A Prerace Report - by Kelly Hanson
Aug 28, 2009
A Prerace Report - by Kelly Hanson
Working in T1 Iron Man USA, a volunteer made a surprising observation- some, a notable few; of the women competitors had lipstick in their transition bag! Not lip balm, Vaseline, lip sun screen but lipstick.
I wonder what colour would suit such an occasion?
As the summer comes to a close I ask myself what have I been doing? I lament...Why did I not write the great Canadian novel, organize every cupboard in the house or invent something?
I did not redecorate, revamp or review very much at all. I did not sleep in or stay up very late. I tried to keep my toes polished but never to the desired effect. My feet, often too blistered and peeling, look best in my Zoots.
I spent my summer playing- in a way I never did as a child.
I swam, I biked and I ran.
My skin with my toasted chocolate shoulders and white bare thighs are a testimony to hours in the sun and bad shorts.
I came home with scabby knees, dirt under my fingernails, sweat stains and intricate patterns of grease tattoos.
Through this time of physical, dirty, exertion I met the most wonderful of girlfriends.
Friends that never cease to reply all when emailing, with so many funny comments it can take an hour to find out where and when. Friends that listen, agree and encourage. Who validate every excuse for why you fell behind and champion your every success as if it was their own.
I have witnessed incredible women balancing the needs of their children- some grown and marryingng, twins, big boys and small. They balance the needs of their partners and families and friends. People that dont always understand why they choose the Inglewood picnic table complete with coffee and cookies -to beer and burger patios complete with late night tequila.
They balance jobs and careers, experience guilt and struggle so they can achieve their personal goals.
We spent a lot of time together this summer- We laughed so hard that we thought we would fall off our bikes and a few times did but not when laughing.
We swore at cars... swore to never... and that we would always... We loved every minute, wanted more, wanted to go further, wanted to quit!
We grew tired.
Felt great.
Felt confident and depleted.
We beat each other up and down hills, but never to leave anyone behind for long.
I have learned so much about these women and from them. They are all wonderful triathlon women- a very special thing. They each offer charisma, flare, dedication and love to their sport, often done with a signature splash of pink.
It was a special Ironman that shared the story of the lipstick with me... It was, in fact, an Iron woman... She ended the story with... "Lipstick, can you imagine... I love it".
I loved it too; I love how we tri girls do things!
Thanks for a great summer so far!
Kelly
