#AnnaBucketList17 June

Yes, you are reading that right. This is the June Bucket List check offs. I know it's the end of July. But, I was only home for about 5 days in June. And June was an epic month.

So, before we delve into what my June consisted of, here is a song that I enjoy. It reminds me of growing up in a small town with all the feels.  Enjoy.

Castle on the Hill

So, let's start from beginning. Sit down and buckle up, because June was a wild ride. 

The start of June I headed back to D.C. and although I went there about 1.5 months before that for the Cherry Blossom run (check out previous posts!) I headed back there this time for work. I needed 10 miles so my Betty Teammate who lived there before gave me this easy route from my hotel in Chinatown to George town and back. It was great to run down the streets of D.C. in the early morning and then by the water. It really only takes 2 trips to D.C. to learn your way around it (really almost 1). The city is on a grid itself and the subway system is easy to navigate. So, I ran around the monuments (Washington is still my favorite), watched the sun come up with Lincoln and reflect of the reflection pond (see what I did there) and of course, the White House and Capitol. 

Upon my return, I finally did Yoga in the park! Yes, once a month they have free yoga in the park here in Helena. And they also do cool hikes with yoga. Check them out Free Range Yoga Project.

After yoga, I went for a run at the Helena Reservoir. Can you believe I have never ran there? I followed a runner for a bit (he was way ahead of me so it wasn't creepy) to make sure I knew where I was going. 2 loops and it was so pretty! 

Where I crossed off a lot of #AnnaBucketList17 was on a press tour I designed. My job is to give journalists a taste of Montana so they will write kick ass stories and make people want to come here! I know, I am lucky and I have a great team I work with everyday. So, I get to tell help tell the story of our great state as well. So, this trip I was able to knock some items off. So, I will just list them:

The Murray Hotel in Livingston: The history of this place is amazing, as well as who has stayed there! Hand crank elevator, anyone?

When you stay at The Murray or just in the Livingston area, walk to Gil's Goods (literally right next door to the hotel) and get a great breakfast!

Fly Fishing: We rented a private lake where you could see Emigrant Peak. I had never been fly fishing and Montana Fly Fishing Guides made this such a fun experience with everyone. I stood and cast the whole time. And learned some lingo:set, strip... Then we had a BBQ on the edge of the lake. I highly recommend this company! I caught 1.5 fish-ha! 

The Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks. What an iconic place to stay. Not only is this beautiful hotel located in the Heart of Three Forks, but you can rent bikes and commute around (they have a basket and a cup holder) or go for a ride on the paths around a lake and along the town. Just walking in the lobby is breathtaking. Plus, they give you a hot lavender towel for your face and champagne. Um, hello. 

Pompey's Grill: Located in the Sacajawea. We had the privilege of eating here and local ingredients. The food is absolutely top notch. The chef is amazing. Also, the family that owns this and the hotel, also owns Wheat Montana. Montana's rich heritage of family lineage is not lost on these establishments and we met some of the family when we were there as well!

The Blacktail Ranch-Wolf Creek: You can stay in the ranch main section or cabins. There is a museum on the property and horse back riding (which you can only do if you stay there). The cookouts were amazing and there is a beautiful stream. The views on the ride are stunning. Sandra, the owner, has pictures in the main dining area that tell the story of the ranch through the years. This brought me back to spending summers on my family's ranch in Sheridan. 

The World Museum of Mining in Butte: This little historical town was awesome to walk through and get a taste of Butte back in the mining days. We then went 100 feet down in to the mine right there. Very cool to see inside of a mine and hear the history of the men who worked in it!

The Broadway Hotel in Philipsburg: Every room has a theme. I stayed in the Britania room (the owners homeland) and it was beautiful. She has a sweet dog that keeps you company while you drink your coffee in the morning. There is a great wide open living room/sitting space that was remodeled and has beautiful wood structures, chairs and a library of all you an imagine. And it's on top of the brewery, so, #winning. Oh, and we at the SilverMill restaurant. Very good and the chef is from Florida and always flies down to get the freshest ingredients for his key lime pie-the whole group agreed-best key lime pie, ever!

Ringing Rocks: We headed up a rocky road up to the secret place of the ringing rocks. Anyone can go, but not many know of it. Bring your hammer and the formation of the rocks have created a music phenom. We were lucky enough to get a brief history briefing. Check out more here.

