Nothing beats the feeling of being inspired. You feel unflappable, determined, ten feet above ground and little to nothing can get in your way. Feeling inspired usually happens when something or someone makes you glow from the inside out. A smile crosses your face, your eyes shine a little brighter and everything seems positively possible. The Ironman journey can only be described as inspiring.
Training for and racing Ironman Canada in Whistler, BC on August 25th was an opportunity I do not take lightly and an experience that surpassed expectations. With every waking day I had a twinkle in my eye and skip in my step thanks to the motley crew of special people who inspire me to live a life I love. Sounds trite and cliché, but bear with me. I feel compelled [and inspired] to share a little something about the characters that, in their own special way, lifted my spirits and made my 21st Ironman something exquisite.
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| Stephy's Wheels are turning. Cheating the wind. |
Stephy Corker – a true soul
sister bundled full of bigger, better, brighter and abundant goals. Bella
Corker is the real deal setting the world on fire one second at a time. From
dropping #truthbombs to thrashing through the impossible, physically and
mentally, this gal owns the “it” factor. Watch out cuz she is only just
beginning and let me tell you, when she and I are together, it is far Mo’
Bettah. Laughing isn’t the same without her, dreaming isn’t as much fun unless
we have deadlines and planning how to conquer the world one sweaty goal at a
time feels darn possible only in her company. Oh, and you must see her video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvYyhtfkCUs Says
it all [well almost]. [Honorable mention to her biggest fans – Dave Frey &
Matt Corker. They were on temporary loan at some points during the race
#grateful. Travis MacKenzie for being a warrior no matter what was thrown
across his path #teamtravrocks].
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| Coach Jasper gives the encouragement. #b78leader |
Jasper Blake – a coach, a
friend, a mentor, a crackerjack, a dad, a husband [to Jude], a seriously
talented athlete and very possibly one of my favorite people on planet earth.
Jazzy Blake, you go noticed. You have impact.
You are changing people’s lives with every waking day. Do you realize
the awesomeness you bring to so so many people? Do you realize how people
admire you, adore you, respect you and want to learn more from you? Every time
this guy shares his knowledge and wisdom in sport and encourages excellence
from others, the floodgates of possibility open. Mr. Blake, continue being
awesome, as only you know how to do.
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| Deanna and Terri #cheerleaders |
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| Big hug from Ella Wigmore |
Deanna Wigmore – a gal with
astounding zest for adventure and an insatiable appetite for new
experiences. A sweet hot mom with a
skip in her step, ready for the next wild ride whilst welcoming others in to
her world to support, encourage and ultimately write about with a creative,
articulate spin that makes you laugh, nod, cry and yearn for more. Genuinely
interested, curious and totally engaged in life, Ms. Reagan has spunk. Her
world is her oyster yet she lives for others. So rare is it to find people like
Deanna. Thanks for the cheers. Thanks for sharing your precious time so
generously for my goals. You simply rock.
[Honorable mention to our mutual friend and Deanna’s Ironman
co-cheerleader, Terri Green. This chick has enthusiasm for athletic
pursuits like nobody I have ever met. May I watch her cross the Ironman finish
line some day and bust a gut cheering for her.
Also to their daughters: Ella, Eve, Grace, Seren for meeting me at the finish
line and saying they too want to be triathletes].
Ruthie Shugarman – a gal I met
when we were closer to 25 than 45. A gal I would never swap no matter what the
offer. Hearts aren’t made this big anymore. Admiration for this superwoman is
indefinable. From friendship and
laughter to family and celebration, Ruthie lives with fullness. The wheels of
love, home, family, health, style, career and adventure are rolling at an easy
steady pace in her life. Most [okay,
all] look to Ruthie for the “how to do it” manual, especially me. She is courageous beyond measure and she
does what she does because she wants to not because she has to. Her honesty to herself and generosity to
others has serious momentum. Please
pause in her company to absorb and digest her impact on not just you but the
community around her. Incredible gal she is, incredible. [Honorable mention to
her father, Dr Peter Cooperberg, whose lifestyle I seek to mimic when I
retire. Bike, golf or ski depending on
the weather. And her brother, Michael Cooperberg, who defines “mountain man
meets kite surfer” with a kind soul and generous spirit. #2013bestsummerever].
