Sunday, August 05, 2007

Another Triathlon Finished

There's my medal that I got as I crossed the finish line. It was a good race. I really hit the wall in the bike portion, which has traditionally been my best part. I don't have my times yet, but I am quite certain I did not beat my last year's time. I know that I gave it absolutely every thing I had today though and that is a good feeling.

When I crossed the finish line, I was utterly done - breathing like a locomotive, needing a drink of water, needing to fall over basically. The first tent I saw had some food, as I reached for some, I was told that it was for "survivors". I am glad that the breast cancer survivors have first choice, but it took me a while to find some freaking water. In that time I was thinking - (not to minimize the trials that breast cancer survivors have been though - honest) - you people have no idea what I have survived to be here participating in a triathlon today.

I am a 55 year old female alcoholic. Believe me, this is terminal old age for a female drunk. The fact that I am alive and sober and able to go out and do crazy ass stuff like half-marathons and triathlons is nothing short of miraculous. No one else has to understand that, but I know it deep in my heart, and I have a feeling most of you do too.

I am grateful to be a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

"We who have recovered from serious drinking, are miracles of mental health. But we have seen remarkable transformations in our bodies. Hardly one of our crowd now shows any mark of dissipation." -- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 133

15 comments:

Most of Martha Woodroof in one place said...

I am so proud to share sobriety and the blogosphere with you, woman! Your medal is beautiful.

Scott W said...

I raise my frosted plastic glass of diet A&W root beer to you! Salud!

Meg Moran said...

you ARE a survivor..the best kind...and I applaud, salute, hug and adore you!

Pammie said...

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!
YOU DID IT !!!!!
Cancer smancer....you were out working to help...AND THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERING YOU WITH ANYTHING YOU WANTED TO DRINK !!!
And Yes, you are a survivor...I'm so, so .........very PROUD OF YOU AND FOR YOU !!!
WAY TO GO MARY CHRISTINE !!!!

dAAve said...

Great! I'm very pleased for you.
How ironic that they used the term survivor. If they only knew ...

Recovery Road London said...

S'funny. I still can't and don't think of you as being 55. No way, Miss!

Is 'hitting the wall' reaching a point where you can't go any faster? Like the pedal is stuck?

Good post. Loved it. Well done you!

Scott M. Frey said...

congratulations MC, I am really proud of ya, what an awesome accomplishment! wonderbar!

Mama Dukes said...

congraulations on your incredible accomplishments, they are many
yipppeeeee

Mama Dukes said...

congraulations on your incredible accomplishments, they are many
yipppeeeee

Unknown said...

I am clinging onto to you and hoping I can get there. I am doing the walk/run thing right now. Gotta start someplace. It upsets me that I can not run like I use to but then I come here and get the hope I need to keep trying.

Love ya MC~

Syd said...

You are a miracle and a survivor. Not many people recognize that what you have gone through is mental and physical anguish. The medal is great. Many congratulations.

johno said...

Congrats!! an amazing feat. You are Truly inspiring

Clarity said...

Wow! Right on, sister!

Kathy Lynne said...

You are an inspiration.... Congratulations!

JJ said...

You continue to give me strength. I love you MC.
oxox
JJ