Nice to meet you Mr. President.

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It’s been a week and I’m still on cloud 9. From what you ask? From bursting with pride over the love of our country, that’s what. I will warn you now that this is long, but with so many great moments, I can’t leave any out.

It all started a few months ago when I got an email asking if I would be willing to say the Pledge of Allegiance at the dedication of President Bush’s library in Dallas. The request supposedly came from the big man himself which is hard to believe. But so be it.  

I met ‘W’ a year ago on his W100 mountain bike trip where he brings 20 wounded warriors in for 3 days of mountain biking. It was 3 days I’ll never forget for many reasons, one of them being the dance I got from Bush on the last night, and a picture that’s made it’s way around and pictured here. I left that trip with a big place in my heart for our former president. Politics aside, he is an incredible man and has some serious mountain biking skills. Passionate about our country, a supporter of our troops and grateful for his family. So when this opportunity came, it was a quick, yes, I’d be honored to be there.

Knowing how much my parents would enjoy it, I invited them both, and they both flew into Dallas for the library dedication, which makes all of this even better.

On the morning of the dedication we arrived at the event and I had a quick walk through. Walk up here, stand, say the Pledge here, etc. A little nerve wracking knowing all 5 living Presidents would be on stage with me and that this was being broadcast live around the nation. I have said the Pledge of Allegiance thousands of times, but it never seemed so important and I said it over and over making sure I wouldn’t forget the words.  

Those of us with gold tickets were allowed in this 'Café 43' until 30 min prior to the event. I was only allowed one guest here and my mom won that one against my dad (I let them choose) and my dad was out in the silver section. It was a little surreal seeing seats for my mom and I in the section right next too the President’s daughters, the foreign dignitaries, and the 2^nd row back from the stage.

When the time came, they escorted everyone out to their seats except those that were to go on stage from the back. Turns out that was me. And just me. The others that would be on stage would be coming from their seats, as their portion was later in the program. I was escorted into this empty hallway and told to wait. I thought this was a little strange as the event was close to starting and there was all sorts of commotion as you would expect with a live event, thousands of people and all the living presidents together for the first time in years.

So here I was, in this hallway, alone, wondering what on earth was going on. Suddenly, from around the corner, come the secret service followed by Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush Sr and Carter. Yes, ALL 5 living presidents, with their wives. Unsure on what to do, I took a stance against a wall not wanting to get in the way as I realized the magnitude of this moment. It grew even more when Bush rounds the corner, looks at me, looks down at my leg, interrupts the conversation he is having and says,’ let me introduce you to my friend’ Following this is a blur as it is easily the most historic moment I have ever been a part of. As all the Presidents and their wives circle around and President Bush tells them about me. He then introduces them all and I am left almost speechless as I say over and over, Nice to meet you Mr. President, nice to meet you Mr. President and so on. As we are standing in this circle, I can’t help but think of first, after the events of Boston, that this is a crucial moment for the safety of our country. But 2^nd, I had never felt so honored and so humbled. Me. With the Presidents and their wives. Surrounded by Secret Service. Oh my.
As the circle dispersed Obama turned to me to ask about my life in Chicago. I mention prosthetics and Dare2tri and we spoke for a few minutes. He proceeds it with a handshake and says, I’m proud of you, as he handed me his coin. Then Bush comes over, puts his arm around me and the talk continues. This time with some laughs, as President Bush is always one with a quick joke or to make you smile. What a moment it was.

As the event starts, the Presidents all walk on stage. Condaleeza Rice mentions that she’s nervous about saying the names of all the foreign dignitaries and walks out. I wait a few min and then it’s my turn. I walk out onto this stage as the color guard passes by. They announce my name; I put my hand over my heart, and confidently said the Pledge, remembering every word. As I finished and started to walk down to my seat, Bush yells out, ‘Atta girl Melissa!’ a phrase commonly heard on the W100 last year and one that always brings a smile.

The dedication continued, each President taking his turn, reminiscing about this great man. On this day, political views didn’t matter. What matters was that he had led our great country and this was a time come together and honor him. It was a moving moment when Bush Sr spoke. A short speech, as his son prefers. Being sick and recently in the hospital, he got a welcome applause from the crowd. As he finished the crowd rose and stood for him, in appreciation for all he has done. It was than that Barbara Bush and his son stood and helped him out of his wheelchair for a brief moment as he slowly stood. Pink socks and a pink tie and a big smile.

