oak mountain | The Jen West Quest

I just got back from my triathlon practice race with the Vulcan Triathletes, and it was a blast! My running buddy Brandi went with me, and it was her first time to ever “tri”. There were two distance options and we choose longer one (of course we did), which ended up being a 600 meter swim, 24 mile bike (suuuuuuper hilly) and a 3 mile run. Once again I bombed on the swimming for the most part, but I did really well on the bike & run. I’m just not sure what it’s going to take to become a better swimmer…. oh wait, I know – practice. Brandi was right there with me, so we’ve decided that we can improve together by doing more open water swims on the weekends. Honestly, the pool just doesn’t cut it when trying to prepare for swimming in a lake or river. The water is dark, you don’t have lane lines, you have to battle glare from the sun, and last but not least… you can’t take a break whenever you want to. So this should be a no-brainer.

I was supposed to go lay out by the pool this afternoon with my friends, but the weather is not cooperating. So instead, I am going to take a nap & meet up with them later for dinner and drinks… then maybe a little dancing!!! LOVE.

While in Dothan last weekend, Misty and I watched Sex & the City 2 in our hotel room one night while falling asleep. Like most people (or women, I should say), I loved the TV series but the movies left little to be desired for. The second one was especially painful but I have to admit still fun to watch in parts. Anyway, one of the absolute worst scenes in SATC2 was the karaoke scene where they sing “I am woman, hear me roar!” while in Abu Dhabi. And if you haven’t seen it, then yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. In what could be one of the worst segways EVER, I can relate to this scene. I woke up this morning realizing that I am 100% woman, no “girl” remains. I think this is the first time in my life I’ve been able to say that. All during my 20′s and even the first year or two of my 30′s, I’ve felt “young” at times. Of course I’ve had brief moments of really owning myself and true acceptance, but never in the way that I do now. I am now a woman through and through – someone who supports herself, loves herself, and accepts herself. And that’s one of the best feelings EVER!!

Yesterday was such a busy day and fun in so many ways. It started off with my last physical therapy appointment with AJ & Chelsey. I asked them about a week back what I could give them as parting gifts for all they have done for me. Chelsey requested sprinkled donuts, and AJ requested a tarot card reading. Easy wishes to fill! So I marched in there yesterday with both. My last session with them was rewarding & scary all at the same time. AJ left me with words of caution for the run portion of New Orleans next weekend. He said that if I feel any pain at all, to stop immediately and just walk it. I agreed. Chelsey left me with lots of laughs & smiles, like she usually does. She is an inspiration to me in so many ways. Thanks guys for all that you’ve done for me!!

From about lunchtime on yesterday I worked an event called “Racin’ 4 Kids” put on by the hospital that I work for. My main duty was to take photographs, but I also did a handful of other jobs at the same time. The first portion of the day was documenting some of our cancer patients visiting with racecar drivers and doing some laps on Barber Speedway. They even got the honor of meeting Patrick Dempsey, who has had intimate experience himself with cancer through loved ones. He was so nice, thoughtful and patient. While I never officially met him myself, I got to witness his caring nature in action. I will never forget his grace. Last night was the formal dinner portion of the event at Barber Motorsports Museum which went off without a hitch. It was the perfect night with coworkers and friends, for one of the best causes ever.

Today I am heading to a local state park (Oak Mountain) to get some swimming in as well as some triathlon transition practice. I’ve been cleared for all exercise as long as it doesn’t cause me any pain. I can’t wait to get out there and play in the sunshine!!!