Monday, September 08, 2008

Parting words

This past weekend, friends lined up for a fabulous race out in Madison, WI. For me, it marked the second anniversary of my writing here.

My first year was about training for my first Ironman distance. It was fun. And hard. And full of lots of self discovery and insight.

Then I didn't finish the IM. And I sulked for a while. And picked up the pieces and put together a new race year. And then I continued to swim, bike, and run.

And life was good. Very, very good.

And here we are, two years later. And I'm realizing that I have changed a great deal. And my relationship to the sport has changed, as well. When I started, I sought a good deal of redemption from triathlon. I wanted -- and needed -- to find a core for myself that included discipline and follow through. I needed to prove to myself that I could, even when it was tough.

And I fell in love with the process and it found a place in my world. A permanent place. And, coincidentally, my life opened up in other ways. I fell in love with a boy. And he found a place in my world. A permanent place.

It has been two very good years.

And recently I have found that my writing has trickled down to less inspirational pieces about training and racing because, frankly, the process has become less about redemption and realization and more about just plain living.

And as much as I want to write more here, I'm finding I resist it. I don't want all of my writing to be about sport. I have much more complexity in my noggin to share. I have relationships and a professional life. I have hopes for a family and dreams of a new home. I have personal journeys that are no longer tied intimately with training and racing.

I need a new home and need a more personal, reflective voice. I'd like to write about it all, not just the triathlon journey. I need to write again, not just report.

So my words will migrate elsewhere. I'll let you know when it's time. I hope that many of you will come with me, and continue to listen to what you find interesting. I have every intention of trying outlandish new adventures and falling down in stupendous ways. I expect to have every pitfall and bad decision on paper, as well as each success. I have a marriage to build and a family to start and a career to jumpstart and an Ironman to conquer.

The next few years will not be dull. That, I promise.

So, thank you to the hundreds of friends who visit each day and the 50,000 who have spent this past couple of years together with me. I appreciate you more than I can describe. And soon I hope to share much more with you than just my splits. Soon I'll share my life. Yes, there will be training. But there will be more. I hope you enjoy it as much as I suspect I will.

27 comments:

Schnecke said...

Good Luck with life and yes, I will follow you elsewhere. Let us know when you're ready.

Laurie said...

Good call. It is hard to know when to move on in your bloggy life, I know that too well. I am definitely interested in sharing in the next aspects of your life.

Leah said...

I found your blog a little late in the game, but it helped inspire me during this past year. Best of luck with whatever comes your way.

LZ said...

Great Post! This is what life is about! I would much rather read about daily adventures than always reading about training and the life of triathlon! And make sure to post if you find any more super recipes!!

Me said...

I have LOVED every entry and I am so lucky to have you as a part of my life- I am so so so proud of you!
I love you!
Lil' Sis

Unknown said...

This is your best post ever.

Wes said...

We're down with that :-) Nobody ever said IM Able has to be all about sport!

Stef0115 said...

This all sounds very exciting. I especially identify with the career jumpstart, as I am doing the same thing myself right now. Best wishes for that definitely!

And for everything else. I really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to see where you take it next.

:) said...

WHAT??!? You are leaving... *sniff*

Brent Buckner said...

All the best!

Carrie said...

let me know where you land so I can follow along. And THANK GOD- this triathlon stuff is getting really boring! :)

Alili said...

Let me know where you go so I can tag along for the adventure.:)

Calyx Meredith said...

Best wishes indefinitely! I'll follow if you'll have me along, but I agree with Wes that you don't have to "go" anywhere. You can bring it all to THIS table. Peace.

Ran Barton said...

I only just found this blog via FB, but I am always intrigued to see others ponder in prose about their worlds and thoughts. I hope you find a new venue to write that works for you, and I'll be delighted to tag along when you do.

Anonymous said...

Of course I will come with you. I miss your writing, but I really do understand about there being more to it than just triathlon.

Take care and good luck and all that stuff!

triguyjt said...

good luck..... or...just write what you want...some philosophical stuff..some training...a mix...whatever hits you..

the high council on blogging ethics is on vacation..

go for it

Pharmie said...

I'd love to know when you get started up elsewhere, too. I've always loved your writing, and I'd love to keep following you, tri or otherwise. Good luck with life!

Trishie said...

Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure!

IronTRISH said...

I'll follow you anywhere. You write with such honesty - your blog is a joy to read, even when you write about the difficult stuff, if that makes sense. Best of luck.

CoachLiz said...

Hey, we will read anything you want to blog about just as long as it gets us out of doing our work, lol.

Life is an adventure and you have plenty of them ahead of you. Good Luck!

kelly said...

I will miss you but I do intend to follow you. You have made me laugh and made me cry and you have inspired me to move my butt out the door. Thanks and Good Luck.

Comm's said...

Personally I don't think you should give this blog up. You obviously have a desire to journal your life story and are not afraid to let others read it.

I suggest a fresh template. The web address and title are still apt IM-able. It translates on a subconscious level not just a 'oh thats the initials for Ironman.'. But you could certainly change the header to something more relevant.

Triathlon blogging was a way for people to get to know you. An ice breaker. It did a lot for you. Maturity is a part of growing and not be diminished in any way.

If your blog becomes a photo journal or a wedding planner or a site on raising banzai trees, it is inevitable that your stellar personality and loving spirit will shine through, just like it did in the beginning.

Just my two cents. I'll go wherever and read whatever you write. Thats what friends do.

M said...

I'd follow you where ever you go, Ables. You're my homey.

Erin said...

You gave me goosebumps. Can't wait to follow wherever you go!

Steve Stenzel said...

Nice post! Good luck with it all!!

Sara Cox Landolt said...

Wow. Loved the post. I could relate to a lot of it. Best to you in your next adventures.
Sara

ShesAlwaysWrite said...

Sorry I've been out of touch for a while. I think about you a lot and am happy to hear life is good (cars and jobs notwithstanding). I plan to follow you to the new blog so I can continue to enjoy your hilarious and inspiring take on the world.