When it was time for President Bush to speak, he had his usual humor and speech in a way that makes you want to listen for a long time. He finished with, ‘And I will always believe, that America’s best years are yet to come’ And with a wink he finished, showing a little emotion as sat down to take it all in with the rest of us.

After the ceremony there was a lunch that my mom joined me for. President Bush made a round to all the tables and we got to congratulate him and get a few more pictures. And then we got to tour the incredible library. One that goes over his time as a President, remembers the trials and those that lost their lives in 9/11 and other exhibits to give you insight on the life if a President. And an exact replica of the Oval office. If you are ever in the Dallas area, I highly recommend you take a look. You won’t be disappointed.

As the day turned into night, there was one final event called the Lighting of the Freedom Hall. A perfect night, a historic day and here we were, back at the library, with 15,000 other people listening to some of the greatest voices I’ve ever heard that make up the Army choir. When they sang my favorite song, God Bless the USA, (also know as Proud to be an American) the crowd started to sing along and you could feel the patriotism in the air. And when the song ended, the USA chants began, and then the music and the fireworks and the lighting of Freedom Hall. To say I was bursting with American Pride was an understatement.

My parents and I went back to the hotel that evening reminiscing on the historic day we had just been a part of. If it weren’t for the pictures, I’m not sure I would have believed that I had been a part f it all. A day filled with honoring the life of a great man. A day filled with American pride and patriotism. A day filled with the historic event of meeting all 5 living Presidents and being introduced as one of his ‘friends’. The big names, the perfect blue sky, my parents there to look on…Oh what a day it was. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

You see here some of the pictures from that day. The one that has Bush with his arm around me and Obama solemnly looking on. This picture captures a powerful moment. But one that is not accurate to the situation as Obama was every bit engaged in the conversation as Bush was. I have always prided myself as being non-political and believing in whomever is in charge of this country. Because let’s be honest, I believe in America, and the people that vote on our great leaders.

So, it was a day indeed. A day that falls near the top of one of my best days ever. As I mentioned, I am still on cloud 9.

And in case you didn’t hear me the first time, I love America.

A Boston state of mind.

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We live in America. A place where people run into a blast to save the fallen. Runners who run 26.2 miles and keep running to give blood. A place where thousands of police and firefighters put themselves in harms way to get others out of danger. We call ourselves Americans. And the events of this past week in Boston have reassured me that we live in the greatest county in the world. We choose as a county to come together, to find these people that wish to hurt us. And in a year or two when these newly injured with lost limbs, get up and run that Boston marathon with their new running legs, America will proudly look on. And remember those that didn’t make it.

I write this with a heavy heart thinking of all those affected in Boston but knowing we will come together and be strong together. There is no other choice. 

Tonight in Chicago hundreds of people took part in the Run to Remember. We stood together at the start, hand over our heart as the national anthem played, and ran becasue we could. For those that will one day soon realize that they too, can still run. And for those that will never run again. A moving sight to see the running community come together and remember. Not just today but to remember everyday. As my friend Hailey said, 'a senseless act of violence cannot conquer the spirit of an athlete' And tonight was proof of that. 

Writing about any other life events seems trivial to all this. But on the off hand chance of someone reading this who is newly injured, or needs a lift, the words will continue.

This weekend I competed at the ITU San Diego triathlon. A sprint distance race that brings racers from around the world and a race with a Paratriathlon division. This race finished up a week long high performance Paratriathlon camp in Chula Vista, CA. Think swimming, biking, running, and eating with some awesome people and teammates. And blue skies.

The first sprint race of any season is always a little scary. You’re not sure what the competition has been doing in the off months, not sure if your training will be enough, etc. This race was no different. I had 2 others in my Tri2 category that I would be competing against. 3 of us now, but in a month at nationals, there will be 7! An exciting time for the sport. No need for details but I was overall happy with the race and know where improvements can be made. I crossed the finish line first in my category, once again holding an American flag high overhead remembering those in Boston. My signature move, as Brian calls it, as I run down the carpet waving the flag wildly and always a happy moment. And then as quick as it started, the first sprint race of the season was over. And a big shout out to my awesome handlers Dan and Basia, who are the best support crew around. Either you guys need to come back to Chicago, or we need to make our way out there.

