My favorite time to write is when the weather is raining outside and I am drinking a warm coffee in a new location. I sit here in Jackson Hole at Cowboy Coffee feeling like I am off the grid, yet surrounded by groups of friends, the sounds of espresso machines and a modge pod of Mac computers. And this is my jam. Traveling and writing. Now, if I just remembered to bring my beanie....
Here is the song I am digging right now. Especially when my friend Kayla has me working hard and thinks sucking wind work is fun. And my current state of mind. #boom
Glorious
I feel like my mojo is coming back. And by mojo, I mean motivation to set a goal. This year I wanted to travel and fall back in love with swimming, biking and running. And I have. My bike and I have crushed items off my bucketlist while exploring Montana and Idaho. I do have a secret love affair with Idaho. I podiumed there in my 70.3 last year (3rd in my AG-HOLLA!), but it's a great place to train.
While my mojo was reappearing, I signed up for a bucketlist race. One I have had my eye on for a couple years. And I was ready to work for it. Then my teammates and friends went and dominated Worlds and then I had the fire lit under me. I was ready to work. Now, just for some clarity, I have worked in the past and somewhat in the present. But, I mean to really push towards some hard goals and get my mental aspect out of it. You know, my Chimp brain (for those of you have read that book!).
So, what does working really hard mean for me? Being asthmatic, I get panicky about breathing. Which, to many is crazy because I love being in the pool and I am usually one of the first out of the water. But, the water has always been a source of calmness and peace for me. Ever since my days having the Laurel pool babysit me all summer for a $1, that I am sure my parents were more than happy to hand over. I remember my dad coming to the pool checking on me to make sure I was alive and making me eat PB & J sammies that he folded through the metal chain link fence. Still a source of comfort food. However, I had to work in the pool to get fast and comfortable. Last year I worked on the bike to get fast (and can always work on that), but this year I wanted to work on the run. Run is where I tend to fall apart on a race, so all the people I passed on the bike, they catch me on the run. And my mental game would suffer.
Being asthmatic is a lot of the reason I train alone. Trying to keep up with someone when all I can think about is oxygen is the worst. But, it many ways it has become a crutch of sorts. A reason to not really push it. Until this year. Until this summer/late fall. I asked for help and quietly shared my goals. I am working on goals and my mental game-which is basically saying "You will not die, just breathe..look you are okay...). Sounds easy. It's not. My first modification on speed made me say those exact things in my intervals. But, then a shift. I focused on what I could control, my breath, my mind. Then we did some speed intervals. Same thing. And it was hard for me and I learned to control what I could and then push through mental and physical limits at the same time. I had been in this comfortable space for so long, I was scared to become uncomfortable. But, that is life, right? Comfortable in your job. Comfortable in a relationship. Comfortable eating shit food. Comfortableness is the death of your dreams and hope for something better for yourself. Don't confuse comfortable for contentment. And the thing is, uncomfortable soon becomes comfortable.
I am ready to make changes and get real. I plan on doing more epic shit, even better. And so far it has been working. Thankful for my friends helping me shoot for hard goals.
Remember to explore and #youdoyou always.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Saturday, September 9, 2017
#AnnaBucketlist17-August
Here I am in a coffee shop, writing my adventures for August. I forget that with my new computer I can just go wherever and write. I have missed that. I got my Masters in a coffee shop. I would go there everyday, plug in my music and write. I often listen to music when I write at work and of course, I am listening to it right now. Music is powerful. Never take it for granted.
So, as you guessed, here is my favorite song lately. I heard this first on a run and I instantly loved it. The video is a little odd, but the lyrics are amazing. Add this to your list! My favorite line "I was lightening before the thunder."
Thunder
Well, let's just start this August post with a teaser. I signed up for a bucket list race. And if you really know me, you know I am quite about my races. I only tell a few people or wait until the event gets closer or is sold out! Part of what I like about racing is that I get to go places and meet new people. And my little triathlon community, although I love them, seem to jump in any race they hear about-I mean who wouldn't, but that is the main reason I keep quiet. That and I like something to be mine for a little bit before announcing it to the world! So, stay tuned.
