Hi RST! I'm a lurking member, and since I know most of you from the
TRI-DRS group, I thought I'd post this message here too. Sorry for
the duplicate message for those of you that are, indeed, on the
TRI-DRS list.
Hi, RST-ers!
I'm apologising in advance, because what I thought was going to be a
few lines, has turned into several..this is how my mind works.
I was reading some of the past Listserv archives and, well, I have to
say this: since '98 when I joined Mike Randall at Ironman Canada, I
was hooked into the circle of triathlons and multisport. I've come a
long way since then, racing in many triathlons, meeting new people
everywhere I go.
This year (and the last couple of years, I should add) I haven't been
racing much (maybe 1 or 2 races per summer) because of finances and
too many things going on at once! It's been hard to find the time and
money to travel for races and pay for them so far in advance! It's
nearly impossible for me to sign up for bigger races because of the
burst in popularity of triathlons. Everyone seems to be jumping on
this bandwagon for the sake of being called a "triathlete," or saying
that they've raced in triathlons. Sometimes, I think the meaning of
"triathlete" is lost in this mess. But, that's just my cynicism. 🙂
Once I get my bloody doctor of pharmacy degree, I'll be making big
bucks, which means...yes, you guessed it...I'll be able to join all of
you in paying for my Ironman race a full year in advance, the day
registration opens! 🙂
Anyway, this year, I attempted a few races. All of them ended in
misery, needless to say. My balance and consistency of training and
racing has been challenged. But, on the positive side, it has
re-kindled my desire to train and race in triathlons. 🙂
After ending a couple of my races this year in sickness and lack of
preparation, I have a desire to start to seriously train again, and to
race in several local triathlons next year. I will stick to shorter
distance races and then eventually sign up for another Ironman race.
At this moment, even though our relationship didn't work out, I
maintain my friendship with Mike Randall out of the love for the sport
and for the value of our friendship as well. And, I think, we've
decided that I would sign up for, and race Ironman Canada in 2007.
(I'm not so sure if Mike R. still remembers that he committed me!) I
had promised Mike Tennant in '98, that in 2000 I would be competing in
IMC, but never got around to it. After I re-read my "'98 Ironmate
Report" I realised how much I missed everyone who was there in '98. I
know none of you remember me, but, somehow, I've maintained my fond
memories of that week in Penticton, BC, and I remember the excitement
that I experienced; I also rememberd that I competed in my first
multisport event in Canada. (and, yes, I remember just about everyone
that I met during that week!)
So, since the year is nearly at an end, I thought I'd share some of my
ponderings. I'm also in a somber mood, I think, because I've received
notice that I may be called back into the Army for the situation in
Iraq. Too many things are taken for granted by much of the population
in the world, and we forget the little things that truly matter in our
lives, like friendships and memories. I believe in self-improvement,
and believe me, I have so much to learn and improve. I've posted
messages in the past about my terrible self-esteem, and how I've
allowed my parents to make me believe how stupid, and ugly I am, and
how insignificant I am. A lot of that affected my relationship with
Mike R., even though he may be unaware. When a person has problems
accepting his/herself, he/she cannot wholly accept others into his/her
life, and the outcome is usually disastrous. I think this is why I'm
a bloody spinster! I've come to the conclusion that it's selfish of
me to expect another person to take me in and to love me, when I
cannot even love myself. Even so, I still have some pride left, and I
intend to work on my "self."
No matter what happens in my life, I will always cherish the memories
and the friendships that I had gained since I began triathlon in '98.
Keep up the training, racing, and keeps those race reports coming! I
know it's silly of me to pour my heart out to a mailing list, but,
well, I needed someone to share my thoughts with, and...you were it.
If you've reached this point, then thanks for being patient with me.
And, thanks for listening. 🙂
There, I feel better already! 🙂
Cheers! and Happy Training.
-Kipp (Teresa)