I was a little nervous going into the race as a few weeks ago I competed at Oceanside 70.3 and going from long distance 

training to speed training can be a little challenging.

At Oceanside I represented the Challenged Athletes Foundation and their Operation Rebound and was proud to compete beside fellow wounded vets. It difficult to compare courses when it comes to longer distances but I had done Oceanside 3 years prior and had a goal to beat that time. The 1.2 mile swim went well and I felt like queen of the bike up until mile 28. At mile 28, there is this mountain of a hill that I had to walk up 3 years ago. I had one simple goal for my bike and that was to make it up without getting off. A pedaled at a solid 2.5 mph for about 10 min but crested that hill, on my bike, and let out a big whoop! I couldn’t have been happier. The run was a bit different. Not my best and no real excuse other than I was tired. I realize a 13.1 mile run after a 56 mile bike is supposed to be tiring but when I crossed that finish line I didn’t want to take one step further. I did manage to take 2.5 hours off of my time from 3 years ago so I was thrilled with that. And there are always areas for improvement, but this run was brutal. And to think of doing all that over again, to make it 140.6 miles, is extremely daunting. It’s one thing to talk about it, another to do it. Good thing I’ve got some time…

 

So 2 big races of the year done. Still not sure how that happens. The next month will be trying to get my speed back up to par before nationals in May in Austin, TX. As I mentioned we could have 7 female Tri2’s there and the competition could be tough. I’ve definitely got a few at my heels, which makes it even more exciting. That’s what the sport is all about. There will be a lot of back and forth between sprint and endurance and I am hoping they work to my advantage. Time will tell with that one..

In other exciting news, we had some of our Dare2tri athletes qualify to compete at nationals this year and we will have a team of 11 in Austin. It’s really an exciting time for this sport as we lead into Rio in 2016 and I love being a part of it at all. www.dare2tri.org

The other big event was Little Leg’s 9^TH birthday. Yes, somehow it’s been 9 years since I lost my leg and Little Leg was born. This year’s party was one of the best. At a local neighborhood bar where we know the owner, many friends flying in from out of town, an awesome group and a party to remember. The usual drinks from the socket, the pens, the pins and this years addition of temporary tattoos. Of my leg. And maybe even some dancing on the bar and a leg shaped lamp (Think 'A Christmas Story') A day I’ll never forget and I love sharing it with those I love every year. And let’s be real, Little Leg rocks.

Jake is getting older. Or so says the gray in his beard. Lucky for me he promised me he’s never going to get old and his hips are never going to go bad. Guess I lucked out there.

Work is still great with ‘when I’m there’ being the key phrase. This spring has turned out to be quite a busy one with training, racing, speaking, and whatever else takes me away. Luckily I’ve got a supportive boss and company and love being there when I can.

Brian and I are ready for summer. Ready for some bike rides by the lake, picnics, grilling and getting over this cabin fever. Chicago needs to hurry up and forget about all this rain and snow we’ve had recently. It’s April people, Chicago needs to get with the program.

I guess that’s all for now. As I sign off, make sure you take the time to hug your loved ones today.

Until next time, PEACE OUT. America rules.

Vail Veterans Program. And a fire pole.

While this has nothing to do with any Ironman training, I can't help but share what a great week I had this past week. Last week was the 10th anniversary of the Vail Veterans Program, a powerful ski event that gets newly injured vets learning how to ski again.

When I was injured in 2004, I remember someone coming into my hospital room and asking if I was interested in skiing. The first thought that crossed my mind was, 'I have one leg, how on earth am I going to ski'. I found myself a few months later on the ski slopes of Breckenridge. Hesitant and wobbly at first but by the end of the week, flying down the top on the mountain, the wind in my hair, feeling as free as I have ever been. That trip changed my life and I went back thinking that I could do anything. A few months later I found myself out in Vail, attending my first Vail Veterans Program.

Cheryl and I

Vail Veterans Program is unique in that it is a smaller group, trying to keep the participant numbers around 25-30 and catering to newly injured vets. It is lead by the incredible Cheryl Jensen, whose passion to give back to these wounded soldiers is apparent in all she does. The entire town of Vail rallies around the program and adaptive instructors are lined up the first day to get these men and women out on the ski slopes. A little nervous at first, these soldiers get out of their wheelchairs and into a mon-ski, or take of their prosthetics and get onto that ski or leave them on and strap themselves to a snowboard. If you are a casual skier and you take a look from chair 6 you'll see a curious scene with wheelchairs and prosthetics all lined up at the bottom of the hill. A sight of independence, of overcoming obstacles and proving to themselves what they are capable of. 

