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At 4:45 the morning of Aug. 15, 2010, Steve and I got up, drank some coffee and left the LaQuinta hotel in SeaTac, heading into the sunrise for Genessee Park in South Seattle. We were soon joined by my two young friends, Alyssa Haddenham and Amber Arnold, in the transition area where we had racked our bikes the day before. I excitedly prepared my personal transition area, arranging my towel, running shoes, socks, sunscreen, water and snacks in a small Hawaiian print duffel bag, under where my bike hung. We were each assigned an area, designated by a letter of the alphabet, to park our bikes and gear, so we could easily find them among the thousands of other bikes and gear during our brief transitions between the swim, bike and run.

The Danskin Triathlon is the largest and longest-running women’s triathlon in the world. It consists of a 1/2-mile open-water swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run, in that order. I first heard of it several years ago when my friend Linda Tremper and I were attending a week-long nursing course in Kailua, Hawaii. One of the women in the class, a nicely-dressed “older” lady (at the time, I thought 60′s was old) mentioned she had done the Danskin Triathlon when she was 60. My jaw dropped in amazement, as this woman did not appear to be your typical jock by any means, but wore lovely wide-brimmed hats and dresses, and even make-up. I thought to myself, “What a cool thing to do at age 60,” but never really thought I was capable of such an athletic feat.

The last couple of years I’ve been thinking about doing something unusual, memorable, and physically demanding for my 60th birthday, or birth year, since the actual day is 5 days before Christmas and not ideal for any outdoor activity besides skiing. A triathlon kept coming to my mind, as it sounded like something I could actually work up to doing. A few years ago, I didn’t believe I could even carry a loaded backpack 5 feet. I loved day-hiking unencumbered, except for lunch and a camera, but I had a hard time picking up a 25-lb bag of dog food, let alone a 35-lb pack full of everything I needed to live for 5 days in the wilderness. But my nurse girlfriends and I formed the Healing Hikers group, and within a year or two our day hikes had progressed to nearly week-long backpacking trips across the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Although this can be physically challenging and exhausting, I also find it to be incredibly exhilarating, exciting, and fun. I love bonding with my girlfriends, and I love being outside, exploring the trails less-traveled.

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Which brings me back to the Triathlon. Since I grew up on the shores of Lake Washington, spending my summers swimming and waterskiing, I thought I could probably handle the swimming part, even though it’s been 40 years since I actually swam in the lake. I also rode a bike as a kid, and maybe several times a year since, so I could probably ride the 12 miles required. That leaves running. Every year I jog/walk the Rhody Run, a 7.5 mile run here in Port Townsend, so I ought to be able to handle 3.1 miles. The only thing I would have to do them all the same morning, one after the other.

Alyssa and I clutched each other’s hands as we made our way, barefoot, out of the transition zone, across the road and to the boat ramp area. They had us start in color-coded “waves” of 100 at a time, 4 minutes apart. Mine was wave 4, beginning at 0657.  I put on the green cap they’d given me the day before and huddled anxiously with the rest of my green-capped group as the person with the microphone counted “10, 9, 8…” and at “go” we ran from the boat launch down into the water, heading straight east into the sun toward the first buoy.  Whoa, this was more difficult than I’d expected, with the choppy, crowded water and what appeared to be sharks at a feeding frenzy in front of me. But after rounding the first buoy, the swimmers spread out a little, and I settled into a “nice morning swim in the lake,” alternating between breaststroke and sidestroke. After 25 minutes I reached the finish and a man extended his hand down to help me climb out of the water. Then I trotted off toward the transition area, stopping along the way to briefly chat with Alyssa and Amber who were standing on the sidelines. I wanted to let them know that the first part of the swim was the hardest so they wouldn’t become discouraged.

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The first transition took me about 10 minutes, as I sat down to dry my feet and pull on the socks and shoes, then apply sunscreen, drink some water, and eat some salted nuts. My legs needed that time to transition from limp to strong again, as I lifted my bike off the rack and ran along side it down to the start of the bike course.

What a beautiful ride along the tree-lined Lake Washington Blvd, to the I-90 bridge across the lake and onto Mercer Island, my old hometown. The mountain (Rainier) was out, the sun was shining, and I was having a blast. I needn’t have worried about some overly-aggressive biker woman knocking me down, because everyone was so respectful of and encouraging to each other. There were lots of “WooHoo’s”, especially when we got to the tunnel, and then I was surrounded by a chorus of women’s voices echoing “WooHoos” and “YeeHa’s”. What a high! On the way back (12 miles total) I began to feel like an actual bike-racer, pedaling as fast as I could and thanking the volunteers as I passed them, as they shouted out their constant words of encouragement. “Go girl! Love your sequins!” It was a mutual love-fest. As I practically ran down the volunteer at the finish line, finding it difficult to suddenly come to a complete stop and leap off my bike, there was Steve, faithfully recording it all on video.

