Tri-ing my best: Ironman by 40

Good morning mama, I’m not sure how it’s been eight years that we’ve been going on this world without you, but really it’s just been without you physically. You’ve been here with us every single day since we said goodbye eight years ago.    Every time that I see a cardinal out when I’m riding my bike, I see you. I know you are with me when I’m running along with my music on shuffle and the right song comes on at the right moment.  You’re with me when I sit quietly with my coffee in the morning and then pet the dogs. You’re with me when I feel overwhelmed and I make a list, and am reminded of your work ethic.  I see you as I watch Eileen raise her kiddos and she does the little things that you did with homemade cakes and fun birthday parties.  I see you when I talk to Pam on FaceTime and we drink our coffee together. While I’m looking at her face, I see you looking back at me.  I feel you every time I go home and I walk through our house that we spent so man...

 A lot has happened since I last wrote in January. A few items of note: 1. I officially started working with a triathlon coach. I had this planned already but it has been even more impactful than I would have realized, based on item number 2 below. Her name is Jennifer and she is based out of the DC area, so it is virtual coaching. It has been great. We have all my races on the calendar, she goes in and adds my workouts, and then after each one I share details about how it went and she will comment, ask questions, give guidance. I was able to send her a video of me swimming and she gave me a few tips on my swim form. I am doing that with running soon. I am so thankful that I made this decision because I really don't know how this would be going based on the new job if I didn't have someone leading me along this path. 2. I started a new job. In the past, a life change like this has been the thing that has thrown me off course. Well, I have officially learned that about myself an...