Countdown to one of my favorite events of the year…

I have to admit I’m a bit of a breaking news junkie… I’m often asked what sort of things I cover for the newspaper, and breaking news – accidents, fire, severe weather – is certainly on the list, along with high school, college and minor league sports; portraits; politics; and general event coverage. We’ve had quite the wet spring this year, which means plenty of rain and flooding shots. But tonight was something a little different. The sky let loose just as we were headed home from dinner with some friends, and then LIT UP with such a spectacular display of lightning I was glued to the window with my camera all the way home. The truth is, I’ve often thought it would be cool to be a storm chaser, and tonight I got a tiny little taste of it!

Suburb of Rochester, New York

2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run. For a while now I’ve wanted to see it in person, and as it turns out, this was the year! A good friend of ours participated, and it was incredible to see his commitment and sacrifice over the past 12 months pay off on race day as he crossed the finish line to complete his very first Ironman.

When I started doing triathlons a few years ago, I never thought I’d have any interest in going beyond the standard sprint race – .5 mile swim, 15 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. This year, I completed my first Half Iron – 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run. Somewhere in between, I realized that I liked running more than the once-around-the-track I did in high school. And that a few hours on the bike was in fact how I wanted to spend my Me-time. Not to mention if your training partners are training for marathons, century rides and voyages across the sea, you tend to lean in that direction yourself.

Still, an Ironman is nothing to kid about! Being there the full 12+ hours it took many to complete the event made me realize just what an undertaking it is. But it also reminded me of the many reasons why I’m so attracted to this sport. I’ll skip the list, but highlight a key point. Triathletes represent a variety of ages and abilities, and I like the idea that anyone who sets personal goals and puts in the required training to reach those goals – whatever the distance – can be successful.

Back again this year to the Jamesville Balloon Fest, and this time the weather cooperated beautifully. Nothing quite like the quiet, unobstructed view from above. Many thanks to the friendly group of hot air ballooners from Gatineau, Quebec for taking me up!