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.
It was nice to see an old college face in the crowd - always fun to play the "wait - I know you! How do I know you?!" game. Congrats & see you next year!
I know! So fun to see you Robin!
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WAY TO GO, ALI!!! You are a rock star for showing up and you did awesome! Have a great week!
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Well done, Ali! thank you for sharing your experience!
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That's awesome Ali!! Congratulations!
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Wow Ali! I am super impressed - again. Congratulations on trying - starting- finishing- whatever - you just did it, and that's what matters the most. Best of luck to you, and thanks for all the inspiration you share - both creatively and through your personal stories.
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We cheered you on as we drove along the I-90 bridge on our way to the pass. I figured you were in there somewhere.
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How awesome! Do not knock the fact that you just finished the race. Many people cannot even complete the first leg! it's inspiring to hear you dong this event!
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Way to go, Ali!
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Love that you are showing UP!! Did you notice your "one little word" in there? It's speaking to you! I am loving my word and your class...the companionship you shared with friends this weekend is inspiring me to stop procrastinating and get on the One Little Word board to share with my fellow classmates! And to gain from their insights! Thanks for everything you share with us Ali!
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here you are all finished and posting about it and I am still in the water swimming the first leg...congrats Ali!
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so.proud.of.you.
awesome!!
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congratulations ali for showing up. the race sounds so doable; i need to find something like this to motivate me to 'train'.
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Congratulations! I found your blog via lookng for Project Life stuff and added you to my RSS feed. What an inspiration you are!
WELL DONE!
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Miss Edwards, you are such an inspiration! I am so happy you are so happy ! lovely to see.
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Congratulations on showing up! You Go Girl! I'm still trying to figure out if I'm deep down a recluse and a curmudgeon and I'm only finding out now because I'm getting well -- or if I'm not actually getting well! LOL! I'm OK at showing up, but sometimes I just don't want to go out at all.
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Way to go!!!! Proud of you!
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YOU ROCK!
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Good for you! Congrats!
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Congratulations! What a wonderful thing! Looks like fun!
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Way to go, Ali!
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go ali! you do rock! i'm hoping to do this next year too!
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I'm just plain impressed!
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Awesome job! Glad you showed up and completed it. Congratulations.
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You are such an inspiration!
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Congratulations :)
I love your thongs, can you tell me a bit about them :)
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