In August I crossed off a bucket list local triathlon. I did the Bitterroot Classic in Hamilton. It was touch and go on this race due to the smoke. But, alas it happened. I traveled down to Hamilton and stayed the night. My rule is if I can smell the smoke, I don't go outside-and of course the air condition needs to be not "you will die." I do need to be careful because I am asthmatic, but I woke up the next morning and couldn't smell it and so headed to the start. It was an outdoor swim. The bike I would not recommend. I heard it was rough. That may be an understatement. The road was patching and deteriorating. Never able to get in aero position and slow turns because you don't want to skid out. And when your bike is going over all this its rattling. The run is two loops. I did feel the air quality on the bike and run a bit as I was huffing a bit, but it was a sprint, so who knows! I met some really great people and made new friends. I also met some poor acting athletes. But, new friends for the win! It is a fun local one for sure and I love the local feel of races. Not sure I would do this one again, only because of the bike portion, but had fun nonetheless! I also put #Happy777 on my arm for a teammates hubby who is battling cancer! F*&ck Cancer.
I also was able to go see my IM sherpa in her natural habitat! My friend Summer is a crossfit badass! I have always wanted to cheer her and see one of these up close, versus online! It was epic. Still not my jam, but it was so cool to see on the front line and cheer for her!
This month I also booked a bucket list trip to Kona for the Ironman Championships. I wanted to go last year and I was in the mist of IMAZ training. So, my #bettybestie and I made a pact. If she kicks ass at IMAZ and gets a Kona slot, I would go to cheer. And she did! She got first in her AG and I will take some credit in nudging her to Carpe F*%king Diem that and she accepted the slot! So cashed in my extra check at work and booked the flight finally! I have never been to Hawaii! I rented a bike, booked a house with Betty Teammates and going to cheer my ass off!!
That is it for August for the bucket list! September is turning out to be a good one! So stay tuned! Remember to experience this world and meet new people. And, #youdoyou always! Go, do epic shit.
So, as you guessed, here is my favorite song lately. I heard this first on a run and I instantly loved it. The video is a little odd, but the lyrics are amazing. Add this to your list! My favorite line "I was lightening before the thunder."
Thunder
Well, let's just start this August post with a teaser. I signed up for a bucket list race. And if you really know me, you know I am quite about my races. I only tell a few people or wait until the event gets closer or is sold out! Part of what I like about racing is that I get to go places and meet new people. And my little triathlon community, although I love them, seem to jump in any race they hear about-I mean who wouldn't, but that is the main reason I keep quiet. That and I like something to be mine for a little bit before announcing it to the world! So, stay tuned.
In August I crossed off a bucket list local triathlon. I did the Bitterroot Classic in Hamilton. It was touch and go on this race due to the smoke. But, alas it happened. I traveled down to Hamilton and stayed the night. My rule is if I can smell the smoke, I don't go outside-and of course the air condition needs to be not "you will die." I do need to be careful because I am asthmatic, but I woke up the next morning and couldn't smell it and so headed to the start. It was an outdoor swim. The bike I would not recommend. I heard it was rough. That may be an understatement. The road was patching and deteriorating. Never able to get in aero position and slow turns because you don't want to skid out. And when your bike is going over all this its rattling. The run is two loops. I did feel the air quality on the bike and run a bit as I was huffing a bit, but it was a sprint, so who knows! I met some really great people and made new friends. I also met some poor acting athletes. But, new friends for the win! It is a fun local one for sure and I love the local feel of races. Not sure I would do this one again, only because of the bike portion, but had fun nonetheless! I also put #Happy777 on my arm for a teammates hubby who is battling cancer! F*&ck Cancer.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
#AnnaBucketlist17-July
Hello! In my usual format, I am writing almost a month behind. But, isn't it great that I am out exploring so much that it takes me that long to get a minute! Oh, and I am writing this from my new MacBookPro. This thing is so light and I love it so far!
