HTFU almost SATC

I can't remember when I got hooked on the show, but some years back I became a Sex and the City addict. Now, as most of you know... I don't have cable or full-on internet (thanks again to my neighbors - you kept our blog readers happy!). Therefore, I didn't watch the show on HBO. Instead, I purchased the seasons on DVD as they were released.

Karyn, Jen, and my mom will remember traveling to Memphis in May - my laptop and DVD's in tote. Everyone has their own pre-race-night routine... well, mine used to include watching a few episodes of SATC.

Today, as I reminisce about our HTFU weekend - I think about girlfriends, and the beauty of coming together to enjoy a common interest... and having a BLAST at the same time. The ladies of Camp HTFU might not have been discussing Manolo Blahniks, but there was something different in the air. Something you don't experience when you're trying to keep up with the boys.

Here is one of my favorite SATC quotes:
"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."

Marit opened me up to something new and exotic: a ZEST for training. I have become so used to training fatigue. Endurance sports involve repeat/routine/consistency.... but, somehow Marit made each workout Exciting! She kept a positive outlook on everything. The girl bonks on a brick run - and was happy about it, because it gave her the chance to investigate a nutritional question. Seriously, I would love to have 20% of her enthusiasm in my training... and, now after spending time in her company - I will pull from that energy as I set out.

Jen is old and familiar: first of all because she is old, "Miss Daisy." he he he. I'm only kidding... Jen has been my triathlon ROCK - in so many ways. She is Super Strong in all three disciplines; loves the training, loves the sport, loves to race. I admire her fire. Jen is not only a stud athlete, she knows how to motivate others. She proves that it is possible to balance life: family, training, coaching, friends, shopping ;) Jen has been, and will always be, my tri-Idol.

Elizabeth brings up lots of questions: Mind you, we did deem her "silent by deadly." So, she wasn't the one with lots of questions - we had lots for her. (All the girls involved are smart, and have much training/racing knowledge). I just found myself drawn to Liz's input during our conversations. She may be small, she may be quiet, but there is lots going on up in that head of her's. A quote Marit and I picked up while running with Heather, "the longest distance covered in a race is that between your ears." Well, Liz has that course mapped out. She is a headstrong competitor. *and she can tell you the number of calories in just about anything, especially race fuel: gel.

Leslie brought me somewhere unexpected: Before the training weekend, I knew nothing about her. But now, through the friendship I witnessed (between Liz and Leslie), I see where triathlon can take me... and I don't mean in the athletic sense. So many of us train to drop time, win a race, find a PR - but, don't forget about the other things you gain along the way. Meeting Leslie, and hearing about her triathlon career/successes (spanning 20 years) inspires me! She has been in this sport for a long time, won national championships, but still seems to value the camaraderie and journey above all else.

Mary will bring me far from where I started: She has motivated me to "own my destiny." When something needed to be done, the girl was first on the scene and always seemed to know the answer. When I began triathlons, I acted like a sponge... and over the weekend, I realized that I'm still in sponge-territory. I have so much to learn, and want to be more like Mary: extremely capable in any situation! She is driven, she knows what needs to be done, does it, doesn't complain, works hard, has fun, takes care of others... we were so lucky to have a Mary at camp. Gulf Coast, baby - here we come!

Sally (Mom) always brings me back: as an honorary HTFU camper, I had to say a few words. She is the reason I got into triathlons - and is often the motivation behind my training. She constantly reminds me that life is about the People you surround yourself with. Through her, I've learned just how important and delicate friendships are. She taught me the power of positive thinking. I love you mom, we missed you! HTFU next year.

Marit, Jen, Liz, Leslie, Mary... thanks for being "my girls." It was a weekend I'll never forget.