Sunday, July 5, 2015

Starting Over

This year has, thus far, been a year of "starting over", in many different ways.  At times it's been disheartening.  At times thrilling.  At times very scary.  At times extremely frustrating.  Through it all I've tried to keep an open mind, an open heart and the cursing to a minimum.  I've failed miserably.  I've seen some success.  I've laughed hysterically.  I've cried (a lot).  I've been overwhelmed with gratefulness for the true friends and family that have seen me through it all (and continue to do so).  And I've tried to remember that life is pretty damn awesome every single day.  And that even when it hurts, it still feels really GOOD to feel so alive.  I've got a lifetime to live yet.  The only way to do it is with happiness.

In a few weeks I'm going to Racine, WI to race.  My shoulder has been slow to heal.  I've only swam a handful of times and my bike/run fitness is lacking too.  But I don't really care.  What I've learned with each re-start is this: you have to start somewhere.  And starting over ain't so bad, after all.

The past few months...

There have been some bad days.

But also some amazingly good days.

I rode my bike to the Atlantic Ocean.

And around Lake Cayuga in upstate, NY.

And up the Kanc (x2!) in New Hampshire.

I highly recommend stopping for pie mid-ride.

I got to swim in the beautiful facility at Ithaca College.

But most of my swimming (as limited as it's been) has taken place in this beauty of a "pool".

If you're ever in Boston, go to see Joshua Tree, awesome U2 cover band.

A little reminder from a very wise friend.

4 comments:

  1. Hey I read this when it came out, and you know I always would comment on stuff from you. These days I don't really know you really, but I just thought of something.

    You live life, but you had no idea what you were getting into.

    There were times I was angry at you, but mostly cuz I was dealing with other stuff, and I could never come out perfect.

    You are Beth shutt though. In the past I tried to comment 100%. I'd like to try that again, because through it all you always trusted me. :)

    Maybe you didn't always like me, but I can always get over that.

    Luv ya Beth, and I know your life has been turned upside down.

    It is all for good, especially for you. :)

    p.s. My dad is making a surprise visit today/ tonight. Whatever. ;)

    Luv ya's as you know. :)

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  2. You're a very strong woman. :) Have read your post and feel how you've been. You face all your struggles. You really are a good athlete. I have read also some posts of others. I would also like to recommend this to you.. wish this would help www.facebook.com/wildnrg they have lots of stuffs that I think you need as you start. Goodluck! and keep rockin the free world.

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  3. Congrats for your race at Racine! Your first race back was great! I hope you felt good just getting out there again. Your fitness will come back with time. Keep positive and great job!

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  4. I'm so impressed! Keep running,https://www.facebook.com/wildnrg

    ReplyDelete