The Dirt Field

This retrospective post was supposed to have been written yesterday, the first day of the new year, but I was too busy wringing out my liver, collecting the car from where we’d left it the night before, and reflecting on how the first highlight of 2014 was a 2am tequila-sodden rendition of Moulin Rouge’s “Elephant Love Medley” while my father-in-law drove Andrew and me home. Yes, I know all of the words by heart. Something important I learned in 9th grade has been forgotten to make room for this gem.

So anyway, it’s time to say goodbye to 2013. It went by fast, it was full of memorable moments, and it took my life in directions I never expected. Like Boise, ID or Tybee Island, GA or that emergency room an hour from team camp in Borrego Springs.

There are too many high points to try to recall them all: moments with my team, life on the road racing my bike, podiums, nights spent at Alegria with friends, epic sufferfests, a vacation with my parents, and oh, yeah, that whole getting married thing. When I look back on the year, I see more adventure, travel, and good times than ever before.

There were low points, too – norovirus, an early season crash and concussion, the onset of late-season burnout and fatigue, an eating disorder, setbacks in winter training from sickness and injury – but it’s okay to have rough times and hard moments. This is where some people might say something perky like, “those moments help you appreciate the good ones even more!” but this is not that kind of blog. Instead, I will say that life is not natural without lows and suffering is part of living. Living is good and my life is wonderful for all its ups and downs.

Happy New Year! I hope that 2014 brings you joy, luck, and piles of cake (or pie, if that’s your thing).