My body is still kickin'...kinda.

#390 Lowman, Leigh 36 F Swim-41:10 Pace-2:45 T1-3:32 Bike-1:58:40 Pace-13.2 T2 1:39 Run-1:16:09 Pace-12:16 Total Time-4:01:08

So, a year's worth of training came to fruition this past weekend as Nancy Herbert and I participated in the Tugaloo Olympic Triathlon. A lofty goal, the Tugaloo is one of the hardest triathlon courses in Georgia. It consists of a one mile swim, 26 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run, in that order. Might I mention that this is a qualifying race for the Ironman Hawaii.

Now I have participated in two half marathons, many 5ks and 10ks, and several sprint triathlons. Nothing compared me for this. And if I thought I was going to do well, I was sadly mistaken. While life made it difficult to truly train for this triathlon, I quickly realized that this was a triathlon for young, fit, beautiful, cut people...except for the few 60+ year old hard-core competitors. Waaaaay out of my league.

I did have a few goals.
1. I did not want to finish last.
2. I did not want to quit.
3. I wanted to complete the entire race in less than 4 1/2 hours.
4. I did not want to drown, wreck, or fall.
5. I wanted to finish before they took down the Finish Line, so my name would be called over the microphone.

I realize that I met all of my goals.
1. I finished like, 10th to last.
2. I did not give up and actually felt good throughout the race.
3. I completed the race in 4 hours 1 minute and 8 seconds.
4. I did get water up my nose, wobbled a few times on some potholes, and stumbled on the run.
5. I finished and had my named called right before they took down the Finish Line.

I cannot think of anything that is physically more stressful, difficult, and yet so fulfilling, than to complete an Olympic triathlon. Crossing the finish line, knowing I had accomplished my goals, and knowing I was still lucid and happy, was such a great feeling. Don't get me wrong. I felt every last second of the entire race. I talked to myself, talked to others, made fun of myself, and cheered on those who seemed to be struggling.

I do not think I will compete in a race like this again, but I am so thankful to know that I did it. I will cross it off my Bucket List and know I did the best I could do. I do stand by an earlier, relevant observation, though. No man, no matter how lovely, should EVER wear just a Speedo. Gross.

The apocalypse

So, I believe I last posted in December of 2010. Not sure a whole lot has changed since then, except that now the world is coming to an end...this weekend. Not really sure how I feel about this since I have a bunch of fun stuff planned for this summer. But let's say it happens.

1. Will I go to heaven?
2. Will my family and friends join me if I do?
3. What about Hank?
4. Who do I need to talk to when I get there so that all of those I love, even those who struggle with belief, will be with me in the afterlife? After all, my happiness IS the most important thing.
5. And I WILL have words with those in charge to advocate for those I love.

Seriously, though, even if nothing happens this weekend, we should evaluate where we are in our lives. For Christians or non-believers, an event like this should make us all stop and think. If you are reading this, you are of age and have made some good and bad life decisions, lived a little, and learned even more (or less, as the case may be). Otherwise, you wouldn't be taking the time to see what I have to say. I have lived a TON, would make different decisions, and am stronger because of my experiences, both good and bad.

This weekend, I will take time to make sure I am treating people with respect, following the Golden Rule, continuing to strive to be my best, and enjoying the most important thing given to me on this earth. My family. In the end, these people love us for good and bad and there is nothing I wouldn't risk to make sure they are safe and happy.

Good luck this weekend!!! We will be camping!!!