The Finlen Hotel in Butte: My dad has talked about this hotel and I wanted to stay there for some time. Located in downtown Butte, it's a great place to stay and walk places. The lobby and ball room are exquisite and you can feel the parties that took place back in the day. Also, we had a tour at Headframes Spirits Headquarters and listened to the tour/history at the tasting room as well! Everything we tasted was amazing. And a dirty girl to end the night!

So that ends my press trip-bucket list moments. On to the rest of June!

I did the Solstice ride with the Helena Cycle Club. We climbed hills and then went for burritos. Dreams do come true!

I then came home 1.5 days to pack up for my Kalispell-Whitefish tour, as well as run the Glacier Half Marathon.

I stayed one night in Kalispell and stayed right downtown at the Kalispell Grand Hotel. This place is rich in history as well and has cookies in the afternoon and a great breakfast in the morning. Plus, there is a ghost on the 3rd floor I am told. We didn't meet, this time. I walked to dinner at the Desoto Grill down the block and then went to Montana Coffee Traders the next morning. Also, it's a straight shot to my favorite running spot in Kalispell- the old Historical Trail-miles of paved trail in different directions!

Later that morning, I went to Glacier National Park and hiked Apgar trail. I met a nice older gentleman on the way down that I befriended (anyone surprised??) and heard his story of migration to live in Montana. It was fun having the day to be in the park and explore the West and the East. I then headed to Browning to meet the Well's for the race.

After we were all checked in, Bill, Nancy and I checked out the Indian Relays. Wow. This is such an amazing event and the athleticism is crazy. It was great to see the Blackfeet do this and welcome all races to the event for free. If you ever get a chance to see it up close, do it.

The Glacier Half Marathon was great. The views (after 5 miles straight climbing) were amazing. I get to call this state home! The best part of was having Bill Well's put a medal around my neck! Then I headed out to Whitefish, but not first without stopping to see buffalo.

I used this time to explore HWY 2 and take in the views. Breathtaking. I couldn't get enough. The river guides you to your right or left and the color is something else. I went to the Hungry Horse Reservoir as well. I can't remember being there (but this is where my parents will usually chime in and say "Oh yes sir, we took you there when you were 2"). I took some pictures for work and walked around.

My first morning in Whitefish I got up early, grabbed my wetsuit and swam at City Beach. It was nice because I was really the only one there and the water was clear! Seeing the bottom was so cool and like everyone who swims open water, you just hope you don't see anything creepy. For the record, I did not. 

Then I ate Wasabi in Whitefish. OMG. This was amazing. We sat at the front window and watched downtown walk by as we ate sushi and tried a sake sampler. I highly recommend this!

One of the places I stayed was at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Wow. They are a AAA Diamond award hotel and I never had the opportunity to stay there. Of course, I loved that the water was right there. I went down to the bar outside before dinner and the next morning I got my coffee and went down by the water and mediated. Water is always calming to me, either to be in it or by it. I slept soo good there! The rooms are superb. Plus, staying by the water is always the best! 

The next night I stayed at the Snow Bear Chalets. These are tree houses right off on of the slopes of Whitefish Mountain. So, you can ski, bike or hike to the front door. I was the first person to stay here. And they are amazing. That night I ate at Tupillo-what a dining experience. Make sure to visit there! 

The next morning I headed up to see Riley at Whitefish Mountain. I hadn't been up to Whitefish Mountain since it changed it's name from Big Mountain (which is what still some of the locals and old timers call it). I went ziplining, ate lunch at the Summit and then took the Alpine Slide down. Riley was a great host and she handles their PR. Most common question I got while touring Whitefish was: "Are you a skier?" Last time I skied that mountain I was a senior at Carroll. Hmm, it looks like I will need to hit the kiddie runs this winter.... The view from Summit-wow! You can see all the way to Glacier National Park on a clear day. I will be back! Oh and they have so many family friendly activities as well! Oh, and I did a little hike the day before on Whitefish Trail.

Lastly, on the way home I checked off one more last item for June and that was stopping on the way home on the 93 to see The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. I have wanted to see this for about a year now and no matter how tired I was, I was stopping. This is such an incredible place and peaceful. I love the stories, seeing what people left behind as offering, the big statues on top of the hill and the calming pond on the property. It was a great space to reflect, hope and appreciate. Put this on your next detour. 

Wow! That's a wrap on June. Remember life is about exploring. Explore this great state, explore the world and explore your possibilities. We have so much to see. And as always, you do you. 

Oh, and follow me on IG at Irish_tri_runner to see more adventures!

 

#AnnaBucketList17-May

Alas, May is over. It always feels like the longest, shortest month. Maybe that is just me. Maybe it's because of the weather we have had. I had a quiet, but fun month.