Ok, here is my song that I love right now. And, I feel like it sets a good tone for how I view life. I am only here for the cake, because cake, it freaking amazing.
Enjoy.
Cake
Well, July proved to be another epic month of crossing things off #AnnaBucketList17. It's been great seeing people get involved with this is helping me crossing things off or seeing my adventures in Montana, that it inspires and creates a vision of their own bucket list. Remember, the word "later" is a killer and turns into never. I had this vision last year training for Ironman. I was going to spend a year traveling and doing everything I was missing out on. And, I even inspired myself to continue this every year. In fact, I have already set up some pretty rad trips in 2018.
In the beginning of July, I decided to do a bike ride with some badass chicks. Two (Jess and Amy) were training for Ironman Whistler and two other's (Lauren and Christie) just wanted to ride just like me. We chose the 60 mile ride, the IM racers chose the 120. We set our sights on going to Hot Springs, Montana. We would stay at Symes Hotel, which upon rolling up to, you feel like you have seen this movie. You know, the one where he still talks to his dead mother-Bates Motel. Ok, it wasn't that bad and it was full of characters, of course. It had one cooler pool, one hotter and one really hot. The people watching here is worth the trip.
We rolled into Symes and headed out to ride around 10 am. In like 85 degrees to start. It may not have been the smartest to start then. It only got hotter as the say went on. It was a pretty ride. We did the Perma Loop. You will see on the maps in the link that there is one section that goes straight up and that would be correct. As I was slowly making my climb up, there was a car that pulled over to read the historical sign (probably naming everyone who died on this climb) and he said "you are awesome!" I mustered a "thank you" Then, thought to myself-I can't quit now! At the top, I didn't even know my name. Christie nicely fed me sport beans and all I could think about was the cold Gatorade at the next stop with the gas station. I was becoming dehydrated fast. Leading up to this mountain was a fall flat as well (with lawn ornaments of skulls). But, at the end of the day, we did it, ate all the food and soaked. Then Jess and Amy showed up and we ended up having a great girls weekend. The next morning Amy and I soaked with our Americanos and then we headed out. On the way home, I crossed off another item-a donut at Windmill Village Bakery! These notorious donuts did not disappoint and you can watch them make them and they are worth every bit of consumption! This married couple is bringing joy into the world and it's our duty to support every last glazed drop.
Shortly arriving home, I headed out the next day for another 60 mile ride over Boulder Pass with the Helena Bike Club for the Boulder 4th of July Ice Cream ride! This ride was one that I had on my list for some time and it was definitely fun. I also climbed more for ice cream than I did in the Hot Springs ride-naturally! ha!
On July 15, I decided to cross off another item. The Missouri River Scenic Century with the Helena Bicycle Club. I wanted to do this last year when I was training for Ironman Arizona, but didn't feel ready. I had originally signed up for the 100 miles and started up the 9% climb to round it out and said to myself "This isn't what I wanted out of today. I wanted to ride with people and get to know people and have fun. To stop at the all the stops and eat all the food." And with that, I turned my bike, Fuego, around and zoomed back to catch up with my friend Kelly, Todd and my new friend-Mike. I gave him the nickname Dallas since that is where he is from and brought his bike up here to ride for the month for vacation. We had a great time and I was so glad I made new friends, laughed and ate rice crispy treats. On my 100 ride for Arizona I couldn't do this and I vowed next year would be different. I did 80 miles that day. I love my bike again. I love doing 80 miles because I want to do 80 miles and of course, like any long ride or run, the last few miles (10 in this case) were hot and brutal and as I always say to myself "This is bullshit." Then I finished, drank more water and gatorade, settled my stomach, then ate my salmon burger and vowed to do it again. And in true Sibyl and Anna fashion, we got lost and I forgot something-ha! It was beautiful.
Not a bucket list item, but any year I can, I always volunteer at the Montana Women's Triathlon! This was the next day after the ride.