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| Ruthie and Coop writing #29! Missed it every time (Snap!) |
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| Stayed by my side every second post race - big thanks |
Dina Altayeb – from Saudi Arabia
with part time residence in Vancouver, Dubai and elsewhere, Dina is a multiple
Ironman finisher breaking all the boundaries of Arab women in sport and self
expression. She is doing what most women from her country can and will never
do. Her dream, that will someday be realized, is to race in Kona at the World
Ironman Championships. Her passion for life, triathlon, family & friends is
colorful and true. Her smile speaks a thousand words and her drive sets her
direction. May we all follow in her footsteps and breakthrough impossible
boundaries, conquer unimaginable fears and carry on with style, discipline and
diligence. Watch out Hawaii, Dina will be there.
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| BB getting 1st award! |
Britni Bakk – a long time
training partner and special friend, Britni softly and confidently knows her way.
We are mutual cheerleaders. Her success is my success. Her feats are my
celebration. She cares for those in need, opens her door to the wild and
believes in a better today [and acts on it too]. An amazing creature she is,
returning to her sacred place, Kona, for her umpteenth Ironman World
Championship race this October after finishing 1st in her age
division at Ironman Canada [an achievement that is all too familiar to
her]. It only takes a millisecond to
realize Britni is a bright light in this world, especially mine.
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| Sarah. Enough Said. |
Sarah Strother – brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and fabulous are words that only begin to describe this
kid. Maybe it is her quiet confidence
or her clarity with who she is at the core, this gal has class, poise and an
admirable demeanor. With nothing to
prove and nothing to hide, it kinda seems like she has figured it all out. Its rare to meet a Sarah…in fact…I have yet
to meet another one and am quite okay with knowing just this one.
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| Vivian Thom. |
Vivian Thom – with a passion for
wholesome living and feeding our souls, Viv generously breaks bread with anyone
lucky enough to walk into her day, never mind her life. It’s a no wonder she is
constantly surrounded by close friends yearning for time in her vivacious
presence. Turning a passion into an expertise, Vivian’s pursuit of wellness
through nutrition is rippling through community building into a tidal wave. She
is someone I never get enough time with yet feel forever bonded over mutual
respect and our precious memories. When
Viv shares her fruitful knowledge, I listen, since someday I too may glisten,
smile and beam like she does so naturally.
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| Wholesome goodness coming up! |
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| Sharon, Jamie and friends surrounding them. |
Jamie & Sharon Armstrong –
West Vancouver’s power couple in every sense of the meaning. Stunningly
successful shining stars that lift other peoples spirits every single day by
simply being in their company. They both let their own light shine while
unconsciously giving other people permission to do the same. Spending time with
this dynamic duo feels like a rare treat that only leaves you wanting to have more
of what they have – infectious vibrancy and impactful presence. May J and S be
forever in my life and may we have the ride of our lives.
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| Steve in Kona. Birthplace of Ironman. |
Steve Marshall – an inexplicable
connection with this guy. Hugely
accomplished and talented athlete making perfection stand at attention. He
overcomes injury and physical limitations to pursue his passion of staying fit,
fast and thriving in sport [and beyond]. With equally overachieving family
members and an extremely demanding career, this guy makes it all happen, on his
time, in his own way and with unmatched determination. With precision and accuracy, he turns his
vision in to reality. He does it with heart.
He does it because he loves it. He does it because he can. I watch, I
admire, I learn.
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| Online race recon the night before! |
John Legg & Mike Edwards – both finished Ironman Canada on minimal training [Mike tried his wetsuit on the day before the race], a hangover and nothing to prove other than to get to the tape in under 17 hours. Mission accomplished with time to spare. Proud to know you both for reasons other than being Ironmen. Your achievements are icing on the cake. Here’s to your 2014 IM Canada Training Program.
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| Dad & Harrison Fletcher. Carries us all! |
My Dad – through thick and thin,
this man gets up every day and goes at it. He shows up where you need him. He
shows up when you need him. He says just as much as he needs to and only to
whom he needs to. He does it because his world depends on him and he will not
let them down. He is a rare breed of which I take away the drive, commitment,
perseverance, determination, focus and vision for a better tomorrow. His sacrifices go noticed by everyone yet he
goes under recognized by most. He
provides so others can thrive. May the
universe look after him as much as he has looked after others. A feat even the
universe will find a challenge. Thank you for the hard wires.
On August 25th, I had
10 hours to contemplate this living list of remarkable beings. It was a
fabulous way to pass the day and finish 4th female professional.
Christine (aka: Fletchy)
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