Seattle Danskin Triathlon 2012

Last weekend I headed up to Seattle again for my third year participating in the Danskin Triathlon Series (You can click to read about 2010 and 2011).

It's a women's only event that features a 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 5K run (3.1 miles).

2012 for me was all about showing up and finishing.

Mostly, it was about showing up.

My partners in crime again this year included my friends Anna (click on over to read her account of our adventure) and Doris and my cousin's wife Cristina (who we usually meet up with on race morning). On Saturday we picked up our registration packets and then took our bikes over to the race location for "racking" (where you leave them there over night with all the other bikes).

As we were walking our bikes into the park on Saturday we got to meet blog-reader and fellow memory keeper Reyna.

She'd read about the race on my blog and was super excited to be embarking on her first sprint triathlon. She shared her a really inspiring story of weight-loss and fitness - it was awesome. So glad you stopped me to say hi Reyna!

On Sunday morning we were up at 4:30am to drive to Seattle from my parents house in Federal Way. We were in the water right around 7am. This year there were a little over 1500 women competing and showing up. It's so inspiring to see all of them - especially the older women (I'm guessing in their 70's and maybe even 80's).

Both Anna and Doris really rocked it this year - dropping time from last year.

My overall time was about a minute slower than last year, which is not too bad considering I didn't train at all (besides swimming a couple times and riding my bike with friends on a couple 15 mile rides):

Considering the year I've had, I was just happy to show up, hang out with friends, and finish the race without hurting myself. I love the experience. I love seeing all the people. I love the energy and the excitement.

My life this past year has been all about showing up. Showing up to life. Showing up to my emotions. Showing up to my sadness and my joy. Showing up, putting one foot in front of the other with intention.

Next year I hope to have my kids come watch so they can see what it's all about.

At the end of the race each year I've said next year I'm going to actually train. Maybe this will be the year that it actually happens. I'll definitely be signing up again. It's a great way to mark the passage of time.

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

59 thoughts

  1. Anita says…
    08/21/2012

    Well done, Ali. You inspire women all around the world in so many ways. You're wonderful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. dawn says…
    08/21/2012

    WAY TO GO ALI!! I LOVE THAT YOU DO THIS AND READING ABOUT IT. GREAT PICTURES OF ALL OF YOU. THANKS FOR INSPIRING US TO JUST SHOW UP, SOMETIMES THIS IS ALL WE CAN DO!!! YOU'VE HAD A HARD YEAR BUT ARE DOING SO WELL AND STAYING SO POSITIVE, THANKS FOR SHOWING US IT CAN BE DONE AND TO BE STRONGER FOR IT. LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Tracey says…
    08/21/2012

    I'm so impressed! You are an inspiration to me Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Sue TR (Your Story 2011-12) says…
    08/21/2012

    Awesome Ali!

    My girls just finished their second kid-triathalon this summer! So I've been inspired to sign up our family for the "Spooky Sprint" this October (we are all running with another family as characters from the wizard of oz !) And I'm determined to RUN this 5k not (mostly) walk and jog like I usually do so I just signed up for a "couch to 5k" class at the Y. Part of my being Brave this year. (who knows, if this goes well maybe a sprint-tri next year)

    Thanks for showing up Ali and Thanks for sharing it with us!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Dawn Ritchie says…
    08/21/2012

    Fantastic job, Ali. You should definitely be proud!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Marie-Pierre says…
    08/21/2012

    Great work Ali! I loved reading about it and seeing pictures, and reading your philosophy about showing up and putting on foot in front of the other with intention. I'll have something to think about the whole day! :) Thanks for sharing all of this! And kudos to you for making it happen! xox

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Sherry Eckblad says…
    08/21/2012

    Way to go Ali! I think you are an inspiration to women of all ages. Thanks for sharing the everyday with all of us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Jennifer Kolakowski says…
    08/21/2012

    Ali-you are inspiration defined. Seriously. Have thought of your words, your grace, your ups and downs this year and have been so very grateful that you have shared in such an honest, genuine way. Thank you.

    P.S. I LOVED, LOVED 31 Days...I have been meaning to send you an e-mail to thank you...for all that you do and share. I am so grateful you share your gifts with the wide world web!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. heidig says…
    08/21/2012

    Wow! Great race Ali. I've been training for a half marathon and hope someday to compete in a triathlon as well.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Lisa W. says…
    08/21/2012

    THANKS for showing up...and if this is not inspiring...not sure what is:) Very beautiful story...kuddo's to ALL of you!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Dori says…
    08/21/2012

    Oh, how proud you must be! Your gorgeous smile says a lot and I'm so happy to see it. You truly are an inspiration on so many levels. Bless you, Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Tina says…
    08/21/2012

    Wahooooo! Way to go Ali! Sometimes it can be even harder to show up without feeling like you have trained enough.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Darla says…
    08/21/2012

    You rock!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Nicole Prather says…
    08/21/2012

    You are amazing creative and inspiring !!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Cathy says…
    08/21/2012

    Yet another year where I see your pictures, and I think: "Okay, NEXT year."

    Maybe you need to get your butt out here for the one in Wisconsin? Huh? What do you think about THAT?

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Alida says…
    08/21/2012

    Even in this you are and inspiration. Your blog is about so much more than memory keeping, really.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Sharon F. CA says…
    08/21/2012

    Congratulations!!way to go and show up! I hope the pride you felt in this years achievement will carry you through your next year - filled with unknown discoveries your heart desires. All the best!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Debbie says…
    08/21/2012

    Way to go Ali!!! Your journey this year has been an inspiration for all women! To continue to always "show up"! Thank you!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. pidgen says…
    08/21/2012

    I made it to my second 5k because you mentioned, "Just show up" in a blog post. So, I did that ... and it was awesome, even though the race was nothing like the first one. {I wasn't feeling great and it was insanely hot.} I love how you inspire us but LIVING your life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Lisa M says…
    08/21/2012

    I am so inspired by this post. Some days I have to remind myself that showing up is often good enough. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Patti L says…
    08/21/2012

    Congrats! I agree the most important thing is showing up & finishing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jessica B says…
    08/21/2012

    Congrats! I'm training for my first 5K right now. I have never been a runner but I need to do something to loose this baby weight and that it would be a good goal. I was thinking of skipping training today, but I need to remember to just show up!

    Thank you for being an inspiration in more than one way!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Suz says…
    08/21/2012

    Way to "show up" Ali! Love your attitude on life and on being present in the everyday and embracing it! :) Have a great week!
    Suz

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. JC says…
    08/21/2012

    Congrats, Ali!! You are an inspiration and I so admire your attitude!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Anna says…
    08/21/2012

    Love you!

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.