Balancing Life is Like Balancing Clipped in at a Red Light

True story: During my first ever big girl triathlon (Yes, I raced IronKids. Silver medalist in Bakersville, Calif. No big deal…) I fell clipped in while coming to a stop outside of transition – here’s the kicker – during warm-up. Thankfully, Kelli was there to help pick me back up. And by pick me back up I mean giggle uncontrollably and offer zero assistance.

Don’t cry for me…triathlon friends. I think it worked in my favor so my fellow competitors didn’t take me seriously and then I laid the smack down on them.

This is when I learned that balancing clipped in on a tri bike is tricky. Thankfully, I’ve gotten better…I also think I’ve improved at balancing life. Earlier today I had a nice chat with the Coach Man. Coach Man likes for me to come to The Sport Factory gym so he can watch/critique my run form, push me outside of my comfort zone on the bike and help me get strong so I don’t lose our regular push-up contests (wishful thinking). While these things are all helpful to my “career” as a triathlete, I have to remember those very important quotes around “career”…cough cough. Ladies and gentlemen, maybe one day I’ll race professionally, but it won’t be paying any bills.

I LOVE racing, training, The Sport Factory, my teammates and Coach Man. But, I also really really love my family, Kelly, my career and my “me time”. It’s all about setting goals and having priorities. In my life my family and Kelly trump my training (within reason – the manfriend is very supportive of my long workouts, most likely because it allows him to go play golf guilt-free). And my career obligations take priority to sneaking in an extra hour on the bike. I love my job – I’m surrounded my talented people and I get to do something I love…WRITE.

I’m slowly figuring out this balance thing…but in the meantime I think my sport needs to change from Swim.Bike.Run. to Family.Swim.Boyfriend.Bike.Career.Run. I think with the perfect mix of it all I’ll be able to stay clipped in even at the longest red lights.

As I was writing this Coach Man emailed me my next block of workouts and said "more well-rounded athletes have longer 'legs' in this sport".

Cheers to being well-rounded!