am. lol  This was a dream come true and I wasn't scared of the  crowd or shy about showing how thrilled I was.

 

Thanks to all the State Games event managers, especially Karen for all her support. Thank you to my friends and family, and all the competitors at the games, in particular Ed and Patti who came to the time trial to cheer me on, and Jordan Croft who I battled with in all the swimming events.

*Mayor of Billings, Tom Hanel.

 

*Air Elite Dunk Team, Jen Reuter (female athlete of the year), and Ethan Harder (youth athlete of the year).

 

*Pretty sweet...

 

*Kevin, Cheryl, Karen, and Mayor Tom.

 

I owe a HUGE thank you to Kevin and Cheryl.  I am sure I can’t do their generosity justice, or say thank you enough, but I am so eternally grateful to the Davis Family.  They provided me everything I could have ever needed to succeed.  I had a comfortable room all to my own in the basement (I have always loved basements), pictures from all the events, delicious meals without even having to ask, and a personal assistants handling every single thing I needed.  Cheryl’s food was amazing and kept me going for all the events.  Again, I am so thankful to the wonderful Davis Family.

 

This year was a dream at the State Games.  I felt relaxed and had fun every single second. Even doing the triathlon, 2 bike races, and 11 swimming events I was never exhausted like past years. Very rarely was I nervous, and I took time to appreciate all the events and people. Part of that is because I dedicated myself to other things in the winter and spring, part of that is also because I have already achieved a lot of my dreams, things that I never would have even thought were possible 10 years ago.  I’ve won the triathlon twice, I’ve won 50-some gold medals, and National athlete of the year. 

I also think the stress of the spring bodybuilding show extended me to the point where I have raised my threshold to focus and deal with stress.  The things that used to be my “limit” are no longer even close to it.  They call that being battled-hardened.  In the business world they call it “Earning your stripes.”  Whatever, the reason, I wasn’t disturbed by any nerves and it was bliss to compete that way.  I need to set my sights on new limits and tests, which excites me very much. 

*91-year-old, Charlotte. Don't even say anything about your age holding you back.

 

*Ready to strike

 

*Hurting so good in the 200 IM.

 

*Counting Patti's laps

 

*Patti got her age group record in the 500 freestyle. Great job to her.

 

*My heat of the 500 free.

 

*Ed starting counting my laps, but apparently he wasn't doing a job that met Patti's standards....

 

*...so Patti took the board from him. lol

 

This year I did 14 events and it would have been the ultimate dream come true if I could have won 14 medals and gotten overall wins in the time trial and triathlon, but I ran into a buzz-saw in Chuck Sloan who won the time trial and triathlon. I finished 2^nd in both of those, but still medaled in all 14 events, and found that switch that flicks on and says, “If you want this, then you have to pay the price and earn this.” The level of past success is no longer the benchmark, I need to raise the level. I am thankful to have that purpose and challenge. 

I am so excited for what is to come.  Thanks again to everyone, I appreciate everyone who supports me.

 

*Attention to detail

 

*Cecil ready to race.

 

*Winner of the time trial and triathlon, Chuck Sloan. You want to see a guy ride a bike like the wind, this is it.

 

*I am very happy with the bike races, 1st in the 12 mile road race and 2nd in the time trial.

 

*The Kid's race was so funny. It was really hot and windy, so much so that the kid's race was shortened to about a mile. lol

 

*Cecil and Sean warming up

 

*Focus...pedal...power

 

*A girl from Billings once told me, "Only trashy people go to Lake Elmo."  Lake Elmo is one of my favorite places...so what does that say about me?  ha ha :)

 

*A bunch of trashy awesome people swimming in Lake Elmo.

 

*Ethan leading, I am in the ugly chase pack of bodies.

 

*Out with Carter Raines, chasing the lead

 

*Leading the hungry chase pack onto the bike

 

 

 

 

*Rather satisfied with my outfit. Thank you to Hammer Nutrition for all their great products and help along the way.

 

*Congratulations to Chuck. Seeing this creates unrest, motivates, and fuels me to do better.  If I want it then I have to earn it. It will never be handed to me, it's about being dedicated, relentless, and willing to pay the price.

 

*When I finish hard races my legs go one way and my body the other, it's weird, it always happens.

 

*I didn't realize until seeing this that I used the guy taking my timing chip off as a brace.  I totally leaned on him. I hope I didn't hurt his back. lol

 

*A million thank you notes would not do justice to express my gratefulness to Kevin and Cheryl for their generosity and support all weekend.