My Old Love Is Back

Once again, I've made the commitment to myself that I will be in shape again. Don't know why, even though I'm supposedly a fairly learned woman, I keep straying from my health path. Every year I hear that Whitesnake song "Here I Go Again" in my head and swear that this year it will be different. well... Here it goes...
I've been able to find that love for biking again. Really believe that it's a combination of will and circumstances. I've found a group that have made biking fun again. Cycling is indeed a social sport when you're able to find people that share the same love and the same agenda
It's been liberating to ride for the fun of it and just cause!
can't wait for Tuesday's "just cause" ride.

It's been the New Year.....

Well this year has been under way for some time now. This is the first time in a long time that I really don't have the whole year planned as far as racing is concerned. My year started in Maui participating in a new hobby which is golf. We played in some awesome surroundings and around unbelievable people. It is interesting when we allow ourselves to wear a different hat or outfit for a while-Sometimes we learn lessons that needed to be learned in order to re focus on the integral parts of one's lives. It is through these past few weeks of walking in someone else's shoes that I welcome this new year back in the 727. It will be a year full of excitement and forward progress-A familiar territory, but with a new twist. It will truly be an unbelievable year for sure!

Sign of the Times

Time, where does time go? It seems as if it were yesterday when I knew I was the youngest in a room. It seemed it was just yesterday that my parents were young and invincible.
I can't help but notice the world around me, continually keeping up with itself. A world full of comparisons, complaints, and unhappiness is common right now. It is with sadness that I realize that the world and people have changed quite a bit.
It is today, that as I look at myself into the mirror I realize that time has taken it's toll on me and everyone around. The gray hair is more and more noticeable. Things that used to be so important, now, not even make it to the top 15. It is with a smile that I look beside me and realize how lucky I am to have my best friend beside me after 24 years.
Hugs to those that have found their own happiness, and hope to those that haven't figured it out yet.
Feeling pretty blessed in the 727.

The Rest of My Life

The year is nearing it's end. Now is the time when we start to reflect on everything that has transpired earlier in the year and what still has yet to come. This year has indeed been one of the most character building years. From the obvious mishaps, to the most unbelievable disappointments, to the most joyful times, this year has indeed had it's benefits in the teachings of life. It is, through lessons and experiences, that we grow as individuals. At a very early age, our character gets tested in more ways than one and continues to be tested as our young are every year in school.
Life is a continual roller coaster that teaches us the good, the bad, the ugly, and it's up to us to react in the appropriate manner.
It is with the above thoughts in mind, that I plan the rest of this year. It is with the knowledge, lessons, and experiences that I can say, that life changes every day. It is imperative that we stay true to our character and our convictions. It is almost like an "advance" New Year's Resolution. So here it goes, and keep in mind that it's a work in progress:

1. I will enjoy life the way God intended us to enjoy it.
2. I will rejoice in the sincerity of those close to me, and will continue to treat people in the manner that I would like to be treated.
3. I will live life and not let life live me.
4. There are no I must do races, but only the ones that I will enjoy. After all, it is the "outback"...no rules
5. And I will always toe the line with a smile on my face.

Looking forward to the rest of the year, and the rest of my life.

Aloha, and Mahalo

Things We Can Count On

In life, we can always count on certain things, like the sun coming up in the morning, the sun going down at night, the moon shining, you get the point. We can't expect anything more than we're willing to put into life, in training, or anything else for that matter. Then we must throw in prioritization of life, and viola! Decisions are made.
It is with sadness that I have decided that the timing is not right to train for a marathon right now. Things might change in a month or two, allowing me to pursue this goal in the early part of next year. In the mean time, it's all about staying fit, regaining that playful competition feeling, and enjoying life.
My current quest is comprised of running for fun in local events no longer than a half marathon, riding my new bikes, enjoying my friendships, and not letting a round dimpled ball get the best of me twice per week.
Aloha

And On and On and On

Life just keeps on going. Yikes, can't believe it is already September! It is also the time of the year that most decisions on bike lines, clothing, footwear, etc need to be addressed. It is indeed a stressful time, and as a result my training has taken a different focus. Training has been prioritized with marathon training at the top of the list. I've also added golfing to my life. It is indeed quite different in so many ways, but yet to similar in the challenges that it brings.
Things that I have realized in the past few months:
1. The BCC East Course is EVIL
2. The bike will always love me
3. I will always have to work on my run
4. Golfing is helping me feel the water better
5. My friends love to pick on me
6. My man and I can still have fun after 24 years together

With that in mind... life is too short to be stressed and not enjoy the fruits of our labor and hard work. As my man so eloquently has stated to me many times... "It's the Outback, honey, No Rules."

Wishing everyone lots of aloha and safe training.

Back to the Basics of Life

It is amazing how quickly we forget about the basics in our lives. I think that we all have experienced times in our lives that we feel invincible. Times that we think we can achieve anything we desire. It's always great to watch people growing, progressing and achieving so much in their lives.
We sponsor a group of young men in triathlon. It is great to see them grow up, being respectful young men. It is with so much pride that I've had the chance to see at least two of these young men progress so well in their lives. At MPM, they made us proud by finishing first, second, and third. It will be in less than a week, that they will race against each other again. Couldn't say enough great things about Jose Baez, Shayne Deeley, and Cody Sandford.
These are the times in my life, that I look back, and with a smile, I nod to these young men, and give them the thumbs up! They also make me realize that we must continue to help the young achieve their dreams.
Way to go guys!