Ryan was at it again and set up a school visit for me. I had zero to do with the planning, but I’m really glad he thought about doing stuff like this.
Friday we went to Rustenburg Girls School to speak to a group of high school seniors. They asked me to speak about living an active lifestyle and the value of sports in our lives. Not so hard, right? I had nothing really planned, but I’ve never been accused of being shy, either, so this wasn’t much of a problem.
We talked about healthy competition, the sports that they play, balance, body image, and of course they had some great questions . . . including the famous “So how do you go to the bathroom during a triathlon?”
They probably think I’m a like a ferrel animal, but I was honest and told them — right on the bike! There was a lot of squealing after that!!
They were very cool girls and I really enjoyed it. The big shocker was meeting their sports program director, Vivienne Williams. She’s in that great of shape for a reason; Vivienne was the world champion in her age group at Triathlon Worlds last year. The girls of course had no idea of how cool she was, so I made sure to blow her cover when I found out. Viv is really passionate about sports and wants to encourage the girls to be more active.
I can’t think of a better role model.
It’s now Saturday evening and I’m excited to race in the morning. It’s been forever since I’ve done an olympic distance tri, and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not! The water is freezing but they say that’ll keep the sharks away, so no complaints here. The bike course has some challenges with the bumps and rough patches, but the wind is going to be the toughest part. Today I was riding 32mph one direction, and 14mph in the other. You think you’re a stud — until you have to turn around! The run . . . will be what it’ll be. I will do the best I can with what I’ve got at this point. That’s all we can ask for, right?
Thanks for the birthday wishes — Facebook is awesome, isn’t it? 
I got my ritual pre-race pedicure to celebrate (wild, huh?), and am looking forward to our vacation starting after 9:30am tomorrow!!!
And as for the race results . . . WHAT HAPPENS IN AFRICA, STAYS IN AFRICA!!!!!!!
HA!! Just kidding. Updates tomorrrow. But all that really matters is that we have FUN, right?!!!
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While you’re on the subject of role models, I’m going to be sappy a minute and say how glad I am that you are one of Katie’s!!! I hope she can share her story one day and be the kind of encourager that you are!!!