Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Into the Woods - A Farewell for Now



Hello dear readers.  I am ruthlessly stealing today's TriTalk Tuesday post to say goodbye to everyone.  Or perhaps, farewell for now.

I started this blog nearly a year ago, as a way to reflect on my journey through becoming a triathlete, to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to (hopefully) gain some understanding of myself and some compassion and empathy from others on the same road.  I have met some amazing people through blogging and social media, Courtney and Cynthia being two of them.  I consider myself blessed to be able to share my goals and triumphs, frustrations and failures along the way.  For this I am grateful.

My last race of the season, the Sun Multisports Cranberry Trifest - Olympic distance, is in less than two weeks.  After this race, I'll be taking some time off of triathlon.  As I've already shut down our bakery due to competing demands, blogging under the name "Cupcake Triathlete" seems a bit silly, as I will shortly be neither.  Well, mostly - once a triathlete always a triathete! 


I find my focus for the fall shifting.  This past weekend we went on a family backpacking trip to Mt. Greylock in western MA.  The time being completely unplugged and 100% focused on my family was very special.  I find myself looking inward more, looking for more privacy in my life and my goals.  I'd like to become more involved with my children, even as they both start school in September.  I'd like to hike more, spend more time outside with them, and perhaps start working on the bucket list of backpacking trails I've been neglecting in the years since becoming a parent.  This morning one of our pet goldfish died - not a great loss in the grand scheme of things, but as I held my crying children, I felt that being there with them was the most important thing I could be doing.  More than work, more than training, more than blogging.  I want to be more present.

I still plan on staying active.  Cycling will always be my primary sport and I look forward to the American Lung Association ride in September - perhaps taking on the Pan Mass Challenge in 2015.  Someday I'd like  to hike the Long Trail.  I'll still run in the town Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning (likely with my daughter by my side!).  You will likely even see me at a few local sprints next year.

In parting, I'd like to reiterate the sentiments that prompted me to start this blog in the first place.  No one can ever know just what another person is feeling or thinking.  What their challenges are.  What scares them, what makes them joyful.  As a society, we judge.  We judge working mothers, we judge people with mental illness, we judge others appearances, their race stats - everything is fair game.  I truly wish that people could be more understanding and helpful to eachother.  The fitness community is fabulous at supporting eachother and encouraging everyone to be their best.  I wish everyone health and happiness, in whatever forms it is meaningful to them.  As we all move through this life, let's be kind to eachother.

Best wishes,
Miranda


9 comments:

Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! said...

Miranda, it's been a pleasure and I'm glad we're connected now - we'll stay in touch even if you aren't blogging!

Break-Away said...

Miranda, I understand the demands of life and wish you the best. Consider the occasional update to let us know you have checked another one off your bucket list. You have adoring fans who are inspired by your achievements, you inspire us to keep working towards our own. Best of luck,

Unknown said...

Aww thank you! I will definitely check in now and again - can definitely see myself coming back more regularly some time in the future. Just need a sabbatical, as it were. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Courtney @The TriGirl Chronicles said...

It was so amazing getting to know you and become friends. We will definitely still be chatting, so don't think you're getting away from me! just because you're not blogging =)

Unknown said...

You rock.

Pace of Balance said...

Miranda, I actually just nominated you in my Very Inspiring Blogger post and this is exactly why. You always seem to have your head on straight and approach things with such candor, humility and wit. Best of luck to you!

Unknown said...

Thank you Michelle! I love your blog and your posts - I will keep reading. Love the daily yoga poses. Another thing I want to get back into more seriously :)

Amanda said...

Miranda, I will miss reading your blog posts but I completely understand. Enjoy your time off. The backpacking part sounds amazing! Take care.

Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes said...

I will miss your posts my friend, but I totally get where you are coming from. I have wavered back and forth several times on doing the same thing but am not ready to give it up quite yet. Enjoy your family and your time. Keep in touch!

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