Peak week is in full swing, as I prep for the Ironman Eagleman 70.3 on June 9th. While the training sessions have been hard and intense, I can honestly say I feel so prepared for the race at this point. I’m leaps and bounds ahead in training compared to last year, and have built a nice community through my training program with DC Tri Club.
Tired after a 4x1 mile hard track workout this week!
As I type, I’m sitting on the couch resting from a hard swim workout this afternoon. And subsequently resting from a hard track workout yesterday. And resting ahead of a hard bike workout tomorrow. And then a 4 hour bike ride on Saturday. Which precedes a metric 70.3 training tri with DC Tri Club on Sunday.
As you can glean - this training cycle is not for the feint of heart. But it is for those who are up for the challenge - and wanting to really push themselves to see what is possible to achieve. This training cycle, I’ve worked harder than I think I ever have before. And that is saying something, given the number of generally ridiculous endurance events I’ve participated in over the years.
2024 Iraq Community Development Leaders. I had the honor of meeting some of the leaders of the Iraq team earlier this spring, to learn more about their work and their passions for sport.
As I train, I also am participating in events with Free to Run, the global NGO I am an ambassador for this year. A few weeks back, we had the opportunity to meet the women that are participating in Free to Run’s programming in Iraq. When I tell you I’ve never been more inspired by a group of individuals who are intentionally participating in sport, you must believe me. These women - internally displaced and refugees alike - are facing so many personal challenges. But their joy for sport, for running, marathoning, and fitness in general, along with the community they have through Free to Run - was infectious.
Women in Afghanistan participating in the Omid “Hope” program, in light of significant restrictions on their freedoms, including their ability to participate in sports which is strictly forbidden.
At the same time, more information is being shared with us about the situation in nearby Afghanistan, where Free to Run used to have very active programming prior to the Taliban retaking control. Now, women are faced with the threat of public stoning for participating in sport. Despite this, the passion of the women who participated in programming in the past remains, and the work of Free to Run continues, albeit significantly curtailed and in private.
While I push through peak week training for my race in June, I continue to reflect on the amazing opportunity I have to support women in sport all across the globe. I hope you explore the work of Free to Run, and consider donating to my fundraising efforts. Every bit counts, and goes directly towards supporting women across the globe who just want to participate in sport freely.