s/v ENDURANCE: Sunday, September 8, 2013

Who ever expected life in Baltimore is full of so many “ups and downs”? I mean literally, Ups and Downs…as in, Katie ran the Rocky Gap Iron Girl 2013 Triathalon this weekend, and we went from the flat but gentle, long rolling hills of the Charm City to the mountains along the AT between West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the far western reaches of Maryland. What a beautiful area of deep forests, sharp, striated peaks and crystal clear lakes.

The race started at 7:00 am…the heavy morning mists were still clinging to the lowest levels of the trees, spectators all clad in sweatshirts and fleece with coffee cups and cameras. The tri-athletes were in swimgear, barefeet and lycra color-coded swim caps identifying them by starting group. Arms were painted with their entrant identification number, the women’s ages written in bold black marker on the back of their right calf!!! OMG! All shapes, sizes, ages and outfits were present and accounted for, replete with delight in the anticipated shared experience and a little healthy competition! Katie passed, (or was passed by?) a 72 year old lady in her first event ever…a little cheer from one to the other, and the race continued. Despite hills, the start of the new school year and its demands taking a little time away from training hours, Katie made GREAT time. Her friends, Katie Long, Hollie Young, Meagan and Poloma all finished strong and were a delight to meet and cheer on. As this was a Women’s Only event, Kyle had to be satisfied to be best friend and camera man….next one, he’s back in the game!

Our other big event over the weekend was a delightful lunch with son Charlie at BWI airport! Charlie and Tabby flew in separately to Pittsburgh for a friend’s wedding over the weekend, and Charlie had an hour and 15 minute layover at lunchtime. With a lot of luck and the good-ol’ SouthWest Airline Luv, we were able to finagle an escort pass through the security gate to meet him on his concourse for a fully civilized lunch date. Woo Hoo!!