Surprise Send Off to Lausanne

Tuesday as I was getting the final things packed up before my trip to Lausanne, Jude told me to go to the garage and help him with something.  As I walked into the garage I hear SURPRISE and see a bunch of my friends and some of their daughters there with posters saying “Good Luck” and “Go Jeannie, Team USA”.  WOW!  I really had no idea they were going to be there!  Some of them had also decorated my bushes and mailbox with Red, White, and Blue ribbons.  This was also a school day, and pouring down rain! During that time I realized that my training and racing is not just about me.  Going all out and striving every day to be the best I can be has impacted so many people.  They all said in their own way that what I am doing inspires them.  In that group were the friends I made at my children’s school, but all of them are accomplished women who also inspire me.  I was deeply touched by what they did and glad to hear that what I am doing makes a difference.

For over two years I have been going to Austin Tri-Cyclist on Saturdays for the weekly ride that starts and ends there.  I always have a good time being with fellow triathletes and cyclists, and the tacos Don and Missy (the owners) give to everyone at the store after the ride are always an AWESOME TREAT!!  They are so generous.  This Saturday though, I needed to do 3 hours, and didn't want to start at the usual 8:30am start time due to the scorching heat.  So I got to the store around 7am and started on my way - I was hoping to run into someone I know since I don't like to ride outside alone.  I was so happy, however, to be outside after countless rides on my indoor computrainer that it didn't matter anyway.  I was so lucky to come behind a group of four riders that looked to be going about my pace.  They had just started and wanted to do the same distance I did.  So...I rode with them the rest of the way and got to know some amazing people!  Michelle was in training for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Anne was recovering from an injury and mentioned doing Ironman Arizona next year, Fred I think was training for that race also, and Lynne was putting most of her focus on swimming the English Channel next year!  WOW!  All people up to something, and really nice too.  It was wonderful as I pedalled with them through the streets of Austin - I haven't had a three hour workout seem that quick in a LONG time.  I hope to see them again, but it's great to know there are so many people in our city that have the passion for life that I do!  All having busy lives outside of training that manage to make time for something so important - reaching beyond what most consider "reasonable goals!"

The Marble Falls Triathlon, and the Blanco Out Back Triathlon were two different races, two weeks apart, and had two identical results to report.  Both I felt great in the swim - both 1st out of the water and fast T1, both felt great on the beginning of the bike.  Then about half way through the bike course for both races the one thing beyond my control happened.  A FLAT TIRE!!  The front in the first race, and the back in the second.  Since I have the GLUE on racing tires, and almost no flat changing experience, this was the end of my races.  When things like this happen, my first thought is WHY ME?, WHY NOW?  Well, I don't know the answer - however, this may be a test of my faith and some good character building.  For both races, when I finally got back to the transition area, I took off my timing chip and completed the run course (unofficially).  This was important for me not to give up and call it a day.  I came to race hard, and I did just that (with a break on the bike - no pun intended).  I spent an hour or so being sad, and dissapointed, and had a good cry.  After that, however, no more feeling sorry for myself. 

I have an AMAZING husband who loves me and supports me every step of my journey, fantastic and healthy kids, and I am also GREAT!  My husband and some friends were so worried when they didn't see me come in on the bike, I was told that they all CHEERED loudly when they were informed I merely had a flat (and not something worse).  Thank God for these gifts!  I will now put my head down and train hard until Switzerland.