I post a song by the Danger Twins in a post last year. I found them while training for Ironman Arizona. This is a new song by them. I like songs that have great beats (this helps me zone out on runs and hit climbs on my bike). Also, just another one to add to my list when I finally start my #TruckerHatCycling for Soul Cycle.

Radar

Okay, so let's talk May. A triathlon I always look forward to every year unexpectedly canceled a week ahead of time due to low number of entries. So, I did what every self loving, A Type-Triathlete personality does when they are faced with free time-I looked to see what else is going on in mine and surrounding areas. And I was able to cross THREE things off my #AnnaBucketList17.  I showed up for the Burger Boogie with the Helena Cycle Club. This would allow me to: 1. Meet new people
2. Join the club I have wanted to for a bit 3. Finally go to the famous York Bar and try the infamous burger. Also, I got in about a 50 mile ride on a gorgeous day. Any day I can be on my bike is a good day, and if it ends with beer, burger and friends, then so be it!

We met at The Dive Bakery and headed out. It was a great mix of some individuals I had met before, but more that I was meeting for the first time. It was a great ride with talks, some hills, and beautiful back way to York. When a new friend asked if I wanted to share a burger, I said "Sure, but depends how you like it cooked?" He laughed and said "They only cook it one way here." Then we all went in and ordered and got our beers and chatted. I have to admit, I was a little nervous how my stomach would do after these items were consumed, but it handled it like a champ. I also learned of a cool campsite that we pedaled through as well that was rad. Clark's Bay. Check it out. Of course, I instinctively thought of how this would be a great open swim place. I digress, back to the burger and beer.

Once we received our meal and drinks we all sat outside in the sun and chatted. And in true Montana nature, you are only one friend removed from someone. I met Cindy on the ride, she is the President of the club (by the way, everyone are super welcoming and awesome), and it turns out she is the "Cindy" that my and her good friend, Carol Blasch are friends with. So, we knew we were both good people -ha.

Then the annual picture they take out front and me sporting my Betty Gear!

Then the other item I crossed of my list over Memorial Day weekend was going to Broadwater Hot Springs and soak with my friend Eric and drink mimosas. I have never been there, even though they are only 1 mile or so from my house. I toured it earlier in the month for my job to see the remodel and it was amazing. It was one of the last times you could bring your own drinks in. They now have an awesome lounge/restaurant so you need to buy your drinks there. But, it was good to have girl time, laugh, talk about races, gear and have older people tell us crazy stories about hidden things in the mountains (seriously, this happened). I love old people, you never know what you're going to get. They also have a cool pool we sat in as well. I didn't take a picture because-well we were drinking mimosas and then talking about where we could get bloody mary's and brunch. That and sometimes you don't need to capture every moment and hashtag it. Live in the moment. But, if you are in Helena, go check it out. It also has a fitness center if that is your jam.

Remember to go out and explore and You Do You, always.

#AnnaBucketlist17-April

I know, it's almost May, but at least it's not June. #brightside

So, before we begin, here is a song that I am currently enjoying and makes me want to do random dance parties mid run. Enjoy.

Hey

A couple housekeeping items. I forgot to mention that in March I crossed of another item off my bucket list. My friend Carley and I went to Freezout Lake and watched the migration of the snow geese! It was definitely cool to hear them lift off and take flight. We also at the Cozy Corner in Fairfield. This little cafe is run by the Mennonites and their cinnamon rolls are amazing! It was worth the drive alone. So, thankful for friends that say yes to my adventures.

I also forgot to mention that I finally dipped into the 1:30's for swimming! This made me so happy!

Okay,so for April. I am going to count the Cherry Blossom for April, as it was April 2nd. Although I cover it more in the previous post, it still technically counts for April, so I am going to count it. See how that works!

This year I was also able to participate in a run that I came across in 2011 accidentally when I was out biking for my first triathlon training. It was the Warrior Run. For whatever reason it never worked out with my schedule or I forgot about it until it was passed. Last year I was going to do it, but my work sent me to Alaska. I know, right? I wasn't complaining. But, this year I was able to go do it and then low and behold, my two favorite people were there-Bill and Nancy Wells! I love them, as most of Helena does. Nancy and I always joke about who is going to beat who between us. Bill was there with his infectious smile and laughter giving us high fives! It was a cold day, but fun and it was made all the better with them there!