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After hastily racking my bike again, guzzling from my water bottle and pinning my number on my suit, I trotted into the running area and headed south on Lake Washington Blvd toward Seward Park.

Once again, the wonderful volunteers were stationed all along the route, calling out their encouragements. “Love the sparkles!” “You can do it, just another mile!” They were fantastic, keeping that energy up for hours. I alternated between jogging and fast walking, and felt great until the very last bit, when I began to feel a little pukey, but with the crowd’s encouragement we all kept going, and soon I was crossing the finish line! I sat down while the young woman removed my timing chip/ankle bracelet and then flopped down on my back. She said, “Are you ok?” and I said, “I just feel a little pukey,” and she said, “Oh I always feel like that when I run.” That made me feel better and that yukky feeling was quickly replaced by this wonderful endorphin high that has stayed with me for days afterward. Steve was right there to greet me and we walked through the park toward the bikes, then sat down under a tree to rest for a few minutes. It was 9:30 a.m. and I’d already completed a Triathlon and could even be back in Port Townsend by lunchtime!

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As I sat there, I called my daughter, Jessica. “I’m a Triathlete!” I couldn’t stop saying or thinking it. One of the sayings I taped to my bike was, “The true you can do anything.” Another was “You will amaze yourself.” My friend, Chris Shields, told me I have “stamina,” so I stuck that on there, too. These words, as I was able to read them and think about them that morning, really did help keep me motivated, and I believe they’re true. I don’t think most of us realize the power we have or the things we can do if we didn’t put limits on ourselves. Not that everyone should do a triathlon. We all have different things we love to do or feel called to do. I just love to be outside doing something active, so this was fun for me.

Whatever sounds fun or interesting to you, I encourage you to “just do it”, as a gift to yourself. This was my 60th birthday gift to myself. It’s a good year.

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The Danskin Triathlon is one week from today. My “training” has consisted of a few sporadic workouts: a few days of biking here and there, maybe 3 or 4 swims, and a lot of walking and hiking. Too bad hiking isn’t one of the Tri events, since I’m probably ready for that one. But thanks to Dahti Blanchard and her seasoned, experienced triathlete friends, I feel more prepared than I did before yesterday.

Dahti was been kind enough to invite me, and any friends I knew of who were also entered in the Danskin, to get together for a practice triathlon with her and her friends, Katie Franco and Debbie Greenspane. Alyssa Haddenham was my only “committed to the Tri” friend who could make it yesterday. Amber Powers Arnold would have been there, but she had to work.

Alyssa and I met Dahti, Katie and Debbie at the Cape George pool at 0730 yesterday morning, where we swam for 30 minutes ( did 22 laps which is about 1/2 mile) before jumping on the bikes for a 12 mile ride. But first, back to the pool. Dahti and her friends hit the water and swam like the athletes they are, swiftly moving through their laps with long, sure strokes. Alyssa and I bobbed along in the rear, hoping to survive without drowning in their wakes. I mostly alternate between the breast and side strokes, with a few exhausting crawls in between. For some reason, that stroke wears me out. As I told the others, I grew up swimming in Lake Washington, where the Triathlon will be, all my life into my 20′s, and feel very comfortable in the water. But I was never a serious or competitive swimmer. I know I can do this without drowning, but I’ll be slow.

After our swim, we briefly dried off and squeezed into our biking/running clothes, Alyssa and I dragging along behind the  other three, our limp legs wishing they were resting on a warm beach instead of pedaling up and down hills for 12 miles.

Kate and Debbie were soon out of sight, down Cape George road and onto the beautiful Larry Scott trail, while Dahti stayed back with Alyssa and me, guiding us along as reassuringly as a mother hen with her brood of chicks. All along the way, I peppered her with questions such as, “Do we take food to the Triathlon?” (No), “Where do we park?” (Qwest or Safeco Field and take a shuttle to the event), “Do you have to have a bike repair kit and extra chain, like the books say? (No) and “How do you blow your nose when riding?”

Dahti, who does this extreme workout EVERY DAY, patiently answered all my questions and slowed to wait for Alyssa and me, as we dismounted to walk our bikes up the steeper portions of the trail.

We met back at Kate’s house a few blocks from the pool and began our “run” portion of the day. For Alyssa and me, it was mostly a “walk”, punctuated by a few jogs when we weren’t going uphill.

