SheROX 2010: See Jane Run

May 8, 2010

Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, Arizona

Team See Jane Run 2010

All of us girls (mostly Okland's) were competing on behalf of Lisa Jane Okland. Lisa had an extreme love for outdoors and for athletics. From what I know of her, she was an amazing dancer and a preseverant tri-athlete! Lisa passed away in October 2009, so the Okland's rallied together to compete in the SheRox Triathlon in her honor.

 

The Swim

{me giving a peace sign to Tommy--haha}

The race started an hour earlier this year, which means we had to get into the water and hour earlier, which means it felt extra freezing at 73 degrees! I could barely catch my breath the entire swim, even swallowing five big gulps of Tempe Town Lake water. {ew gross} The whole time I was thinking "wow I'm really swimming in Tempe Town Lake--and I can't turn back now."

...almost to the finish line

Done with the Swim!

Transition--on to the Bike!

Biking!

Biking was the event I trained most for this year--and it happened to be my favorite event. I felt like I did way better than last year. I actually pushed myself and felt way more comfortable on a road bike.

...almost to the REAL finish line!

The run kills me every time! It is so hard for my legs to transition from the bike to the run! This event is where I could stand to improve the most. There's always next year!

I finished!

I was able to shave some time from last year's time, but not much! I am so proud of all of the other girls that competed for the first time. Not only did they finish, but they finished under two hours! Cheers to them!

Tommy!

Tommy is so amazing. This boy woke up with me @ 5:15 A.M. just so he could come watch me--and take pictures! It was so fun to see him before and after my swim...and I also scoped him out while I was biking. Thanks for cheering me on Tommy!

 

...and here are the rest of my fans!

A special thanks to Tarryn McCormick who relayed with two other people. Tarryn was brave enough to compete in Tempe Town Lake--while being pregnant. It was so fun to have her there--and she was even nice enough to stay and cheer me on.

Mother's Day

Tommy and I were able to celebrate Mother's Day with both of our Mom's this year {and Grandma Doris}. My parents came down from New Mexico to attend my Aunt & Uncle's farewell that happened to fall on Mother's Day. It was a treat to have them down, even if it was just for the weekend.

Because my parents had to be back to New Mexico for work the following Monday, we had our little Mother's Day celebration at Cafe Rio on Saturday night. We enjoyed the time we got to spend with my parents.

 

Larry & The Jude even embraced the heat and waited for me at the finish line at my 2010 SheRox Triathlon. I think Janelle was more excited that I finished than I was! I love being supported by those I love. It was great to share my finish line glory with them. {Tri Post coming soon...}

On the real Mother's Day Tommy and I celebrated with Mama Kath. We enjoyed a nice Sunday dinner with her {compliments of Tom}. All of us kids pitched in to have all of the Curtis family home videos turned into dvd's. Tommy and I still haven't had the chance to watch any--but I can't wait!

Last but certainly not least--THE SUNS BEAT THE SPURS--to finish them off for good! It was a true 4-0 sweep...on to the next. Watch out L.A--this is our year!

GAME II

Tonight -- 6 PM

Nash was pretty much our hero last game...with 33 points...and 10 assists! The Suns are even celebrating Cinco de Mayo with all of us by sporting their "Los Suns" jerseys.

Good luck boys!

p.s. Happy Cinco de Mayo!! and Happy Birthday Alisha Smith!

p.s.s Tommy sent me a text the other day saying that we are going to celebrate my heritage tonight by eating Mexican food. I love how this kid plans ahead. Then last night he said that we are going to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our kids becuase they'll be 1/8 Mexican.

Our First Date.

{Note to Self}

I met Tommy in November at a Copeland concert—thanks Jessbabe for introducing us! But it wasn’t until after the New Year that Tommy and I really started getting to know each other. It was about mid January when Tommy asked me on my first date. I had just returned from a late run when I heard my phone ring, “Tommy”. It just so happens that I was searching for something underneath my bed at the same time, so as we were talking I was kneeling over my bed fiddling with my comforter. All the while, I thought it odd to be getting a phone call on some random Wednesday night from my new friend. It turned out to be the best phone call of my life! He started to explain that he had tickets to the Lion King and wanted to see if I was able to join him. I played it cool by squealing about how much I have always wanted to see that play. It was official—we were to go on our very first date to The Lion King. Afterwards, I stayed put on the floor of my room for a few moments internalizing what just took place. I was genuinely happy.

Once I made sure our call had disconnected I ran into our living room to find Kristin, my roommate, as I was literally JUMPING for JOY that my guy friend just asked me on a date. With a grin from ear to ear I explained the glorious phone call I just received. She was equally excited for me knowing that Tommy was probably the second boy to ask me out since my move back to Arizona in 2008! My dating life has always been far and few between, especially with boys that I was truly interested in. Tommy asking me out was nothing short of a miracle in my world.

The evening of our date I had to work late so I met Tommy at his house in Mesa. Our conversations flowed naturally; we talked of music, friends, family, etc. Both of us recall feeling at ease and as if we were with an old friend that we’d known forever. What a relief? Our date fell on a school night so we said our goodbyes with a hug at my car. Perfect.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Before Tommy came along I felt my dating life was hopeless. On the other hand, I had the rest of my life ahead of me, so I never stopped living. I invested time in myself, in soccer, in work, and in the few friends I had. However, there were times I would find myself seeking comfort from my Mom. She would calm the worries I had of ever finding someone, the one. This was a cycle, whose rotations were constant. Then I met Tommy…

Tommy intrigued me. He was quiet yet sarcastic (which I needed). He was often in the background, teasing my curiosity. His interest in me seemed apparent yet careful. From then on our relationship unfolded right before our eyes. Tommy only betters my life. Tommy only betters me.

One must always look back from where they came to see how far they have come. I must never lose sight of that, or of him.

I love you Tommy.

{she}

Great News...

The Jude is coming to ARIZONA for MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

p.s. Last time Tommy & I went to visit Grandma Doris' she referred to my mom as "The Jude". Funny or what?