Lastly, I finally added hot pink to my hair! I have wanted to do this for some time and I love it! I have felt in the past that I couldn't or didn't want to take the big leap to do it. But, it was time! I think next time I will add more :-) Trying to channel my inner Pink!

Well, that wraps up my April. Remember, You Do You, always. And explore more.

#AnnaBucketList17- March

A goal I made last year for myself was 2017 would be a year of exploring more. For me it means traveling places, meeting new people and doing the things I have wanted to do. Could be as simple as trying a new trail or place to eat, but the main idea was to branch out and be open.

But, before I go into the epic shit I crossed off on my bucket list, here is the song I love right now:
Green Light

Well, March was a double whammie of bucket list items right off the bat. Two trips I had to forgo last year, I decided I was taking, regardless of the future. I said no last year due to uncertainty and I was damned if I would say no to the universe again. The first was the Team Betty Photo Shoot in San Diego and lucky me this year there was #BettyEpicCamp before the shoot. I cashed in my miles and traveled with my Betty sister Jess and we headed out. I will sum up the trip as this: sunshine, bike riding, running near the beach, great speakers, lots of laughs, hugs, food, pool time and some fierce sisterhood action. This team is amazing and it was a great opportunity to connect with my Betty teammates that I haven't met before and only connected through social media. And any time I can be on my bike is a good day. However, I joked with them that the last time I was on a bike outside I got a medal! It was so fun and exactly what my soul needed during the transition of chapters in my professional life. I noticed this last month when traveling that I like to be in my own bubble of what I am doing. That means I am not on my phone really and truly disconnecting and being present. Live is for living. Don't miss it.  Bucket list item checked!

One of the nights we had a guess speaker at one of the Betty houses. It was Julie Moss! I was reading Iron War and just had watched the movie TRI, so I knew her back story. I had first heard of Julie Moss in 2011 coming back from a running race with two triathletes. We were listening to a podcast and I was just getting into triathlons (actually my first was still a month away at that time!) and I never heard of her. Her story is amazing. I can't truly can't do her story justice, so here is a little clip of one of the most famous Ironman finishes: Who is Julie Moss? I spoke with her personally about the book I was reading and she was so kind and gracious. 

In her talk (by the way she is so funny) I took away these key points, not only important in triathlon, but life: 1. Check your ego at the door. 2. Going after your dreams takes grit. 3. Don't take yourself too seriously. What a great talk and a privilege to meet one of the greatest women ever known in the triathlon world. Bucket list item checked! Also, I met Momma Betty (Kristen Mayer) who started Betty Designs and that was so amazing! Bucket list item checked! I was teary eyed at the end of the photo shoot. It was amazing! I went home so inspired! Thank you to teammate Dorette Franks (pictured below) for helping get Julie Moss there and to all my teammates who helped organize the camp!

After traveling from West coast, I shortly boarded another plan to head to the East coast. I entered my dad and I in the Cherry Blossom race and we both got in the lottery! I have never seen the Cherry Blossoms or Washington D.C. The race was Sunday and we landed in D.C. Wednesday before. I scheduled a White House Tour, meeting with Senator Tester and a tour of the Capitol the first day. That took up most of the day. Then the next few days before the race we went to the Holocaust Museum, Newseum, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial and Vietnam Memorial. Bucket list items checked!

Friday we went to pick up our packets and we hustled across D.C. on foot to make it in time so I could hear Katherine Switzer! She is the first woman who registered for the Boston Marathon. At the time, women were believed not to be able to run that far for many absurd reasons. In fact the race director tried to pull her off the course and take her bib. Also, under that gray sweatsuit she did say she had this cute outfit, but race day was so cold-fun fact. Here is the famous picture. She was also funny in her speaking and I bought her book and had my picture taken with her. She also signed my bib and book! Bucket list item checked!

The race was fun and it started and finished at the Washington Memorial (my favorite) and I met up with a Betty teammate as well. After the race and the next day were pretty low key. We went to Arlington Cemetery-saw the changing of the guard, tomb of the unknown soldiers and JFK grave. It was great. Then we went to the Pentagon Memorial, Spy Museum and a little bit of the Air and Space Museum. We walked around the Capitol and went to two Irish Pubs and I started talking to one of the servers at the second pub. She was from Anchorage and came over to D.C for a change of pace and adventure. She was living with her friend and he knew someone at the pub and got her a job. It was just cool hearing her story. I loved D.C. everyone was nice and it was clean. People were renting bikes on the street and running. We had a great time. Bucket list items checked!

Well March proved an epic month for doing things I haven't done before. Let's see what April brings!