Finally, we were allowed to stop for lunch. We sat around Kate’s dining room table and enjoyed our potluck lunch as we discussed the Triathlon, and Dahti, Kate, and Debbie kindly provided more reassurance and encouragement, as well as answered even more questions.

I drove home feeling much better about next Sunday’s big event, knowing that although it will be difficult, I can do it if I just persevere, and I’ll be able to say to myself that I completed a Triathlon in my 60th year.

After I got home, I had a hot cup of tea on this chilly, August day, and fell asleep, exhausted, on the couch.

Meg and Michael had brought some beautiful, ivory roses when they came up Friday, and the girls went out after breakfast to gather fresh lavender and greens for the bouquets and boutineers.

Alan’s Aunt Beverly created a beautiful veil the morning of the ceremony, out of tulle Jessica and I decided at the last minute to bring, as well as a flower hairpiece I’d bought in Hawaii a couple of years ago.  Jessica already had a short “cage veil” she’d bought off Etsy, but decided to wear that one after the ceremony, because both looked so nice.   Bev also put the bouquet and boutineers together, and just about everything else that needed an artistic touch.   Jeni was a busy whirlwind too, helping me with the finishing touches on the cake toppers, getting her girls ready, and also doing Jessica’s hair and makeup.

Cole, the photographer, arrived around 1230, and we decided we should hurry and get dressed.  There was a flurry of activity and suddenly, Jessica had transformed into a beautiful bride!

I could never have finished assembling and decorating the cakes without Steve’s help, and they ended up looking pretty good and tasting a lot better.   The leaves on the table were brought from our Zen Garden to add a touch of home from Port Townsend.

The tiered cake was carrot with cream cheese frosting and the other was Alan’s request: chocolate with raspberry filling, to which I added layers of buttercream and ganache.   It was pretty decadent.

Out into the sunshine we went for photographs.  I’ll show some here, but the good ones are Cole’s so check out his link.

Alan's family

We came back in for the ceremony around 3 pm.   The men had moved the living room furniture out to the deck and set up chairs so we’d have room for the wedding in front of the fireplace.   Michael Rickard took his place at the piano, began to play Pachelbel’s Canon, and the processional began.

Michael K and Joe stood up with Alan, and Jeni, Meg, Kayla and Cami stood up with Jessica, and Jillian expertly handled Caleb, the canine ring-bearer.

It was a sweet, intimate, beautiful wedding ceremony.  Our longtime friend, Superior Court Judge Mike Sullivan officiated, and Steve, Michael K and Joe presented selected readings. I was especially touched by Jessica and Alan’s words to each other, including Alan telling Jessica that she was “his favorite person in the world.”

After the ceremony, Alan and Jessica went off with Cole to have more photos taken, while the rest of us snacked on beautiful plates of fruit and snacks prepared by Earl and Jeni.

Here are some photos by Cole Joseph:

After we had dinner and cake, we danced.   Jessica and Alan danced to The Magic Numbers’ I See You You See Me.  Steve and Jessica danced to Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely, and Lynn and Nancy chose a Michael Jackson song for Alan and me to dance to, which really got everyone into the act.

Later on, we all went outside on this perfectly clear night to stargaze.   We saw so many constellations, shooting stars, and even the moons of Jupiter.

After a perfect wedding day and evening, we eventually all drifted off to our bedrooms to sleep. Alan and Jessica had their own private cottage on the lodge property.

The Fern Cottage

We were joined by Nancy, Doug, Fern, Kayla and Cami on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, Steve and Joe arrived. I spent the afternoon baking and freezing wedding cakes, using the new Kitchenaid mixer I had sent to Jessica, while the rest went to the zoo and Balboa Park. That evening we all had pizza and salad in the spacious courtyard at Jessica and Alan’s, followed by wii ski.

Thursday, our car caravan headed for our rented lodge on Palomar Mountain, first stopping for lunch at Stone Brewery, an amazing restaurant/brewery built almost solely of solid granite.   A beautiful pathway winds through boulders and plants, thorough the gift shop and restaurant to an outside courtyard with granite slab tables where we had our lunch.  Jeni, Michael, Meg and Jillian met us there.  The beer and the food were great, as was the ambiance.

After we filled up on food and beer, everyone headed on to Upper Meadow Lodge while Jeni and I stopped to buy groceries at Cosco on the way.  Our first dinner at the lodge, Thursday evening:  Taco Bar – Yum!

