Memories Matter

The last few years I am not sure I would want to keep some of the memories. I know I should not say that. Let me rephrase it then....I am not sure I would want to have memories from the last few years forefront at my mind. I am not saying all of them, just some. But good or bad, they matter.

This year has been one of making more new memories. Being among those in the coral to cross the start line. And crossing the finish line of a race that brought me back to what doing what I enjoy. Finally seeing my life return to a sense of normalcy with going back to work and making plans for a future that were put on hold.

As I have done for the last three or four years, I

volunteered at Ironman Texas. I always volunteer at athlete check-in.  I was there for opening day and welcomed those athletes picking up their gear early. Unlike last year when I worked almost all day, I only did the afternoon shift. Next year, as your favorite volunteer, I plan on spending the entire day talking to the first timers, seasoned Ironmen and helping them get checked in.  I made more memories, with a few pictures, and met some awesome people. The day started out a bit wet but the rain clouds parted (somewhat) and the sun came out for the rest of the afternoon. 

All of them making memories that will matter for years to come! There was a group of men, who if I remember, were all related somehow. Then there were the husband and wife teams. And friends who wanted numbers close together. I always try to accommodate those small requests. The man who was coming back from a traumatic experience at IronmanTexas a couple of years ago. I talked with him as I checked him in. He later left a comment to my post saying “You were so kind, definitely helped calm my nerves! Thank you.” Spoiler alert: he finished strong even after riding past the site of the trauma. Bells were rung many times that afternoon for first timers. I heard several comment they signed up for IronmanTexas after a few too many drinks. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to happen? I met an athlete who said “she was coming to my table,” and we got a picture. She happened to come late in the day, otherwise I may have missed her.

 

Then race day I helped out at a run course aid station as I did last year. Mother Nature helped us out, bringing the rain earlier in the week, and really overdid herself Saturday. Beautiful day, but a scorcher. As a friend wrote in her post, I smiled at the sun. How could you not? Did I mention the volunteer shirts were pink this year?! And the theme of the aid station was Texas. I wore a pink bandana and found some pink cowboy boot earrings! The pros ran thru first, then after a lull, the waves of runners started. Where else can you be up close and personal with the athletes than at an aid station? 

I saw stories posted of those helping others. The cyclists who stopped at an accident to assure the driver help was coming. Or stopping to help another cyclist with a flat tire. And those voicing concern of a female athlete who crashed. I hope it helps them to know she’ll be okay after some healing.

Memories matter. And this past week they were in abundance. While I handed out water to runners, and shouted words of encouragement, all I could think about was I want to do what they were doing. But until I test my own limits of an Ironman, I’ll volunteer! 

“.. Give a stranger a kind word or smile. Do something for someone to ease their burden. Smile at the sun.”

I did all three this week. And made so many memories that will matter! And as always….they’ll have glitter all the weigh!

 

The first one

There are those who see you at your best and worst.  Who push you to do things that started as a thought in your mind.  They push you to run and finish the last four miles of your first half marathon.  They find you on the course at your first triathlon to make sure you are okay and to make sure you finish.  Those are your people.  But there's always the first one. 

My neighbor in apartments I lived in many years ago was the first one in the tribe.  As I sat with my coffee this morning, she crossed my mind.  She was the definition of a motivator.  She was the only one who seemed to keep up with me on my then walks.  She was the one who introduced and encouraged me to do intervals. And she was was right alongside.  

We conquered many things.  She was by my side when I finished my

first half marathon.  When I started to cry one the course, she would not have it.  I could cry at the finish is what she told me.  When the pace balloons got close to us, we ran until they were out of our sight.  But before we conquered the half marathon together, we finished our first trail race.  It helped we were served wine at the end.  Her voice was the one hollering when I stood in front of the crowd at Weight Watchers and reached goal.  

She saw me enjoy ice skating after losing 200 lbs. and laughed alongside when I was helped up by a Boy Scout.  She became the charter member of my tribe.   Because of her I realized many things about myself.  For instance, I became competitive with myself.  And after being stood up on a blind date, I walked so fast she dubbed it my "p*ssed off pace."  

It is weird how memories or people pop in the mind at times.  Without any warning.  I suddenly missed her this morning. The phrase "they are in your life for a reason" is thrown about and it's on everything from posters, quotes, and everything else.  I think she appeared in my life at the time she did for several reasons.  The main one to encourage me, never give up on me, and be my side kick.  

Maybe I missed her this morning because after the setbacks, I am returning to the person she helped uncover.  And while walking and running alone does offer solitude and reflection, I can be my own worst enemy.   She made sure we walked/ ran those miles in the afternoon.  We discovered new routes.   Because of her tenacity of making sure I did not give up, I accomplished so much.  

If you know of anyone who fits that bill and is willing to fill some big shoes, I welcome it.  But.....as always, they must be full of glitter! 

Christina