Greater Purpose

I think it is safe to say we have all experienced moments in time when our best laid out plans don't always go as expected.  As mentioned in an earlier post I have been focusing my off-season on improving my running.  Several weeks ago I started to incorporate some speed work and strength into the equation with the goal of at least staying injury-free for 2013.  Things have been going well up until a few weeks ago when my training took a backseat to more important matters in my life.

I recently lost my sister-in-law to cancer.  She was a beautiful woman who fought cancer and won- more than once!! Her last battle took her life but it did not take away her courage or spirit.  She was an advocate, sister, friend and inspiration to those that knew and loved her.  She was a vision in pink anytime we saw her- supporting the Susan G. Komen For the Cure and damn good at it, too.

I'm looking at 2013 as a way for me to celebrate my sister-in-law's life.  Before, triathlon typically represented an activity that I did for self-improvement- testing my limits and embarking on achieving personal goals.  This year, it will be more than that.  My twin sister (also a triathlete) and I want to dedicate our training year to Suzie by wearing pink and helping in the fight to kick cancer's butt.  The girl that only wears black training gear is ready to go pink- bring it on- I'm ready!

I've just gotten over a case of bronchitis and a sinus infection....so the last few weeks have really seen my fitness take a nose dive (ahhh...such is life sometimes). But, I am now ready to dust off the training plans and get the season underway.  I am more excited about this year than any other- not because on Kona- but rather in finding a greater purpose to why I train and do triathlon:  for Suzie...for life...for a cure...to never give up!