Aspen Club and Spa

High Country Triathlon
2:44
Approximate times for each event
Swim - 18
Ride - 1:25
Run - 50
Transitions - about 5 minutes each

Aspen Life. The name says it all! Healthy lifestyles are a priority here like no other place on earth (except maybe Maui). The participants of the high country triathlon here in Aspen are a representation of the most healthy, happy & fit people around. Everywhere I looked I saw confident smiles, determination and the most positive general outlook on life you could find anywhere. People being friendly and helping each other be their best. I believe this is a direct correlation or reflection of how people feel about themselves here.

I showed up with a flat tire on my bike. Knowing I could change a bike tire wasn’t comforting with less than 30 minutes and nerves that made my hands less than nimble. No sooner did I realize I was in real trouble than a guy from Nova Scotia tried to help; and even though he couldn’t do much - the fact that he was there inspired me to figure it out. I looked up and there was Mark Alderdice, the Aspen Club cycling coach and master instructor ready to save the day! After he teased me (thank you), he urged me to get ready for the race and he’d take care of the bike. WOW! I couldn’t believe my relief & good fortune.

I Arrived at the pool to find my tri-posse waiting and cheering for me. I had resigned myself to being on my own that day and was touched and honored to be greeted by my ‘mountain girl power team’.

I made instant buddies with the girls in my swim heat, which made the fact that I had that panic - heart racing, - gasping for breath meltdown again a little more bearable. My nerves are really an issue that I am being called to attend to. Jumped out of the pool (last) and immediately recovered to make my ride up the Bells a tribute to my home and a prep for the run I dreaded. I even got to motivate a fellow racer who was struggling at the top of the ride. Going into the run I was amazed and relieved that I felt strong and light. Surprised that we weren’t going to have to run the high school track before finishing allowed me to sprint to the finish. I felt like I could have run forever!

I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I saw my posse and my friend and wellness coach Dirk Shultz there with his camera, stylish look and a hug for my sweaty body. His presence was the finishing touch to an amazing goal I never imagined for myself.

Later, I couldn’t resist helping a fellow racer by brining her to the local bike shop to fix her broken chain and help her negotiate Independence Pass for her drive home to Denver (and another triathlon the next morning!). She said to me “You know how you described what that guy Mark did for you? I feel like you’re doing that same thing for me!”

Being Fearless and Unstoppable is truly a team effort. Thank you to the Aspen Club and Spa for inspiring and supporting me to be Fabulous at 40.

Follow my countdown to minus 8 more lbs. before my 40th birthday on September 22!