The following weekend I headed up to cross off the Whitefish Triathlon off #AnnaBucketList17. I did have some anxiety since this was only my second race of the season and the first for wetsuit/open water. My races have been canceled this year due to low numbers. I didn't know what to expect and I just wanted to be out there and racing. I did get a little panicky with my wetsuit on, but then I started swimming. Showed me some things to work on, you know, like training-HA! Plus, I was able to spend time with my favorite Whitefish people-Jim and Kim! He is training for Ironman Arizona this year as well! They are a hoot. And I won something I wanted to put on my birthday list, Tevas! Now, I can have river sandals to float in! And I met a new friend who loved all my Betty and she won our age division!
Oh, then I finally bought this jersey I had been eyeing for awhile from Betty Designs. My mother and grandmother are breast cancer survivors and I know so many people dealing with this disease. I do love wearing it!
I have lived in Helena for almost 7 years and I have never been to the fair. Now, you know I don't care about the rides, but I have always wanted to see the animals. I am usually out of town this weekend and so busy during the week of the fair that I never make it over, even though it is literally right behind my house. Like I can open my window and hear the concerts! I love how some of these animals, like the rooster, looked crazy and the other one with two rabbits, the white one in the back could give two sheeeettttsss!
Ok, here is my song that I love right now. And, I feel like it sets a good tone for how I view life. I am only here for the cake, because cake, it freaking amazing.
Enjoy.
Cake
Well, July proved to be another epic month of crossing things off #AnnaBucketList17. It's been great seeing people get involved with this is helping me crossing things off or seeing my adventures in Montana, that it inspires and creates a vision of their own bucket list. Remember, the word "later" is a killer and turns into never. I had this vision last year training for Ironman. I was going to spend a year traveling and doing everything I was missing out on. And, I even inspired myself to continue this every year. In fact, I have already set up some pretty rad trips in 2018.
In the beginning of July, I decided to do a bike ride with some badass chicks. Two (Jess and Amy) were training for Ironman Whistler and two other's (Lauren and Christie) just wanted to ride just like me. We chose the 60 mile ride, the IM racers chose the 120. We set our sights on going to Hot Springs, Montana. We would stay at Symes Hotel, which upon rolling up to, you feel like you have seen this movie. You know, the one where he still talks to his dead mother-Bates Motel. Ok, it wasn't that bad and it was full of characters, of course. It had one cooler pool, one hotter and one really hot. The people watching here is worth the trip.
We rolled into Symes and headed out to ride around 10 am. In like 85 degrees to start. It may not have been the smartest to start then. It only got hotter as the say went on. It was a pretty ride. We did the Perma Loop. You will see on the maps in the link that there is one section that goes straight up and that would be correct. As I was slowly making my climb up, there was a car that pulled over to read the historical sign (probably naming everyone who died on this climb) and he said "you are awesome!" I mustered a "thank you" Then, thought to myself-I can't quit now! At the top, I didn't even know my name. Christie nicely fed me sport beans and all I could think about was the cold Gatorade at the next stop with the gas station. I was becoming dehydrated fast. Leading up to this mountain was a fall flat as well (with lawn ornaments of skulls). But, at the end of the day, we did it, ate all the food and soaked. Then Jess and Amy showed up and we ended up having a great girls weekend. The next morning Amy and I soaked with our Americanos and then we headed out. On the way home, I crossed off another item-a donut at Windmill Village Bakery! These notorious donuts did not disappoint and you can watch them make them and they are worth every bit of consumption! This married couple is bringing joy into the world and it's our duty to support every last glazed drop.
Upon my return home for a couple days, I packed my bags and headed to Missoula again. I was running the Missoula Half, but I have always wanted to hike the M with Jeff Galloway. I think about it every year and never can. But, this year I did! It was also his last year doing this with the Missoula Marathon. He has definitely been a game changer in my runner and I feel a kinship with anyone who uses his method! My friend Amy joined me and her dog little bean. Little bean was an inspiration to everyone to keep going no matter how short your legs are! Ha! #LittleBeanTheInspiration
The Missoula Half was not my best, but I enjoyed the day and thanked volunteers! And these sunrises are not bad either!
