(Insert waiting music) ... No I'm not kidding. Do it. You'll thank me later.
This has been a hell of a week. One of those weeks that makes you realize how fleeting life is, and how important it is to really cherish the truly important aspects of life. Like telling the people you love that you love them. And showing them in the everyday moments that we are blessed to share with each other.
Last weekend Frank Guinn, a Dynamo teammate, and local Atlanta firefighter, was killed while on a training ride for NOLA70.3. He left behind a loving wife and triplet 7-yr old daughters. His brother-in-law Andrew Powell (AP), was critically injured and sent to hospital for multiple surgeries; he now faces a long recovery road. I didn't actually know Frank, but as a fellow triathlete, I felt his loss on a personal level, and that was amplified when I found out he was a Dynamo athlete. It has surprised me how deeply I have felt about it this week. I think it's in part because it's just so senseless. I think about his girls losing their Dad, and it just tears me up. One of the things I love so much about our triathlon community is how loving and supportive you all are. We all compete for ourselves, but there is so much support and caring in he midst of all that, because we truly know that the only thing that matters is PEOPLE. (It's the same reason I love my job so much). If you haven't already, please consider donating to these families:
Guinn Family: http://www.gofundme.com/89mhhs
Andrew Powell: http://www.gofundme.com/89yriw
Also last weekend, my dear friend Myra lost her son to an unknown illness. He was Kayla's age. My heart breaks thinking about what she is enduring right now. And my new friend Carmen and her two girls were hit by a car last weekend. Thankfully they are ok.
Last Sunday, which happened to be my 46th birthday, I just didn't want to go out and train. But I did because I can. I did it for Frank, and AP, and to express the best way I can, my gratitude for being able to do this thing called Ironman. And it was a tough rough workout...worst of the season so far. But that is just affirmation itself I guess.
And then I got on a plane for work. I did get to have birthday dinner with my Mum and Dad, so that was my silver lining. That along with the fact that I can go out there and ride and run, even if it turns out to be a hard workout.
To all the people who mean so much to me, I love you all. I do my best to tell each of you I love you, so I think you know who you are. Even if we haven't talked in a long time. Thanks for making my life meaningful. I appreciate each and every one of you.
And if you have a few dollars leftover after donating to these families, please consider contributing to my Ironman Chattanooga efforts to raise money for CCFA:
Get out there and train. Don't text and drive. And PLEASE share the road.
Happy training,
Kat
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