Maybe it is because of my mountain bike background, where battles were fought and won deep within the cover of the forest while I raced against the clock and against myself and my will to overcome. Or because while playing college basketball, Coach Jesse Clark instilled in us the belief and the understanding to not only be gracious in victory, but also in defeat. The occasions of success, for me at least number-wise, do not come about all that frequently. But it left me thinking none the less, that if I summed my success up in my printable results, I would fail. To every win there is a tale to tell, to every 20th place there is an equal and just as important story to be told. And no, I am not thinking this because of, or going to tell you the sad tale of my Out The Back 15th place finish on Saturday. ; )
To bring this complain-fest full-circle, which of course is the point here, I am going to high light what we as a cycling team does in our "free time". We volunteer. And not because we get anything for it (because technically that of course would NOT be volunteering) but because we love it, and it is part of our innate nature.
8th Annual PossAbilities Triathlon
5:05ish AM helping a handcyclist with his BRIGHT GREEN racing chair! Yes, I fixed my hair and drank half a pot of coffee before 4am. I had to start the day off RIGHT!
Once I woke up and got going, I had a complete blast! I saw old school-mates, students of my own, former and present teammates and people I used to teach Spin Class to as well as locals I ride with on the group rides. I was so stoked to get stationed in the transition zone where I could throw Hi-Fives to everyone and help them out when need-be!
In the pink, Julie Furber, one of our original Team Jose Ole sponsors along with Autumn who did the very first 12 hour Mountain bike race with Shelli and I as a team and Laura! They came out on a whim and finished together! At this event, success was measured by Being There! Ladies were elated to have NOT WALKED the 5k! To have made it though their leg of the relay, to have come out done a task which to them, seemed unattainable!
Being coupled with PossAbilities means that this event caters to challenged and disabled athletes! Hearing the stories of success in their former lives, working through immense hardship, to now completing and being competitive in athletic events was completely inspiring. David Bailey and Mike Young, pictured here in the chairs, are Motor Cross legends which both Jamie and Brian knew from their racing years.
Fermin and Beth! Rolled in with a smile and left with even larger smiles! Brian got to ride his scooter next to Beth because he was lead moto for the run course, where he chatted her up and got some info! She told him of her injury and how just last Monday, she completed the Boston Marathon. Fermin suffered a stroke in 2003 and his right side is now paralyzed. His movements reminded a lot of how my sister now walks due to her illness so I instantly had a soft spot for him in my heart. I helped them move some of their goods and instantly got Sherpa Status. Now THATS an honor.
Who says old guys can't race?!?! The gentleman on the right talked my ear off in the transition zone! He commented on how i looked "fit and healthy" hahahahha and we were fast friends from there on! He was cheering on his buddies heading out on Huffy mountain bikes for the bike portion.
I just put this one in here because I really like food and haven't blogged about it for a long time.
I didn't get this gentleman's name, but watching him complete all three portions of the event was amazing.
What cool event! The kids were careening down the slides and chomping on snow cones as soon as they crossed the line!
And the future! Liam and his brother did the complete tri and were completely SUCCESSFUL. Because they finished. Because they had fun. Because they are learning to push the limits and find a healthy balance to life. Because they are athletes.
I found Fermins website and this is what I learned:
And the future! Liam and his brother did the complete tri and were completely SUCCESSFUL. Because they finished. Because they had fun. Because they are learning to push the limits and find a healthy balance to life. Because they are athletes.I found Fermins website and this is what I learned:
"GIVING UP IS THE ULTIMATE TRAGEDY!"
Bachelorette party. Yeeeaaahhhh....(I could have been getting Poison Oak at Sea Otter, instead, i was getting toe blisters and belly fat in Vegas). This dress got the "Joy we can see your slip. Wait, I think that's your tan line comment." Sidenote: what is a slip and should I have one? puhlees....
But alas, some things just can not be undone. The tan lines will forever be worn as a badge of courage and pride. Yes, my thighs are horribly white. Yes, i have countless scars and blindingly white abs. But alas, it proves a point that my passion and hobbies are more than just that. Cycling and fitness and taking care of myself are a way of life and I love it. If that means that the pool deck stares aghast at my whiteness, so be it. Shun the cyclist and welcome the Muffin Tops. To each their own. For me, these tan lines are just going to get darker. Along with Day-Glow and Mohawks. I guess its just my personality!