I’ve been thinking about the best way to describe my experience at the Ironman last weekend in Tempe, AZ. My brother and sister-in-law competed—and finished. (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, 26.2 mile run)
Many words have come to mind—dedication, determination, inspiration, awe, crazy folks—but none of these seem to describe my lasting feeling about my experience that day.
It is a mystery to me why anyone would do this. (Keep in mind that I am speaking from a place of limited fitness as a brief walk each day is what I aspire to.) That said, I do not believe training for and competing in an Ironman is about fitness alone. I believe it’s about proving something, pushing limits, expanding the concept of self—and just plain ole’ dig yer heels in and finish even if it kills you kind of perseverance.
I started out the morning in Tempe pondering this question. It was almost 6 am as my Mom and I looked for Bill and Jen in a mass of people—probably about 4,000 including spectators and volunteers. This alone seemed a little crazy to me.
When I am fortunate enough to attend, it is an important ritual for me to see Bill before he begins a race. It is reassuring to see his face and to know that he is OK and feeling ready.
When we found them they were smearing deodorant behind their knees (I didn’t ask) and straining to get into their wetsuits. The loud speakers were—well, loud—and along with the music was a guy delivering warnings about the forecasted heat, a lost bag of gear, and general words of encouragement.
We took a few photos, checked in about how they were feeling (Jen=ready to get going! Bill=calm and confident), and then watched them walk into the crowd to start their day.
I don’t want to minimize or downplay the effort and accomplishment that goes into this kind of event. Bill and Jen are committed, exceptionally fit, and likely mentally stronger than most folks in that they are able to push themselves beyond limits they had once observed. It occurs to me as well that they likely know themselves better now than ever before. Not only in a physical sense, but in a whole-person sense as well.
I believe there is a spirituality not only in the accomplishment of finishing the event, but in the process of training—of honoring their bodies enough to prepare adequately and to pay attention, and make adjustments as they go.
Training and racing have permeated their lives. It has restructured their social group and their interests. It has focused their energy not only on fitness, but on the mental battles behind getting out of bed to run in the rain, going swimming with a sinus infection, and just moving off the couch and, well, moving.
The harmony of breath, adrenaline, and fatigue must be a powerful force. I can only speculate here because I have never pushed myself in these ways. There is power, nonetheless, no matter the source or combination of factors.
Congratulations does not seem an adequate sentiment to express at the end of such an accomplishment. But then the reward must be an internal one anyway. I am proud, I am awed, and I am inspired by their dedication and commitment to their goal, and to their ability to tough it out. So, congratulations guys! You are Ironmen!
Here's a link to Bill's blog if you'd like to read his full account. http://fromfattotri.blogspot.com/
April 18, 2008
April 2, 2008
Welcome spring!
We are welcoming the spring weather and are happy to be finally rid of the snow. Last week was some crazy weather, but we still had a great time!
We visited the beach and were so lucky to find the sun and then two days later were making a snowman (really it was a snow bunny) in our back yard. All in all, a very resting spring break for our family.
In farm news, Richard attended an all day meeting/class at a Biodynamic farm in Junction City and came home revived and hopeful. He's familiar with these methods and their success after spending time at a large Biodynamic farm on the east coast. We've moved into a space of taking a longer view of our farming plan and are working to incorporate lasting, sustainable practices that work not only on a biological level, but support our lifestyle as well.
That said, we've got seed starts going and have been collecting soil implements based on soil studies we had completed last year. We're also planning another pumpkin patch this fall!
In pottery news, I've spent many hours the past few weeks throwing pots and playing with clay. Still working out the kinks with regard to back pain, but suggestions and advice are plentiful on blogs and forums on the web. No photos of any pots yet...I'll take some and post them next time around.
We visited the beach and were so lucky to find the sun and then two days later were making a snowman (really it was a snow bunny) in our back yard. All in all, a very resting spring break for our family.
In farm news, Richard attended an all day meeting/class at a Biodynamic farm in Junction City and came home revived and hopeful. He's familiar with these methods and their success after spending time at a large Biodynamic farm on the east coast. We've moved into a space of taking a longer view of our farming plan and are working to incorporate lasting, sustainable practices that work not only on a biological level, but support our lifestyle as well.
That said, we've got seed starts going and have been collecting soil implements based on soil studies we had completed last year. We're also planning another pumpkin patch this fall!
In pottery news, I've spent many hours the past few weeks throwing pots and playing with clay. Still working out the kinks with regard to back pain, but suggestions and advice are plentiful on blogs and forums on the web. No photos of any pots yet...I'll take some and post them next time around.
March 12, 2008
Sunflowers and rockets
Feels like a slow start in the farming end of things this year. But then I consider that it's not even the middle of March and realize, we're doing just fine! Still on track for the pumpkin patch and plenty of good veggies.
Anna and I planted sunflowers, dill, thyme and oregano this week and are waiting for the little buggers to pop up. Richard has been working on grafting some new apple and pear trees and has sketched out some ideas for a patio area and greenhouse location.
In other news, we're looking into preschool for next fall for Anna. She's excited about going to "big girl school" and playing with kids. (This has also served as a great incentive for potty training.)
With the time change we are all loving the chance to be outside more in the evenings. Richard has been practicing archery and Anna is convinced that she needs her own set of "rockets" (arrows). I suspect the Easter Bunny will deliver.
Anna and I planted sunflowers, dill, thyme and oregano this week and are waiting for the little buggers to pop up. Richard has been working on grafting some new apple and pear trees and has sketched out some ideas for a patio area and greenhouse location.
In other news, we're looking into preschool for next fall for Anna. She's excited about going to "big girl school" and playing with kids. (This has also served as a great incentive for potty training.)