Remember to explore more and as always, You Do You.

A Work in Progress

The last several weeks have been....crazy, wonderful, nuts and sometimes leaving me saying "What the....?"  But, you can either fight it or embrace it.  I chose to embrace it and be open to what the world is saying.  You might think "Oh, that sounds peaceful and wonderful."  It is...now.  At first this list loving, training plan following, on time Virgo struggled.  But, struggling is any process-if it's worth anything.

Here is my current favorite song.  Thank you to my friend Stephanie for always finding the perfect songs.
Mine

In the last few weeks, I have been open to everything. Believe me, I did have the self talk  like "O'Donnell, breathe, enjoy this and be open to how your story unfolds." Then, I would repeat it. At times it didn't make it easier. I was experiencing fatigue, dizziness, anxiety and stress. I felt foggy and lost my balance a couple times. Funny, stress feels like a hangover.  But, you have to fight for the light. That light could be your fish, the book you are reading or meditation. The light is you and embrace it.

I have had many people tell me "Thank you for being so honest and authentic in your process and experiences." I told myself when I started really writing that I would always be authentically me, sometimes that is my sarcastic, witty self.  Sometimes that is the raw, on the bathroom floor, gutted self.  I don't know why we hide that stuff. It's in every fiber of every human. I definitely have my tribe of women that I just spill  my guts to on a much deeper level, but I don't hide it on social media. My platform is genuine and for the most positive, but sometimes life smacks you across the face like a little bitch. As with everything, you have a choice how you will react. I remember after a horrible breakup, my mother said to me after days of crying, like at work using the copier crying still, that I had a choice. I have a choice on how I view things and how they control me. It is important to feel what you need to-anger, betrayal-but then you need to move forward. It could just be showering that day is a big victory.

In 2015, mid year, I decided not to be so pissed at things. And you know what, the sun came out. My thinking changed. I welcomed new relationships. I set goals. I looked for the light. It was hard, but being angry wasn't doing me any favors and actually was holding me back. It was about this time I truly wanted to write more and I journaled more. I smiled more and I appreciated the little things, like a stranger's smile, the birds and ground hogs. I treated people better, because I treated myself better.

So, if you think you are a shit show (and honestly, who doesn't) give yourself a little bit of credit. If you aren't a work in process, you aren't growing. And it's not all roses. It hurts. I mean, Growing Pains isn't just a show with Kirk Cameron, you know.

In the process I have asked for help from a therapist, talked with my friends over coffee, meditated and did my vision boards (yes, you all know it works!!). I write in my journal. The day that three AAA co-workers left in one week, one being a close co-worker, I wrote: "I know this is business, but today it feels very personal."

So, in this process, I chose to be authentically me. To not only seek the light, but be the light. To put my feet on the ground and be rooted and open to things. Sometimes those things don't work, but you just shift to the left or right and let it pass you by and focus again. It's okay to not know where life is taking you. It's really okay. You don't need to have your day, year or life planned out. You will miss things. Those things could be laughing with your friends so hard that every part of your body hurts. It could be the sunrise or sunset. Or it could be having the wind knocked out of your sails. You need it all and it will compose a beautiful story. Your story.

Be present. Be alive. Be rooted. Be you.  You do you, always.

The Highest of Highs to the Lowest of Lows

Now that 2017 has started and New Years resolutions have begun...well most of them, it's time to reflect a bit and look forward to the future.


But, first...here is my new favorite song and deemed appropriate for this post.

Unstoppable

Well, 2016, I hardly knew ya.  Actually this was the best year for me.  Well, best 11 months months that is.  I hit the ground running with the dream of Ironman January 2nd and never looked back. Learned so much about myself and what I am capable of mentally and physically.  Even though I toned down my racing to keep my focus on training, I had an epic year in my own way.  I placed first in my AG in a sprint, therefore I was offered a chance to go race at Nationals in the middle of summer in humid and beautiful Omaha.  Who would pass that up?  Seriously though, it was an amazing experience that put me out of my comfort zone.  I didn't like the Olympic distance and I did my best one there and I just soaked up the experience, because if you look around at those racing for Team USA it can make you dizzy.  Then a couple weeks later I podiumed at a 70.3 with getting 3rd in my AG.  And met some great people from Montana that made the trip as a whole awesome.  Then I had of course, Ironman AZ (race report in the previous blog post).  What a great year!! I couldn't have asked for a better year.  I loved training by myself for the most of part and I was in the best shape of my life. Plus , I traveled and trained in some great places: Alaska, Jackson Hole, Detroit, Iowa, South Dakota, Omaha, Washington and Idaho.