The week is one of my favorites of the year. With dinners, and bowling, and tubing, and The George and ending the week at the Vail firehouse where the Vail firefighters host our group for a night filled with lasagna and sliding down their fire pole. Ah, the fire pole.  But the best part of the week is the camaraderie that's seen. And the looks of joy you see when they make it down a run for the first time. This trip truly changes lives.

I've been lucky enough to have been asked back every year as one of the mentor veterans, talking to these new guys, encouraging them that life does go on and to believe in themselves. Over the years I have met lifelong friends that I get to see every year and make new ones that I know I will see again. The triple amputee that learned to snowboard, the couple who got together after his life changing injury and dreams of what their life will be, a former MMA fighter, a West Point football player and recent amputee with his fiancee whose love for each other is apparent for all to see, and the list goes one.

So, if you want some motivation, check out their website at www.vailveteransprogram.com and help this program continue. And next time you are in Vail in March, look up at those slopes and give a thumbs up as these men and woman learn to live again. 

Space Mountain, a cake and 13.1 miles.

Since I last wrote, I'm a year older. As someone cleverly told me, it was my 'tri' 'tri' birthday, also known as the big 33. Double digits that I gladly embrace. For those not in with the lingo, that's 'tri' as in triathlon. Get it?
Someone also told me that a woman is in her prime in her 30's and I've chosen to believe it. Not to mention that my handsome man woke me up at midnight with my favorite homemade yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I can honestly say that no other year has started off on such a good foot. The right foot to be exact.

The holidays were lovely as usual. The constant holiday battle of trying not to eat too much and unsuccessfully fend off the never ending treats at work. My new slogan is, 'I workout to eat'.

The abundance of food was a little better as Brian and I were training for the Disney 1/2 marathon in early Jan. Now, I've done a few 1/2 marathons and like many other races, sprint and Olympic tri's, 5K's, 10K's..a 1/2 marathon is a race you can get through with no training. Would it be fun, definitely not, but someone (yes, even you) could struggle through 13.1 miles if needed. I'm happy to report for this race, that was not the case and Brian and I actually trained for the race around Disney. We did a few 10 milers, 1 or 2 10+ mile runs and many 6ish mile runs. We ran in 30 degree, rainy weather, slush, wind and all the other weather phenomenons Chicago has to offer. Lucky for us, the snow didn't hit till after the race.

The goal was a 2:15 1/2 marathon. My previous time was a 2:24, so I was going for that PR. A common trend.

We went to FL with the group Achilles, one that I have done multiple races with to include the NYC marathon last year. This time it was with about 15 other athletes with disabilities, many veterans completing the race on a handcycle, and a handful of us that would run the race. The title sponsor was Cigna and I had the honor of having both Brian and David, the CEO of Cigna as my guide.

The race started at 530am, as they want to have the race mostly finished before the park opened for the day. This led to a wake up of 2am! Yes, 2 in the morning. The race started off well with David by my side and Brian to my back right fending off any runners that would come up on my left. We ran through Disney, the brightly lit castle and by many Disney characters that were all open for pictures. If you know me, you know my obsession with time and might be surprised to hear that we stopped for a picture. Just once, and a quick one, but we stopped. I get nervous even thinking about it. But we have the blurry, castle, mid- race picture now for all to see.

The tired legs came at mile 9 but we were able to keep moving and keep a pace i was happy with. At mile 11 some Army characters yelled in familiar Army fashion to 'get up that hill' and to 'keep moving soldier' and that helped regain some of the motivation. Then at mile 12 we passed a band playing Call me Maybe and we had to throw in a little sing along. And then mile 13, we passed a gospel choir and finally we felt the thrill of the finish line to look up and see 2:09 on the clock. Even a beat up limb couldn't hide that excitement.

It's always exciting to PR but the feeling of knowing that training actually pays off makes it more so. But nonetheless, this race was an eye opening experience. Thinking that I had run 13.1 miles but in 11 short months I was going to have to swim 2.4, bike 112 and then run twice that distance. The realization that it's one thing to say you're doing a race and to talk about it, but another completely to do the race and be happy with it. Quite daunting.

