I Tri for Victory: October 2015

My 2015 season started off with some difficulties, started to get back on track and then got derailed again. Two weeks before my 'A' race of the season I had a bike accident. Fortunately I walked away with banged up knees and a broken collarbone, it could have been much worse. If you asked me how I felt the day it happened, I would have broke down in tears and said how awful it was to miss my final triathlon and what am I am going to do now. After a few days I was able to get back to a realistic perspective and realize how lucky I am and started to look at what I CAN do while down and out. I've been able to keep up with some training and do what I am able to. The collar bone is healing well, I'm 6 weeks out and back to running, indoor biking, and teaching GRIT. Hopefully soon I will be back to doing upper body lifting and swimming!

There was one event that I didn't write about in my last blog, but needs to be brought up. Toward the end of 2014, 11/3/14 to be exact, our YMCA family and myself lost a dear friend to a senseless act of domestic violence. Not only did our family lose Jacinda, but it happened in the parking lot of our Y. Our group exercise staff and members came together after this loss and found strength in who Jacinda was to each of us, a motivator, inspiration, and friend. I made the commitment to use her inspiration and motivation in my own life, especially when it comes to training and racing. This was a tough year for me, dealing with injuries and illnesses, but keeping her memory alive has helped me to push through. As we come up on the anniversary to celebrate her life, I plan to recommit to continue to remember her spirit each and every day.

Another big change this year was in my professional career. I am a mental health therapist working at a Veteran's Hospital. I recently transitioned to working with combat veterans with PTSD. I love my new position and am reminded of the dedication and sacrifice that our service members give everyday. I have had the opportunity to work with phenomenal vets and help them their own recovery process. This job can be very challenging and this is one more reason why triathlon and my own training is so important. This is one way to keep balance in my life! The other way to keep my balance is through my wonderful husband and love bug of a pit bull, Moosh!

So my triathlon season ended abruptly, but I am still planning to run two more half marathons. I'm already planning for my 2016 race season which already includes an early season marathon, Eagleman 70.3, and the Chester County Half Marathon (#Jacindasrun). I'm planning to register for Ironman MD and will be volunteering at Ironman Arizona so I can sign up for next year! Below are a few pics to capture this year!