No, I’m not talking about the famous rap song by 2Pac, but if you pay attention to the lyrics closely (aside from the violent lines), I bet you can find a few pieces that resonate with you. I know I did. “We gotta start makin’ changes.” It’s been a while since I’ve posted something. I’ve been busy…so here’s what’s going on:

I sold my townhouse. Talk about a big change. I know it’s the American dream to buy and own a home, but that wasn’t my dream anymore. In a way I saw it as an anchor tying me down. Having to fix things on my own (or hire it out) was starting to lose its luster. I’d much rather spend my free time out doing and experiencing things. So last weekend I moved into my new rental apartment near downtown and I couldn’t be happier. I got to walk to work on Monday. Even walked over to Torchy’s Taco for dinner. Plus, I’m only a few blocks away from my favorite bike shop! There were a few loose items in my apartment that needed some attention and all I had to do was complete a maintenance request online and it was all taken care of when I got home from work that day.

I’ve retired from coaching Team in Training (I’m still coaching private clients through Mile High Multisport). This was a tough decision to make. TNT was such a big part of my life for the better of 10 years. Because of my involvement, so many doors opened for me professionally and personally. From becoming a seasoned marathon runner, then a triathlete, and eventually representing them at the IRONMAN World Championship in 2015, I owe them everything. But with each season I started to realize how many other things I wanted to do but had to postpone because of my commitments to TNT. There’s only so much vacation time you can take at work. I knew that if I wanted to keep growing as a person through various experiences I needed to make room in my life to allow that to happen. Last month I had the privilege of traveling with the team to Hawaii for the Lavaman Triathlon…and I couldn’t think of a better way to say goodbye to TNT.

Well, another big change in the relationship sector. As much as it hurts, the boyfriend is no longer. Sometimes things in life don’t work out the way you want them to. Doesn’t mean you have to like it, but just like with anything else I’ll do my best to accept the things that are beyond my control and move on. Eventually I’ll get back out there again, but for now the best way to move on is to keep moving.

What else. So far, my job is really awesome. Love the people I work with, the responsibilities, and the projects I’m involved in. Our company just announced the divestiture of our entire operations in Wyoming, which in the long run is a good thing. The company had strong roots in Wyoming dating back to 1922, but in order to grow we need to divest so we can acquire. One of my projects is to help prepare regulatory documents for the prospective buyer. This will be the first time I’ve been involved in a divestiture, so I’m learning a lot with the changes going on at work. Yay for positive changes!

This is the second year I haven’t had an IRONMAN race on the schedule…and on purpose. It’s fun to see so many friends signing up for races and still getting excited about them. While I’ll never step away from triathlon, it’s been fun (and scary) for me to dip my toe in cycling racing. The folks on my cycling team (Palmares Racing) have been so supportive regardless where I finish (usually last!). The one nice thing about cycling races is there’s one every single weekend. So if you don’t do so well at one, you can sign up for another one right away. Plus, you see a lot of the same people over and over and they’re all so awesome. I’m racing my first criterium this weekend (Colorado’s Toughest Criterium in Lafayette) and I’m scared to death, but I gotta pop that cherry eventually. Let’s hope for no crashes, broken bones, or road rash!

Turning the big 4-0 this year has made me realize that my days are numbered. In fact, the minute we are born, our days our numbered. During a visit with my mom a few weeks ago, she and I talked about regrets and things we would do differently given a second chance. In so many words, she encouraged me to go travel, see the world, and do things now while I am able rather than wait until retirement age…because that’s what they did and now they’re unable to travel the world like they previously planned. So with that, I’ve decided to be very intentional with my time and the commitments I take on. I’ve had to tell friends that I’m not traveling for races, which wasn’t easy to do…all because there’s something big in store for me later this year.

It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my father. He’s currently in a rehabilitation hospital in Thailand. Is he getting better? Not really. Will he ever? Probably not. They’re keeping him as comfortable as possible and continuing with physical therapy to prevent any decline in his condition. So I’m saving up all my time off work to go visit him at the end of the year…and while I’m over there in the part of the world, I’ll be going on what’s most likely to be the most epic excursion of my life. I receive emails of travel deals on a daily basis. Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Africa. All items on my bucket list. But when I saw this one in particular, I knew it was a sign and I had to do it. After receiving the green light from my manager to take the time off, I booked the trip and flights. I’ll be taking off to Thailand for a few days before Christmas to see my dad and family…and then hopping on a plane to Nepal where I’ll join a group to trek up to Everest Base Camp. Can’t think of a better way to celebrate turning 40 this year.

So in addition to training for a few cycling races and IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder, I’ll be throwing in a few 14ers this summer if anyone wants to join me!

Just like 2Pac said, “my mama didn’t raise no fool” and I’m listening to what she said – and taking full advantage of this opportunity to see the top of the world.