Monday, August 25, 2014

Kona

This morning my alarm went off at 4:40 am, just like most Monday mornings.  I got up and put food in the dog's bowl (but no sign of dog, she sleeps in these days), put on my swimsuit, collected my things for masters practice, and then quickly checked my email.  And there it was, the email that I had been hoping and working hard for, an invitation to compete this year in Kona.  I smiled.  I told Oscar on the way out the door.  He smiled and gave me a kiss.  I drove to masters.  I had a great workout with my good friend Chad, who I've been doing triathlon alongside for 8+ years.  I talked to my friends and Coach Jen.  I took a shower.  I got in my car to drive home.

And then, unexpectedly, as I turned the keys in the ignition, I burst into tears.  I think all the emotion that I've pent up these past couple weeks and months, finally came bubbling to the surface.  This year is turning out to have some of the very highest highs I've ever felt, but also some of the very lowest, lows.  And while I would never consider my "problems" to be on the same level as what many go through on a daily basis, I also don't want to minimize some of the emotional turmoil I've felt this year.  No matter what it is you are down about, being depressed is a real condition that needs to be treated.  And it's not a small thing.

This morning in the car, I was elated, relieved, happy beyond words, excited, and of course, thrilled.  But mostly, I was so filled with gratitude.  It's a great thing to achieve a dream, but even more wonderful, I'm learning, is to realize just how many people have helped you in doing so.  So above all else, what I feel is thankful.  So very, very thankful for all the people that gave of themselves so that I could get to do this.

So this Kona thing, it's really happening!!  Which means I get to train for another Ironman!  I hear it's a bit hot and maybe a little windy on the Big Island in October, 'eh?  ;)


12 comments:

  1. Goosebumps reading this. So happy and proud for you. Kona might be a tad hot and windy but also outrageously beautiful and powerful.

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  2. Wow! Congratulations on the well deserved recognition of your growth and perseverance.

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  3. Congrats Beth! You are amazing and cannot wait to see how your race unfolds. Don't forget to snorkle with the sea turtles:)

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  4. Beautiful words, Beth. Sounds like you had a "gratitude attack". You are a humble and hard working person. Enjoy and carry on! More to come.

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  5. I am SO thrilled for you!! :) You and I are in a similar boat - high HIGHs and very low LOWs this year. xo

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  6. I'm so completely thrilled for you!!! And tears came to my eyes when I read this. You deserve this, Beth. Well done. See you there! :)

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  7. Oh, its going to be fun watching you this year! Best of luck Beth, and thanks for your own encouragement toward others. XX
    e

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  8. I'm with Tim:) Sorround yourself with great people, work hard, pray, work hard some more--->> good things happen!
    Thrilled for you Beth!!

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  9. AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME SAUCE! congrats beth, well deserved! -kim kaltreider

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  10. SO happy to see this yesterday on FB! I know how hard you work and it is so exciting when hard work is rewarded. Dream BIG! Have the best race and prep for Kona!!! LIVE IT UP!

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  11. So excited! Glad you'll be at Kona to keep on dreaming big, right.

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