The whole trip was a blast. The race, Disney World, where we sprinted through the kids to get in line for Space Mountain, Epcot, getting stuck at Thunder Mountain, some warm weather..it really might be the happiest place on earth. At least for a day. And I can't forget to mention the Jake and Mickey became fast friends. Perhaps even BFF's. And that I was the honored vet at the flag closing ceremony at Disney. Cool? I think so.

Back to Chicago we came, into the first mild, then cold, and now snowy Chicago winter. It finally feels like all is right with the world again.

A quick trip to visit Brian's mom in Tampa, a trip to see some Colorado friends, a drive to Minnesota and now back for a few weeks. I love my friends.

It's base training now, getting those miles in but nothing too fast or hard. My next big race is the Oceanside 70.3 in the end of March which will be here before we know it. In fact, it's only 1.5 months away, ha. Seriously, how does that happen? This will be my 3rd time at Oceanside, I've done the full race once, a relay the next year and now I'll be back to redeem myself and do the whole race. I'll be doing it with the Challenged Athletes Foundation Operation Rebound team and looking forward to racing alongside other challenged athletes.

And so it continues, the racing, the training, the working and the countdown to the Ironman that I might as well start now. 9 months.

But so much to happen before then. What a lovely life it is.

Until next time, Peace out. Love to you all.

I'm going to be an Ironman.

About a week ago, I did the unthinkable. I signed up for an Ironman. Not only did I sign up for it, but I paid for it. A lot of money, to get the chance to complete 140.6 miles in a single day. a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 (yes a marathon) all in a row and all to be completed in under 17 hours. I'm sure you're first question is why. So here goes:

We all have a bucket list. Some things stay on that list and never get crossed off. Others are put on there and easily completed, just for the satisfaction of crossing them off. An Ironman has been on my list for years. Since I've been in the world of triathlon, I've learned and experienced the coveted Ironman club. An exculsive club reserved for people who choose to subject themselves to a lot of training, some pain, but the ultimate goal of crossing that Ironman finish line. It's a badge of honor to wear the Ironman (IM) logo whether it's on a jacket, a visor, or the commonly seen tattoo, an M-dot some call it as it's an M with a dot at the top. If you're in the club you're automatically one of the cool kids and there's this silent pact with all the other finisher out there. A sly head nod like an all knowing secret that only the finishers have. Now, let me continue by saying I did not sign up for this feat to be a cool kid, I mean let's face it, I've been out of that club for years. I simply signed up knowing that was the first step, and wanting to prove to myself that I was capable of such a feat. That and because I told my friend Keri, and wrote it on a chalkboard painted wall on New Years Eve last year at someone's house I didn't know that I would in fact to an Ironman in 2013. And I just can't let myself down like that. If you say you're gonna do it, do it right?

Another piece of info: Paratriathlon will debut in the Rio Paralympics in 2016. Every year up until then there is nationals and World Championships, which are all sprint distance. Many coaches will tell you that training for a sprint distance race and an Ironman at the same time it tough. Either your speed suffers or your endurance suffers. As long as I continue to love the sport, and my body holds up, my plan is to compete in Rio in 2016. But as we all know, life continues after the sport of triathlon, and in my head, 2016 will perhaps be the end of my triathlon career at the elite level, knowing full well that it will always be a lifestyle, just of a different kind. So I wanted to do an Ironman prior to 2016 and this next year 2013, was the year to do it. I will train for an Ironman and if my sprint distance races suffer, so be it, I've made my choice. And after I race and become an Ironman, I can go back to the short races and still have a few years to get my speed back up before qualifying for Rio in 2016.

Many of you have probably heard of the Kona Ironman. It's the Ironman of all Ironman, the World Championship that has an emotional, heart wrenching 2 hour special after the event. I used to think that was the only one I would want to do. But. It's not. Each Ironman is the same distance and you need the same iron will to finish the thing. So when I got a call from my friend Jean Draper, a fellow amputee, that she was signing up for Ironman Arizona for Nov 17, 2013 I thought for a few minutes and thought, sure, why not? I consulted Brian, my coach Stacee, and a few others as I can't seem to make any big decision on my own. I got their support and I went for it. What's even crazier is that this crazy race sold out in 40 seconds. Yes, 40 SECONDS! I didn't get the initial spot, but when other spots, twice as expensive, became available for a short time, I was able to snag one of those. Now I have the pleasure of paying $10 for every mile I will complete, figure out the math, it's not cheap! But on Nov 17, 2013 in Tempe, AZ I will have the chance to become an IM!

