Thoughts on Being Selected to the ITU Triathlon World Championship in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Well the year of 50 is coming to an end for me by this Friday. It has been an amazing year in so many ways. They say things get better with age and I am starting to really believe that. I have so much to be thankful for- a husband who puts up with my fitness habits and never complains. Two beautiful great kids that God has blessed me with with, friends who support me in my quest for making a difference, a job surrounded by people who motivate and inspire me. I am in better shape at 50 than I was at 40 and 30 and the passion for my sport deepens. The things I have to be thankful for are plentiful and abundant. But it’s funny to me that one thing that will change the course of my life, at least for the next 6 months, happened YESTERDAY. I received an email from Team USA Rotterdam inviting me to the 2017 ITU Draft-Legal Sprint Triathlon World Championship in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Prior to this I was an alternate, and was never notified otherwise so I just assumed I was not invited. When I read this email my heart skipped a few beats and really, the whole thing is still surreal. So last night Paul and I spent the night looking at Rotterdam, checking flights, hotels, the race course, etc. There are still so many unanswered questions regarding logistics for something like this- like getting your bike across the Atlantic Ocean. Paul Timoney has no hesitation that I need to go do this race and have one of the coolest experiences that an athlete could ever dream of. What is most meaningful to me and brings tears to my eyes is having the chance to be on TEAM USA and represent the United States of America. I am VERY passionate about our country and our flag and all those who serve it. I have been married to a guy who has served this great nation as a United States Marine for 28 years, and now I am the one who has a chance to represent at an International Event. This sends chills up and down my spine. I am beyond humbled and honored to accept this invitation to go over there and give it everything I have in the name if the United States, and in the name of God. It is not by chance that this has come into my life. It is a gift from God that I get to go do this. So if this is part of God's plan for my life right now then I am 100 percent IN.

The year of 51 is looking pretty amazing right now, so now you know what I will be up to for the next 6 months.