Then I stayed in Missoula for a work trip around Missoula. We went to the ribbon cutting for the Kettlehouse Amphitheater, tour/tasting at Western Cider, wine tasting at Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery, the remodeled Wilma, Top Hat, a cool coffee shop (Dog & Bicycle), rode the carousel, dinner at Rumour, dinner at Scotty's Table, lunch at Trough Deli, visited the Osprey Stadium, Big Sky Brewing, Fort Missoula and the Smoke Jumper center! Whew~my work is never done (as my dad would say). I already loved Missoula and this tour just made me love it more! It was cool going to the smoke jumper facility. My dad used to fight wild land fires and I had another relative that was a smoke jumper. These jobs are so important in our state.
On July 15, I decided to cross off another item. The Missouri River Scenic Century with the Helena Bicycle Club. I wanted to do this last year when I was training for Ironman Arizona, but didn't feel ready. I had originally signed up for the 100 miles and started up the 9% climb to round it out and said to myself "This isn't what I wanted out of today. I wanted to ride with people and get to know people and have fun. To stop at the all the stops and eat all the food." And with that, I turned my bike, Fuego, around and zoomed back to catch up with my friend Kelly, Todd and my new friend-Mike. I gave him the nickname Dallas since that is where he is from and brought his bike up here to ride for the month for vacation. We had a great time and I was so glad I made new friends, laughed and ate rice crispy treats. On my 100 ride for Arizona I couldn't do this and I vowed next year would be different. I did 80 miles that day. I love my bike again. I love doing 80 miles because I want to do 80 miles and of course, like any long ride or run, the last few miles (10 in this case) were hot and brutal and as I always say to myself "This is bullshit." Then I finished, drank more water and gatorade, settled my stomach, then ate my salmon burger and vowed to do it again. And in true Sibyl and Anna fashion, we got lost and I forgot something-ha! It was beautiful.
Not a bucket list item, but any year I can, I always volunteer at the Montana Women's Triathlon! This was the next day after the ride.
The following weekend I headed up to cross off the Whitefish Triathlon off #AnnaBucketList17. I did have some anxiety since this was only my second race of the season and the first for wetsuit/open water. My races have been canceled this year due to low numbers. I didn't know what to expect and I just wanted to be out there and racing. I did get a little panicky with my wetsuit on, but then I started swimming. Showed me some things to work on, you know, like training-HA! Plus, I was able to spend time with my favorite Whitefish people-Jim and Kim! He is training for Ironman Arizona this year as well! They are a hoot. And I won something I wanted to put on my birthday list, Tevas! Now, I can have river sandals to float in! And I met a new friend who loved all my Betty and she won our age division!
Another item that has been on my list for several years as well was the Red Ants Pants Music Festival. I was able to attend this year for work. It was awesome to be there and of course, to talk to Sara Calhoun. She has created this epic music festival on a field in Montana and it has been so great for the community. She also mentors women and supports many community projects around the state. And another highlight was spending time with Bill and Nancy Wells. They are amazing and epic themselves. I hope to go and camp next year as well.
I have lived in Helena for almost 7 years and I have never been to the fair. Now, you know I don't care about the rides, but I have always wanted to see the animals. I am usually out of town this weekend and so busy during the week of the fair that I never make it over, even though it is literally right behind my house. Like I can open my window and hear the concerts! I love how some of these animals, like the rooster, looked crazy and the other one with two rabbits, the white one in the back could give two sheeeettttsss!
I almost bought a bunny. I would have bought this special one. He/She acts like she can smell food, then gives kisses and then bounces around like it's on Red Bull. #MySpiritAnimal
Well, that is a wrap on July! Always go out and explore new things, places and meet new people. Always eat cake and as always, #YouDoYou
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