There’s always a silver lining. Sometimes it takes a while to see it. Sometimes we don’t even notice it when it’s right in front of our faces.
Often times we wonder why things happen the way they do, and piss and moan about being the recipient of some shitty luck. We may not understand why things are happening the way that they are, but everything happens for a reason– that I believe. We just have to trust.
So yeah, I pissed and moaned for a little bit about missing Duathlon Worlds. Bound and determined to race on 9/21/08 in Cancun, it suddenly occurred to me that it’s unlikely I can peak for a race in a month when I haven’t even run in weeks. Not likely. Crap. Crap crap crap!!! This SUCKS. OK, OK, I trust this is happening for some stupid reason, but I’m not thrilled about it. I wanted to race Cancun so bad. That course is IDEAL for me! And I wanted to qualify for Clearwater this year.
Rewind to about a month ago . . .
I emailed the race director for Cancun and inquired about some pro-related stuff. In an attempt to expedite our communications (and let’s face it, I was trying to kiss ass), I emailed him in Spanish. He asked me about my background and checked out my bio page. Then out of the blue, he tells me that they’re still in need of a race announcer who has a command of both Spanish and English, and who understands the sport of triathlon. (Little does he know I can’t even do a flying dismount– I still think they gave me my pro license by mistake.) Anyway, he offered me the gig. I was super excited that he considered me, but my priority to was to head to Mexico and rip that race up! I kindly declined… but not before I joked with some friends that I was going to put Mike Riley (”The Voice of Ironman“) out of business.
Fast-forward to this week . . .
As soon as I realized I wouldn’t be racing, I emailed him back and asked if he found that perfect announcer yet. (Trying to make lemonade out of the crap lemons that had fallen in my lap.) He hadn’t. I’M IN LIKE FLYNN. What in the world!?! How crazy is this? Announcing a triathlon!? I am not totally clear on what my duties will be (but who the hell cares– I’m doing it!) . . . I am thinking that I’ll be the “English Sidekick” of the REAL Mexican announcer, but again, who knows (or cares). I can wing it if I have to. What a blast. Senora Lutz (my 10th grade Spanish teacher) would be so proud. ha!
Crazy huh??? I still think it’s hilarious. Even funnier was my mother’s thought process: “Awesome, Amy! You can finally enjoy a triathlon without getting all sweaty!”
I will wear lipstick just for you, Mom.
So, no race for me on 9/21. No chance to qualify for Clearwater this year. (ergghhh!!!) No piece of the prize money pie. Honestly, I am cool with it. The big picture is JUST FINE. This is for fun– it always has been and always will be– and there will always be another race. Sure, it’s disappointing, but there are many more facets of life to get excited about than just racing. And it’ll be there when my hip is ready to cooperate.
I definitely see the silver lining today. More details to come on this sweet gig!
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HOLA!
Sweeeeet deal… you hit up Cancun like Bob Costas. You can even drink margaritas during the race! That’s what you do with those lemons girl, add tequila.
if you need a co-anchor, I’m game.
OH HOW FUN, Amy! I agree, this is the silver lining. You better brush up on your Espanol !!!! hee hee….fun! Congrats and wear some hot lipstick for mom.
Amy- Sounds like you are the lemonade master! Sorry to hear about your injury, but it certainly seems you are handling it very well!
Enjoy the opportunity.
Mama didn’t raise no fool!!! you are my hero Amy. I love how you maximize every situation that presents itself. And for Gods sake, the lipstick thing is probably the most important item to pack. Go get em!!! Let em know who you are south of the border.
Love you long time,
mom
Way to go AMY!!!! I am glad you are not racing….. I’d like to see you heal up so you can come back FULL THROTTLE IN 2009 AS THE PRO THAT YOU TRULY ARE!!!! And I hope you do Gulf Coast becasue my favorite memory of the day is your wilness riding by me screaming my name!!!!!
Way to find the silver lining!
Amy ; What a great opportunity to open new vistas for your retirement years. Its alot easier to run your mouth than anything else.no sweating, Don’t even have to train. Be careful of what you say, Mexican prisons have a horrible reputation. Have fun ,be safe, Momma Naj will not rest until you’re back home.
Cool gig! Have a blast announcing. I know you’ll have a great time and it will be fun to see the race from a different angle.
Cool things happen if you keep an open mind through the disappointments. Why, just last year, I got to race an ironman when I didn’t qualify for BOUS like I hoped I would. Wouldn’t change that outcome for anything. Another year, I got to race cyclocross in the fall when a stress fracture took my out of Tri Nats and the rest of the tri season. Life is filled with unexpected opportunities.
Now– start researching the competition so you have all kinds of nuggets of wisdom to share with the crowds.
Awesome! Great gig – you are going to have so much fun.
And you don’t even have to get sweaty
This is the most fun you may ever have in triathlon without getting sweaty! (your mom is hilarious!!). Get the sombrero ready… here comes la chica bonita!
Hey Amy – I think announcing is right up your alley – I know you can talk and you are so fun to listen to – this is an amazing thing for you to do – and you can be right there with everyone! YAY for you!!
Kiss Shaina for Missy and Serea.
Kay
More FF miles and another opportunity to get bumped.