Jeni and Earl did most of the cooking, and the food was amazing!   Friday morning we had Earls’ blintzes and that evening we had Thanksgiving.  Jeni and Earl prepared and cooked the turkey, with Earl taking about 30 seconds to reduce it to a platterful of symmetrical slices, and Jeni doing the cranberry sauce and vegetables, and Michael made delicious mashed potatoes.  It was wonderful to have both families together, just like Jessica wanted, with a cozy, homemade dinner and Fern’s apple pie for dessert.

Back in January I decided to rejoin Weight Watchers so I could finally lose at least some of the 25 extra pounds I’ve gradually put on in the last 15 or so years.  I’ve been off and on it for years, but never seemed to be able to stay focused for more than a few weeks, and quit going to the meetings and just gradually kept eating and drinking a bit more.    But this time it was different.  I’m not exactly sure why I was so mentally ready, but from the very first meeting, Jan. 5, 2009, I felt like I was on a fun adventure. Steve had become a vegetarian too, a few months earlier, as well as having a new diagnosis of Diabetes, so he was happy to eat what I was eating.  For months we talked of fiber and points, and I faithfully attended meetings, always looking forward to seeing my efforts paying off as I got on the scale Monday evenings.  I loved hearing the ideas of others  and gave the group some of my own.   We shared recipes and encouraged each other, applauding each other’s 5 lb star awards and percentage of body weight lost.

I could write on and on about this subject, including recipes and other details, but first I want to cut to the chase.  At last Monday’s meeting, after many months of counting points, lots of walking, and remaining faithful in my “lifestyle change”, I finally reached my goal weight.  I’m in the 130′s again!

People have asked me for inspiration, or  want to know how I did it.   Here are my thoughts:

1. Think of yourself in a different way.  I won’t think of myself as fat anymore, or addicted to sugar.  I’m not the same person who has to eat the samples at Costco, or eat food just because it’s free or it’s there.   I don’t have to rush to the cookies on the table at work, I can ignore them.

2. Don’t deny yourself what you really want, but first ask yourself if you really want it.  If so, have half of it, slowly, and if you must, just salad for dinner to stay within your points.

3. Get used to feeling hunger.   Don’t be afraid of that feeling.  In fact, you can learn to even like that hungry feeling.

4. If you’re on a plateau, and can’t lose another pound no matter how you try, just change something, like give up the glass of wine in the evenings til you start losing again.  Just one small change might be all you need.

5. Make it a game or adventure with yourself.  How creative can I be with this new way of cooking and eating?  What new low-point meals can I discover for myself?

6. If you blow it on a snack, like an ice cream at Elevated, make that your meal.  Say, “ok, I had ice cream for lunch.   Not the healthiest, but I really wanted the ice cream so that was my lunch for today.”

7. When at a restaurant, split a dish or dessert with someone.   My Mom and I will split a beer; one beer, two glasses.   I could never eat a whole sandwich at a restaurant, they’re huge.  Split it, or take half home.

8. If you’re going to weight watchers, attend the meetings so you can give and receive ideas and encouragement, without judgement.   And/or have a weight loss buddy.

9. Be patient with yourself.  It takes time.   It took me over 9 months to lose 26.8 lbs.

Steve has lost even more than I this year, and has brought his blood sugar levels down to normal, and will not need any diabetic medication.   He’s learned he can completely control his blood sugar  with diet.   Both of our cholesterol levels have come down to where they should be.  In less than a year, we both feel so much better and have had to buy new clothes.  He’s able to wear a suit that he couldn’t button in the past 10-12 years.   We both feel SO good just eating mostly fruits and vegetables, very little cheese (grated parmesan on soups or with a bit of mozzarella on homemade veggie pizza), much less bread, pasta and sugar, and of course, no meat or chicken.

Remember, one day at a time!

As I begin this blog, I am one year and two months from turning 60 years old, and feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my life.  I’ve never been very good at journaling; I am more into using photographs with brief explanations to document my thoughts and experiences, but I’ve decided to begin a blog to try to better explain the things I’m feeling and learning about life and myself.

A few years back, some of my nurse friends and I started a hiking group we call “The Healing Hikers.”   We’re all RNs in our 50′s and 60′s, and our motto runs along the lines of “healing ourselves as we help heal others.”   I see the name Healing Hiker as a perfect metaphor for my walk through this life, healing myself and, I hope, helping others along the way.

My husband, Steve, and I have experienced some profound changes in our individual lives and in our relationship in the past couple of years, and I want to write about some of the most transformative of those changes, hoping readers may be as inspired as we have been.

I’ll be talking much more about the incredible adventures of the Healing Hikers, as well as health, diet (mostly vegetarian, often raw), Zen thinking, family, friends, love, nature: all the things that have helped me thrive in new ways every day of my life.

I think we were meant to thrive, don’t you?