And so begins my journey. As in all IM races, each segment will have a time cutoff and I'll have to make the swim and bike cutoff time to be allowed on the run. If you don't make the cutoff, they pull you off the course and you get the not so great DNF (did not finish) next to your name. My goal? To finish of course, and become part of the coveted club.If you've read my past entries, you know that I've completed a few 1/2 IM. Now the challenge of doubling that effort and having what it takes to get through it!

My coach suggested I write a blog about my journey so I'll be doing that here. I completed my first step, signing up. Now the training will begin all towards the journey of 140.6 miles and hearing the words, 'Melissa Stockwell, you are an Ironman!'

A World Championship, a threepeat and kiwis.

It's only a month and here I am again. Yes, be impressed. The last month has been an exciting one so I wanted to get it all down before I forget.
Last night I got back from 2 adventure filled weeks in New Zealand and the Paratriathlon World Championship. So this is what some may call my race report, with some vacation thrown in there.

We had a great group that traveled the distance to
New Zealand from Chicago. 4 dare2tri athletes, myself, Hailey, Diana, MaryKate and coaches and support staff Stacee, Keri and Brian. My Brian. After a not so bad 13 hour flight, we all got to New Zealand 5 days before the race. The US team of 31 all stayed a the same hotel in Auckland and we were within walking distance of the wharf and the race start where most of the activities took place. The days leading up to the race were spent training with the team, getting to watch the pros and elite athletes race, hoping the rain was going to hold of for our race and going over our races in our head. We got to see and explore Auckland a bit but stayed close by for training purposes and not wanting to exert ourselves too much. There was a total of 130 Paratriathletes from around the World which was the most any championship had ever seen.

As the race got closer we learned that they were going to shorten the swim due to cold water temperatures. Typically our swim is 750m but there is a rule that if the water temp is under 60 degrees, that it's shortened to a 300m swim. I was not too fond of this ruling as the swim is my strongest part and I get a good mental advantage by getting out on the bike ahead of my competitors. But it was was it was, and it was set to 300m. Let me say here that swimming in sub 60 degree water temperatures is COLD. Think ice cream headache cold.

Race morning came and I was pumped. I woke up ready to race with a smile, not too stressed, just happy to be there with my teammates representing the USA. The race started at 3pm which is hours after a typical race would start so the hours leading up are always a wonder of what you should be doing, going over the transition bag again and again,, etc. But the hours passed and at 3pm we all found ourselves on the dock, waving as they called our names out ready to go.
We are lined up on the dock next to our class so my competitors, one being my good friend Hailey also from dare2tri and Jen, the other USA Tri2 were to my right. The horn sounded and we were off. Since this was only a 300m swim I moved my arms as fast as possible to try and get that advantage out of the water. At the swim exit I was given an aide to help me hop (not fun) to my running leg and then run to T1. T1 is always a welcoming place as not only is my trusting handler and best friend Keri there but there was Brian and all the other dare2tri supporters and coaches cheering me on. A few minutes, a switched leg and a bike, and I was off for my 12.4 miles of bike.

Typically the bike is my weakest of the 3. But thanks to TREK bikes, I got this custom USA painted TREK Madone bike days before I left for NZ and I was feeling freaky fast on it. My other bike was 6 years old, which is ancient for a road bike, so this one was lighter with better components, a different shifting system and it was red, white and blue so of course it had to be fast. Whether it was the bike, the hours spent training on my other one, or maybe a combo of both and just having a good day, I had my best bike splits ever. There was a crazy wind so on the way out there was a tailwind, then a headwind for our 3 laps. I kept looking down at my new bike with the words 'USA, Inspire' as I headed into the wind and pushed myself. I had a goal time on the bike and as I went into T2 below my goal time and still leading the pack I was pretty pumped. I'm not one to smile much in races as I get in the moment and way too serious, but I knew I had it, and I gave a big smile to Brian and told Keri how great I felt. T2 was over in a minute and I was out on the run.

