End of an Era

It seems like just yesterday I put Chicago in my rear-view mirror with tears in my eyes.  Now, three short years later, I once again loaded the U-Haul and left the place I learned to call home.  I grew more as a person and learned more, academically and otherwise, than I ever thought possible. 

Graduation - can't believe how fast it came!

In August of 2010, soon after my first triathlon, I did an internet search for a tri club at CSU with the goal of meeting people and making new friends.  Thinking myself inadequate, I was beyond terrified to email then president Danny Harper regarding information.  He was so welcoming that I decided to attend the team’s first meeting where I sat in the back and tried my best to go unnoticed.  Soon, I started attending group rides led by Ashley Nice and swims with Coach Wendy Mader where I was welcomed with open arms and quickly began to make friends.  Before long, I had been talked into a road trip to Las Vegas for a race where Sarah Lubin happened to mention the possibility of me making the nationals team.  I was flabbergasted.  Low and behold, six months later I was crossing that finish line in Tuscaloosa. 

First race with the team - Oktoberfest 2010

Post-Pumpkinman in Vegas 2010

Team at nats 2011

Slowly but surely, my training increased and my times got faster; but those were not the only changes that occurred.  Suddenly, I found myself wanting to go to bed a little earlier, go out a little less, study a little more, cook for myself a little more often, and keep the apartment a little cleaner.  Something was changing.  One day I realized that I was calmer and more content; life was (and remains) good.  I owe most of this growth to my amazing teammates and coaches.  There are far too many incredible people and experiences for me to list them all but I think of them frequently and they are often on the forefront of my mind.  I can’t get through a track workout without picturing “Coach Cody” giving me splits and encouragement or Steve’s simple but to the point, “Go hard don’t stop.”

Team fun, winter 2012

Nationals 2012

Havasu 2013

Over the past year things really took off for me.  I found myself a great boyfriend, continued to foster strong friendships, completed my thesis, found myself and internship, and my training continued to blossom (guided by Coach Mace, Coach Tess, and Coach Reu).  As my time in Colorado came to a close, it seemed as though life couldn’t possibly get any better.  But that’s the funny thing about life: it is always getting better as long as you allow it to.  While I’m still not exactly settled into my new life yet, I know that the future holds amazing possibilities for me.  I could have easily spent the last three years miserable because I missed the Midwest and I could spend the next three missing Colorado.  Instead, I’m choosing to embrace the life before me while I do my best to hold tight to my roots.  And Colorado, don’t worry I’ll visit soon; RAM IT!

Ladies' pushup 2011

2012

2013

In no particular order thank you to: Coach Mace, Coach Reu, Coach Tess, Coach Wendy, Coach Doug, Ian, Danny, Sarah, Rebecca, Whitney, Jesse, Ashley, Erick, Blake, Cliff, Teddy, Cody G., Cody S., Rob, Fiona, Chris, Eliza, JT, Steve, Bevers, Susan, David, Tom, Ethan, Anj, Steph, Evan, Mely, Sara, Neil, Geneva, Julia, Kelly, Angela, Becca, Megan, Dr. LaGasse, Lauren Sletta, Dr. D, Dr. Cordain, Addie, Jesse, Alex, Taylor, Amykins, Provelo, Discover Massage, Elan Yoga, PR Triworks, Andrew, Brian, Kate, Katie, Ryan, Lib, My parents, all of my classmates, and my CSU Rammies.  Sorry to anyone I may have forgotten it doesn’t mean I love you any less!

Going away party