With the time change we are all loving the chance to be outside more in the evenings. Richard has been practicing archery and Anna is convinced that she needs her own set of "rockets" (arrows). I suspect the Easter Bunny will deliver.
March 3, 2008
Keeping Up
As we've started to discuss our patio and landscape plan it feels more and more like spring. Easter egg hunts are coming up--and so are the daffodils. I've made a few pots, work has slowed to a more reasonable pace and life feels in balance--at least for today.
I tried a new brand of tea last week (Yogi tea) as Anna has daily tea parties and we were running low. On each of the bags there's a tab with a little "fortune" kind of thing. Friday's was "Keep Up." I like these fortunes--they are not gentle, kind or filled with soft fluff. They are directive, honest--and a little abrupt. And, they always make me think. So, I've been trying to keep up. With life mostly. Anna and her shifting interests, her daily changes. Richard and his talk about bows and arrows and his revived love of loading shotgun shells and what our soil needs before we can plant. I've also tried keeping up with myself. Listening to what I need, what I want to do, and how I'm feeling. It's a good exercise in paying attention. Guess I never thought all that could come from a cup of tea!
Finally, some great news about James (Taylor). We somehow made the list for a special pre-sale and were able to get tickets late last week. Anna is looking forward to seeing James and his band. Only four months to go!
I tried a new brand of tea last week (Yogi tea) as Anna has daily tea parties and we were running low. On each of the bags there's a tab with a little "fortune" kind of thing. Friday's was "Keep Up." I like these fortunes--they are not gentle, kind or filled with soft fluff. They are directive, honest--and a little abrupt. And, they always make me think. So, I've been trying to keep up. With life mostly. Anna and her shifting interests, her daily changes. Richard and his talk about bows and arrows and his revived love of loading shotgun shells and what our soil needs before we can plant. I've also tried keeping up with myself. Listening to what I need, what I want to do, and how I'm feeling. It's a good exercise in paying attention. Guess I never thought all that could come from a cup of tea!
Finally, some great news about James (Taylor). We somehow made the list for a special pre-sale and were able to get tickets late last week. Anna is looking forward to seeing James and his band. Only four months to go!
February 16, 2008
How sweet it is!
This morning we awoke to most exciting news! James Taylor will be in concert in Portland this July. We are all so excited to go--especially Anna. Her first concert and her favorite music. What could be better?
If you're interested in tickets they go on sale March 3. He'll be at the Clark Co. Amphitheater.
Hope to see you there.
If you're interested in tickets they go on sale March 3. He'll be at the Clark Co. Amphitheater.
Hope to see you there.
February 15, 2008
Time warps and spring flowers
My little brother--who is both brilliant and funny--wonders where last week went (www.fromfattotri.blogspot.com). Today I am wondering where the last year has gone! I'm watching Anna and Richard walk through the field with the dog and examine nearly every rock, stick and bug--and I wonder when exactly she went from being a baby to being an almost-little-kid. From what I hear this kind of time warp will continue to happen. I guess it just makes it even more important to remember to live in the moment.
We are getting antsy for spring around here--I failed in my vow to not buy the first flowers displayed at the front doors at Fred Meyer. I know they will suffer either a death by frost, or neglect, but I spent the $4 anyway. Seems like Valentine's Day is the gateway to spring--all the red and pink clear out to make room for all the Easter merchandise. This is proof enough for me that spring is on the way. So what if I have to buy more flowers in a few weeks?
Richard is inspired not only by the coming of spring, but with the opportunity to attend some local workshops about soil, worms, ducks, and some other farm-related topics. The information will be helpful as will the networking.
Happy spring!
We are getting antsy for spring around here--I failed in my vow to not buy the first flowers displayed at the front doors at Fred Meyer. I know they will suffer either a death by frost, or neglect, but I spent the $4 anyway. Seems like Valentine's Day is the gateway to spring--all the red and pink clear out to make room for all the Easter merchandise. This is proof enough for me that spring is on the way. So what if I have to buy more flowers in a few weeks?
Richard is inspired not only by the coming of spring, but with the opportunity to attend some local workshops about soil, worms, ducks, and some other farm-related topics. The information will be helpful as will the networking.
Happy spring!
February 6, 2008
My traveling bug is dead
Three airports in less than two weeks. A quick trip to Vegas, a weekend in Tahoe, and then a meeting in Boise. The Tahoe trip was planned and perfectly lovely. The others—well, gotta love the work, right?
It is reassuring that our hopes of building my freelance business and client base are coming true. And it’s refreshing to have work that is fun and clients who are nice. I’m just looking forward to some consecutive nights at home and the chance to see Anna and Richard, do my laundry, clean the bathroom, and buy some milk.
It’s nice to settle into our home and our new life. It’s nice to feel connected to our little town and to actually like coming home.
When my plane landed in Boise this morning there was snow and fog everywhere. But, just yesterday I noticed the daffodils peeking through the mud by the front door so I know that spring is on the way.
I’ll be home tomorrow—and then it’s back to life in Philomath.
It is reassuring that our hopes of building my freelance business and client base are coming true. And it’s refreshing to have work that is fun and clients who are nice. I’m just looking forward to some consecutive nights at home and the chance to see Anna and Richard, do my laundry, clean the bathroom, and buy some milk.
It’s nice to settle into our home and our new life. It’s nice to feel connected to our little town and to actually like coming home.
When my plane landed in Boise this morning there was snow and fog everywhere. But, just yesterday I noticed the daffodils peeking through the mud by the front door so I know that spring is on the way.
I’ll be home tomorrow—and then it’s back to life in Philomath.
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