OKONA INSPIRE

Where did January go and where to begin . . .?

The saying – “life is like a roller coaster” is a true statement. You are constantly going up and down between the good and the bad. The key is not getting stuck at the bottom and climbing your way back to the top! Why I’m a rock climber (well use to be I should say).

Chapter one was my down and chapter two of 2013 is my up

Exciting news – actually A LOT of exciting news to share!!!

First up: Two years ago after doing my first Rev3 race – Cedar Point 140.6 I fell in love with Rev3.. . It was by far the best iron-distance event I’ve raced in compared to the Ironman event I did the year prior. The venue was amazing and I got the opportunity not only to meet a lot of the staff and volunteers but I got to help out as well since I arrived so early to the event. They kind of took me in as their own and even went to the Theme park with some of the staff; they somehow talked me into riding some of the roller coasters – CRAZYNESS but soooo much FUN!!!! Ever since that race I became one of their #1 fan’s. Rev3 has given me a lot with the sport of triathlon through the great races I’ve participated in and the friendships I’ve developed with people at the venues. Rev3 represents what triathlon is all about to me and is a growing race series that will make a difference in the triathlon world—Wondering where all this is going?  . . . WELL . . . I’ve been applying to their AG team for the last 2 years with hopes of becoming part of their family, still being an advocate regardless of the outcome!!! Drum roll please . . . . . . . . . I’m beyond honored and excited to announce that I made the 2013 Rev3 AG team. Words really cannot express my feelings/excitement about this!!! I feel so blessed to be a part of not only a great team but amazing family!!! We recently had a team summit in Boulder CO and it was an Epic adventure meeting everyone!!!

Second on the list: Before the holiday’s I interviewed for a promotion/new Project Manager Position within the company I work for, I felt it went very well and was hopeful . . . last week I got a call from the recruiter and was given the official offer!!! I’m moving on up and am SUPER excited/scared to death of the new position lol. Lots to learn . . . a perk – I will be working from home once I transition into the position!!!

Last but not least: Recently got an unexpected email from USAT stating I qualified for 2013 USAT AG National Championship again!!! SHOCKED but super excited – Not only did I check off one of my goals for 2013, I don’t have to stress about a race to qualify and can focus on training for it. I had a good race last year in Burlington but fell apart on the run so I want to execute a better performance now that I know what to expect (somewhat) at the race!!!

My chapter two of 2013 is full of new beginnings and dreams coming true!!! I am truly blessed and grateful for it all!!!

A few in between pieces:

I was finally cleared to start training again a couple weeks after my concussion . . . I was eager to get started b/c sitting still wasn’t easy. Though the rest was good and with a head injury you can’t be too cautious. Lately I’ve been talking to my coach about where my fitness is. I’ve been back and forth on how I feel and am a little worried about the season starting off. Quite honestly I feel like I’ve lost some of my fitness . . .  He constantly reminds me it is better to be under trained than over trained and I try to keep in mind my fitness isn’t gone and it will all come back soon enough. Until then I will press on with sweat sessions on the bike, run/track workouts, swims and lots of stretching/recovery . . . luv hate relationship with my TP foam roller!!!

Speaking of racing (even though I wasn’t) . . . 2013 schedule in the works:

Augusta ½ Marathon – 2/24 (this might hurt a little – very HILLY course)

Publix ½ Marathon (ATL) – 3/17 (only doing it for the medal)

Palmetto ½ Marathon – 4/20 (unfinished business from last year)

Rev3 Knoxville 70.3 – 5/5 (IT’s MY BURFDAY!!!!)

Boulder boulder 10k – 5/27 

Rev3 Williamsburg 70.3 – 6/23

USAT Nationals Oly – 8/10 (Crazy thought – team USA spot?! It’s a goal b/c nothing is impossible)

Rev3 Dells – 8/11 (somewhat debating a double weekend – yeah I’m crazy and would have fun with it . . . regardless I will be there to cheer on everyone since it is close to Milwaukee)

Rev3 Main Oly – 8/25 (hmmm?!)

Rev3 Cedar Point FULL – 9/7 (my third 140.6 race . . .)

Rev3 FL 70.3 – 11/10 (Fun race to end the season with)

… Okay looking at everything above I know I need to do a lot of revising considering I have a Full on the schedule . . . hey a girl can dream lol

It is going to be a busy but AWESOME 2013 race season.

Reaching New Limits raising the bar and preparing for my long term BIG goals!!!!