Upon returning from Ironman to the real world after Thanksgiving break to my work, still high on adrenaline, I was called in to a meeting.  In this meeting I was told that the organization I was working for would be reorganizing...all of administration-at least 20 employees would be "redeployed" to look for other positions, either within the company or outside.  My boss is amazing, I just want to get that out there.  She has my back and has been a strong mentor and pushed me to grow, painfully at times and has taught me so much in this profession and with workplace politics. As she was telling me this, I could tell it wasn't easy for her.  So many questions.  Luckily this wasn't instant layoff, I have until April to find another job, with full on help from my boss and CEO and the organization as a whole. We talked more about what I mentioned above and I truly did thank her for taking a chance on someone right out of grad school. She was here for me if I needed to yell or ask any questions. I know I need 24 hours to process news to not be emotional (part of that painful learning process) and I gave myself 3 days to feel everything: uncertainty, anger, frustration, shock and wanting to burn the place down (sheesh, I am kidding).  But, here is the thing I was dealing with that the other 20+ employees weren't, I had just become an Ironman and felt like a rock star and completed a dream and goal I worked very hard for and then came back to a punch to the gut.

In the next couple weeks I processed with my parents and closest people of my tribe and my Betty Sisters.  But, I was still struggling with the ebb and flow of the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I need more help unraveling this.  Because add into what I already mentioned, I was also suffering from Ironman blues.  My A race was over and my life as a regimented athlete was done, so what the hell was I supposed to do? How do I workout without a plan and only for a hour or so?  Who does this?  This is very common. My co-worker recommended a therapist through our program at work and I scheduled an appointment.  I was a hot mess and needed someone to tell me what to do-like a workout for my brain of sorts.  The anxiety I was feeling over my job loss, end of Ironman (where you felt like a rockstar) and essentially becoming integrated into society.  Yes, you read that right? For someone who has trained a whole year and mainly in the rabbit hole by herself, it was hard for me to not only get out of that routine, but meet up with people again. For so long I would train, eat and sleep. I gave up social contact on many levels. So, I started seeing her and instantly we started processing all the layers of my last year and last month.  It all came to a head at the end of December-the emotional and physical toll of Ironman, finding motivation, find a direction to go in training, to finally losing my job. It was a Tuesday and a work friend's last day and everyone was going out and I was like "Tuesday is swim night, sorry guys." I went to Master Swim and had a miserable swim in that I was tired and I was angry that I was tired.  I did like 1500 or something and hopped out, not finishing the workout and I went to that showers and tried not to cry, like really tried.  I made a decision in that shower-I am taking a week off and enjoying Christmas with my family and not working out and eating what I want and getting off social.  However, the next day, the guilt settled in for not working out and of course on Wednesdays "we spin." My friend Terri was having a winter solstice party and I didn't want to go and be around everyone either (remember that integration back into society thing...).  I text her and she knew something was up.  She wrote me back a nice message and even though I struggled in being true to myself in not working out and I putting myself out there again, I went to the party.  Thanks in part to my Betty teammate Kayla for talking me into it.  And you know what?  I was there 15 min and instantly felt I made the right decision.  My Master coach showed up and put me at ease and gave me some swim tips, so #winning. This was a starting point and my therapist and I discussed it as well.  At the end of that week I felt renewed and ready to start working out again.  Nutrition is another story-damned eating whatever you want when training!

Here is what my CEO said in a meeting with everyone who would be redeployed, "You are the pioneer of your own lives." So true.  I thought to myself "I am an effing Ironman, I can certainly look for another job."  But, it took a bit to process the anger ebb and flow with moving forward-thank you therapist.

But, even in the last year of training, I told myself that 2017 is going to be a creative year for me. I had such an amazing trip to Alaska this year and I made intentions while feeling so small next to glaciers and I breathed in and out. I honored that space and my thoughts. That means a project that I am starting that only my childhood bestie and my therapist know about was to be my underlying focus and I have a few other creative endeavors I am working on. In terms of where to look for work, well this is the time to make bold choices and scary ones.  Ones that may take me away from Helena, but now is the time.  My therapist says I have adjustment disorder-does that come with snacks?  Seriously though as we work together to get me to the next phase of life both professionally and creatively, I am ready.  My boss is helping as well, making sure we have the tools and resources and her recommendation.  So, I cut the Ironman bracelet off and I am ready for the next chapter of working hard for another dream..and of course a new job.  Onward!