What an incredible week it has been, being named to the Triple Crown Running Team! I find it particularly exciting since I haven’t been honored with a crown since I was named Miss Teen Osan Air Force Base in 1988.  While I’m still anxiously awaiting my official Triple Crown tiara, I decided I might as well make a decent attempt to get back into shape so I can actually complete these crazy runs that come with the title.  Plus, I don’t want to appear too slovenly in the upcoming team photo. 

     I decided a good start would be to test my determination and skill in the ever popular Spartan Race this past weekend. As a result, I now have bruises over parts of my body that I was completely unaware were able to bruise at all.  However, I learned a few things that I am hoping will get me through the Triple Crown season.

     First, everything is better if you have a good team! In other words – misery loves company. I found this especially true this weekend as I lay on the ground with the other poor schmucks who failed at an obstacle and jointly suffered through the thirty burpee penalty…time and time again.  Even in my years as a military officer, I’ve found that my closest friends are the ones with whom I’ve shared the most adversity.  Athletic training can be very painful and demanding.  It means being committed even on the days when your body seems to sabotage your every effort.  Good friends with shared goals are the cure for sagging motivation. I think we have a tremendous group of people on the 2013 Triple Crown Running team and the enthusiasm and excitement I see in my teammates somehow manages to spill over to my workouts as well.

     Second, I learned that if your outfit is cute enough, it can somewhat compensate for a lack of skill.  For a slow runner like me, this is really good news. At the Spartan Race, there was quite a wide variety of sporting attire and I found myself drawn to those with the polka dotted socks, tutus and uniquely customized team shirts. I have absolutely no idea if these teams had any bit of skill on the course, but I admired them anyhow and I did notice that the better dressed folks, although very muddy, didn’t get whacked with the pugil sticks as much at the finish line. This is my great hope for the wonderful yellow and gold Triple Crown running singlet I will receive.  I definitely don’t want to get whacked with a stick after having run a minimum of 10 miles at altitude.  Not cool! Bring on the team jersey!

     Lastly, I learned that people value most what they have worked the hardest to obtain. If you listen to people after obstacle course runs of any kind, you will not hear much about the easy parts.  Instead, you will hear about the places where muscles were burning, tears were flowing and intestinal fortitude was sufficiently challenged.  These are the parts we remember.  These are the times we recall when we find other difficulty in our lives.  People remember when they have achieved what seemed impossible at the time.  We cherish the memory, internalize the success, and use it to achieve other feats of wonder as we continue to tumble down life’s unpredictable path.

     Can I actually complete the Garden of the Gods 10 Miler, Summer Round Up 12K AND the Pikes Peak Ascent?  The way I see it – I have a great team behind me, a cute singlet to wear, and a challenge, that once conquered, will again prove that I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to achieve.  Bring on the Triple Crown Series!

P.S. I’m still waiting for my tiara…