Over the past few months I have developed a love for running and have never felt faster or more confident with it. As I started out on my 3.1 mile run, I was expecting to feel light and fast as I had the past months. I had a goal time I was very capable of and as I started out I was overcome with a heavy on my feet feeling which is not something you want during the race. But 4 laps it was, I could see my competition, and I knew all I had to do was stay ahead. As I rounded each lap I could hear Keri's loud USA and even though the goal time didn't happen, I came across the last lap first and there she was there to hand my a big American flag to run across the finish with.

And that I did. Running down the finishing chute, holding that
flag high over my head. I crossed, I did a little dance and held that flag high realizing that I had defended my title as World Champions. A three peat, a hat trick or whatever else you call it. And as I came across I saw Brian, my coach Stacee and there were hugs all around. A feeling that never gets old. A few minutes later Hailey crossed and I couldn't have been more proud. Here's a girl with a similar injury who got into triathlon only 1.5 years ago and she was competing on the Worlds stage. To have her as a teammate, as a competitor, as a friend and to see how far she'd come led me to a few tears. These are the moments that really make this all worth it. And to have Jen cross 3rd it was, like last year, a USA SWEEP! And we were the Tri2 ladies of the day. And it was awesome.

We got to see 3 flags raised, hear our national
anthem and not even the cold rain could curb our
enthusiasm. A gold medal, a World Championship, a USA sweep, New Zealand and all that comes with it. Diana had a fantastic race, winning the US portion and coming in 4th. MaryKate, our youngest elite athlete, had unfortunate mechanical issues on the bike. But she hung in there longer that most of us would have showing her drive and determination and we were so proud. A great day all around for dare2tri and the USA!

So what do we do after all this, we celebrate of course! There was wine, there was dancing and there was quality time spent with all our teammates celebrating our accomplishments.

The following day, 12 of us flew down to Queenstown on the south island to start our week of adventure, and over indulging in coffee, wine and cookies. If you haven't been to NZ, the south island is so beautiful it takes your breath away. As we flew in it was truly the most remarkable place I have ever seen.

To avoid making this post much longer I'll give a brief overview of our time there.
We jumped off a cliff, well I back flipped of a cliff, into this canyon swing, we jet boated through a canyon doing 360's on a dime, we took a gondola up to the top of Queenstown, we took a helicopter through the mountains to the spectacular Milford Sound where we took a cruise and saw dolphins, and penguins and got to land on a snow capped mountain on the way back. Standing on top of the world, literally. Brian and I then rented a car where he quickly learned to drive on the wrong side of the road, we drove to Lake Wanaka, drank too much wine, then drove 5 hours through the majestic mountains of NZ (we saw hobbit shadows), stopping at a Salmon farm and eating salmon caught only 3 hours prior. Then we drove into Christchurch, which is still devastated by the earthquake last year and quite sad to see. That of course didn't stop us from finding tasty wine and food and a beach to be content with. We finished off our south island adventure the following day at a wildlife farm where we saw an actual Kiwi! Who, if you didn't know, are nocturnal.
As we flew back to Auckland that afternoon we couldn't pick our favorite moment as they were all just as good as the next. We did fly back north satisfied that we had seen the south island and had experienced much that it had to offer.

We took advantage of our last day in Auckland by taking a ferry over to a close island, renting mopeds and going to some wineries. Yes, more wine. I have to say that I was initially terrified or the mopeds. With Hailey on my back and both of us missing our left legs it was crucial that we only stop leaning right. Pair that with driving on the wrong side of the road and it was a little scary. But persevere we did and we got to those wineries, we drank that wine and enjoyed our last day in the beauty of New Zealand.

 And after the much too long flight back, I found myself home, full of love and full of life and full
of way too much wine and cookies. All that with Jake by my side once again. A Jake that somehow managed to gain 5 pounds while we were gone.

 So there you have it. Another few weeks well lived and another World Championship in the books. Now there's the joy of some time off before it all starts over again. So as usual, until then, hug your loved ones and PEACE OUT!

A Summer Well Spent.

3.5 months, right on track.  It’s been a busy three months, perhaps some of the busiest, if that’s possible. Here I’ll attempt to keep this as short as possible and highlight the exciting, never dull summer months that have somehow passed us by.

