Tri 2 Inspire - The Making of Bionic Bri

“There is something about losing your mother that is permanent and inexpressible – a wound that will never quite heal.”  Susan Wiggs My mom’s Alzheimer’s is progressing.  It’s not anything alarming such as her not knowing who I am or wandering off, it’s the little things.  She becomes confused more easily, sometimes it is difficult for her to follow a conversation, and she is repeating herself more often.  It is heartbreaking to watch my mom slowly drift away.  Even at 40 years old, I need my mom. I need her to help me deal with the recent passing of a friend and fellow competitor.  I am having a difficult time accepting that my friend is gone.  Prior to her becoming ill, she was the epitome of total wellness.  She had a radiant, infectious smile that would make her stand out in a crowd.  She was an accomplished runner and triathlete, a personal trainer, and a coach.  She set the example on how one could live a healthy and active lifestyle in spite of having diabetes.  She enc

“Your attitude, not our aptitude, will determine your altitude.”    Zig Ziglar I know, I know, I know….this post is way overdue.   I definitely need to do better.   So to be economical I’m combining all 3 race reports into this post.   As always, thanks for reading. Redemption – Monticelloman Olympic Triathlon – 3:32 (May 5) The first time I attempted this race I DNF’d.   I did not make the swim’s 50 minute time cut-off.   After having my pity party, I was determined to come back and redeem myself.   The morning of the race I was feeling pretty confident as my husband and I traveled to the race site.   My confidence soon faded as I made my way to the transition area and saw Lake Monticello. Fear and self-doubt rushed through me.   A part of me was ready to turn around and go back to my friends’ house.   I was afraid that I was going to DNF again.   Once I finished setting up my transition area and getting my stuff for the swim, I walked over to my husband.   He could see

"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals.  The struggles within yourself – the invisible, inevitable battles inside of us all – that’s where it’s at."  Jesse Owens Operation Ironman Phase 1 did not go as planned.  As discussed in my last blog post, I injured my foot and ankle.  The injury warranted for me to wear a boot for almost a month.  Besides dealing with my foot and ankle injury, I have dealt with a bad case of bronchitis, which I call “the crud”.  The crud had me down for the count for days at a time.  I missed days from work and training.  Then of course there has been the crazy Virginia weather. This was one of the worse winters we have had in quite some time. My office closed twice this past winter, which just doesn’t happen! And unlike last year when I was able to bike outside during most of the winter, that didn’t happen this year.  So as the weather breaks I find my once strongest discipline, cycling, is now my weakest. When I felt well