The slow lane

I'm finally losing the rush-rush-rush mentality of working life! I had so much going on in July, I didn't feel like I was taking a break at all. Things have slowed down in the last couple of weeks. Now I have days where I get up, take my book to the balcony, and only move in order to stay aligned with the sun (or shade - depends on how I feel). Sometimes there's a mad rush at the end of the day to get the dishes done, laundry washed, or some dinner made so Dan doesn't think I've been sitting on my butt all day... :)

We are heading to Penticton this weekend. We're going to be watching our friend Rainy participate in Ironman for the 9th time! Amazing person!! I watched the event 2 or 3 years ago. It is incredible what people will put their bodies through! I am in total awe of all the athletes who participate. The most inspiring part of Ironman is watching the regular people cross the finish line - the people with families and full-time jobs; people who don't have coaches, nutritionists, or physiotherapists following them around 24 hours a day; people who have more than 2% body fat and don't own the most technically advanced laces for their running shoes or the latest high-tech swim goggles. These people know they won't be winning the prize money, but they have something inside that is highly motivating for them. When you see what they put themselves through, you know there's definitely something else that keeps them moving their bodies forward no matter what.

Then there is the cutoff time... It is heart-breaking to watch someone who has put 110% of themselves into the event for 17 hours (not to mention a year or so of training) come in after the 12am cutoff. There is no finisher's medal or t-shirt if you cross the line 5, 10, 30 minutes past midnight. You are recorded as "DNF" - did not finish. I can't watch at that point. I have to leave at midnight.