Many of my summer days were filled with racing. Whether a triathlon, a running race, a race to get to work on time…it was a record year. I think the grand triathlon total is 10 and running races could be up that high as well. Aside from nationals, the biggest one was the Door County ½ Ironman in July. This one was extra special because Brian and I raced together and he became an official ½ Ironman. The race ended up much better than expected, with much of if due to the fact that Brian and I ended up coming into T2 together (I started 20 min ahead of him on the swim) and were able to run the whole ½ marathon together. He probably could have gotten in many minutes faster but at that point it was about finishing it together. We ran, we talked, we complained about the heat, the hills..and at the end we were THAT couple that crossed the finish line hand in hand and even had enough energy to do a little Fred Flinstone type jump. Cheesy, perhaps. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. And it lead to an hour + PR for me and my studly boyfriend as an official finisher. How studly you may ask? Studly enough to drive the 4 hours back to Chicago and go skate in his hockey game.  But perhaps that’s just crazy. And it seems fitting to throw in that we’ve now been dating 15 months. Woot! I love him, there I said it.

Another exciting race was the NYC Olympic distance triathlon, my 3^rd time at the race. Exciting because I was extremely happy with my time of a 3:06. I’m gunning for that sub- 3 hour next year.

Dare2tri Elite Team!

There have been many races that have been in conjunction with dare2tri, the ever flourishing Paratriathlon club. Our second year has grown just as much as the first and we have the best athletes and volunteers around. The 4 of us that competed at Nationals this past May qualified for Paratriathlon World Championships that take place in less than a month from now in New Zealand! As the dare2tri elite team we’ve raised enough money to send all of us athletes and coaches down under. (Yes, I know that’s Australian) Training has been going well and as I write this I’m on a plane to Colorado Springs for a triathlon camp at the OTC for all of us going to Worlds. This year there will again be 3 athletes in my division and a record number of US athletes in all divisions. It will be the first World Championship for the other 2 ladies in my group and I am so excited to be competing with them, working on my 3^rd Championship There really is nothing more exciting that wearing the USA uniform, on an international athletic stage with others you can call your teammates and friends. Race day is Oct 22, so the countdown has begun!

I was once again honored to be nominated for an ESPY for female athlete with a disability and Brian and I got to take the coveted trip to LA and walk the red carpet. No, I didn’t win, but the experience was just as thrilling as the last. Think celebrities, parties, gift bags, first class accommodations and a handsome man by my side. Good times.

I had the opportunity to go to London for the Paralympics. No, not to compete, although everyone I saw asked what I was competing in. It’s quite different being on the other side as a spectator instead of an athlete. I got to go over as an ambassador with the US Olympic Committee and we got prime seats to the opening ceremonies and the sports venues. To say it was inspiring is an understatement. I was only there 4 days but the electric atmosphere and the athlete drive made a lasting impression on me. I got to see a friend win silver in the velodrome, I got to see many of my old swimming teammates, the Olympic Village, the passion behind the sports. It was incredible and I left with a renewed quest to return to the Paralympics as an athlete. Paratriathlon debuts as a Paralympic sport in Rio in 2016 and even though it’s 4 long and short years away, it’s on the radar. But year-by-year we’ll go. It is after all, all about the love of the sport.

From London I got to see my family for a long Labor Day weekend. My parents, my sisters family, it’s always a good time. For those that know my sister, she is due with #5! in a month. I’m tired just thinking about it and she should be nominated for mom of the year. Every year. Along with my mom of course!

In between the racing and the training, there’s been some motivational speaking and yes, I still work. I get that question often. But Scheck and Siress continues to be supportive, allowing me to continue what I’m passionate about. I couldn’t be more thankful.

In ultra importance, Jake turned 5 last week. For his birthday we celebrated by leaving the door open to the treats and he got 30 milkbones, the cardboard box they came in and a packet of hot chocolate for his birthday. It was his best birthday ever. Until the next day. But he, of course, continues to be the best, most loving, spoiled service dog that ever lived. Too bad I can’t add his frequent flier miles to mine. And yes, he can still bring me my crutches!

The next big event is Paratriathlon Worlds and I’ll try (don’t hold your breath) to write about the race and the results soon after. Most of us are staying for a week after to travel and I can’t wait to see the beauty of New Zealand and find the Shire of course!

So there we are, the adventures I feel lucky enough to call life. And a summer well spent.

Until next time, stay cool (or warm), keep loving America, and PEACE OUT!