A Lesson in Patience

The Bridger Mountain Range - Bozeman, Montana

The Bridger Moutains tower over the city of Bozeman, Montana. They are by far, my favorite mountain range. I learned to ski and hike in Bridgers and spent countless hours playing in their shadows. There’s actually a trail run that goes right up one side of the mountain range, along the entire ridge, and down the far side. Both my parents have raced it, and it’s definitely on my bucket list.

Last weekend my family and I laid my grandmother to rest in a small plot with a gorgeous view of the Bridgers. The location was very appropriate. As her beautifully written obituary in the Bozeman paper said, my grandmother was Montana made, through-and-through.

No joke - a post-funeral double rainbow!

To me, she was the person who walked me to and from school every day through second grade, served me breakfast, and attempted to tame my always unruly hair. When I was in middle school, she would take me shopping and wait patiently while I tried on every article of clothing in every store, assuring me I looked great in everything. And even as I grew older and moved away, she always let me know I could call at any time.

My grandma was a truly special person. And not just to me. Among the close friends and family at her funeral, not one person could remember a time when they had heard her complain. I’m pretty sure that qualifies as amazing.

My parents planted baby trees outside their home in her memory - can't wait to go back and water them!

Along with her optimistic outlook, infectious laugh, and love of dessert, my grandmother had incredible patience. And that is definitlely an area where I, personally, can use some work. Because it seems in both life and Ironman racing, patience really is a virtue.

So along those lines, I decided not to race the Eagleman 70.3 Half Ironman this weekend. I was desperately looking forward to the trip to Maryland for the race. Eagleman is probably my favorite 70.3 on the circuit and I couldn’t wait to catch up with some triathlete friends. But this year, the race timing just wasn’t right. And rather than step on the starting line while my head and heart were elsewhere, I decided to give the patient route a try. But not to worry – the season is still young, and I still have some really big (and fun!) races on the horizon.

I do need to offer my most sincere thanks to everyone who emailed, texted, tweeted, and called to offer their condolences. The triathlon community is so ridiculously supportive on all occasions, and I really, really appreciate it.

And finally, a quick note to the man upstairs – please take care of my grandma. If you’re not sure who she is, check the pool. She’s likely lounging with her sisters, martini in hand, laughing her head off, and doing backflips off the diving board.