Riding the wave

Let's back up a bit!! I last posted about my 8k race, but Friday was a ton of fun too!  Last summer, during the recovery from my not-so-positive-but-glad-I-tried-it-marathon-experience, I stumbled across a triathlon clinic starting the very next day. As if meant to happen, I quickly registered, especially after learning that I already knew one of the clinic instructors!  Is that when it happened? When everything started to change, even more?


An email was sent out to see who'd be interested in a group ride, at the usual meeting place; the little blue buildings. A day off from work, and with temperatures forecasted around 25C/77F, and already 6+ months since I've seen most of the gang, I replied to say I was in! I was kinda surprised to see so many people there, as most of us, myself included, opted not to use the reply all!


The welcome I got from D.I. was so heart-warming.  He commented on having less of me to hug, and mentioned how proud he was of me for all of training over the last few months, seeing my facebook updates. I reminded him that he had a huge part of my newfound love of triathlon, and without him, B.E. and P.E., I wouldn't be doing what I am. He just smiled. I also got a few compliments on my new ride ;)


Funny thing about the ride, as we settled into a decent clip, was that I was riding with another guy that also had a Specialized triathlon bike! Awesome! We stopped at about the half way point of the loop to wait for the rest of the group, but after about 10 minutes, and a few still missing, we made a group decision to continue, maybe they had turned around. We found them a few kilometers later fixing a flat. :( Some headed back to the cars, I was good to turn back around for a longer ride... so two others, and myself, continued our pace for another loop. Now with about 7k before reaching the cars, I see two cyclists approaching me, so I put up my hand to wave, and realize that they're two of ours! The other clinic instructor and her hubby! Brakes on, turn around, and follow 'em! After some more compliments on my new wheels ;) and some catching up, I asked if I could ride with them for their loop! D.I. mentioned that I had to be using the term 'riding with them' loosely. haha.  So, lots of chatter as I was now completing this part of the loop for the third time, and feeling amazing! Now with less than a km to go before reaching the car, we were approaching a stop sign. Quick shoulder check to see if any cars were coming behind, nope, but there was some space between me and the other two. No cars left or right, I decided to go for it. We had already decided going for coffee afterwards, I was so close to reaching 40k for the morning, so I went as fast as I could, and it felt awesome!  Got back to the parking lot, reaching my 40k, B.E. walks towards me laughing, and said something like "I saw your ass in front of me, then I didn't. It was like you were sucked into the vortex!" All smiles, we packed up the bikes, and headed out for some more laughs, and coffee.


D.I. asked me if I wanted to take some time to brag about my accomplishments... humbled and suddenly shy, I just realized that I'm riding the wave. I'm riding, running, swimming, doing P90X and Insanity because I can, and because I love it! I hesitate to say it because we all know how quickly and easily it can be taken away; I've been on that 'road to recovery' a few times before, but I'll ride this wave as long as I can!! Maybe the approach I've taken to smarter training is finally paying off?!?


In any case, hearing how proud they were of me was so amazing.... Completely the opposite of how I felt just the week before. Someone caught me at a moment of weakness, pretty much making fun of everything I do, in a hurtful way, leaving me in tears. I've decided to chalk it up to them not understanding, and won't allow anyone to take any the pride I have in myself.  A friend of mine had a quote as his facebook status today, that couldn't have been more timely...


“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ~ Mark Twain

So, D.I., B.E., and P.E., and the many others in real life, through Facebook, or here, via this blog that encourage, inspire and motivate me, I appreciate it more than you know... you're all "great", so thank you!