The journey continues. The path has changed. The destination remains the same.
In July 2005, I was first inspired to collect women’s stories about their triathlon experiences for a book. My thought was that crossing the finish line of a triathlon was about so much more in addition to the physical accomplishment. By sharing our stories, we would provide inspiration to other women to take on a new challenge and, possibly, transform their lives.
For several months in early 2006, my primary focus was writing Flying Over the Finish Line. However, some major changes occurred during the summer of 2006 starting with my intended co-author deciding that the book should be my book—which meant a major shift in tone was required. Then some needs developed within my family that resulted in my putting the book on the “back burner” for a while. When I finally felt I could refocus on the book, it was time to honor my commitment to lead Jill B. Nimble(R)’s Team Danskin Training, (the official training program of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series (R)), for the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.
Leading the training team, though another detour on the path to completing Flying, was a great experience. Along with my assistant coach, Jean Speigellhalter, and a group of fabulous volunteer Workout Leaders, we trained eleven diverse women who ranged in age from 29 to 54 for the 2007 Chicagoland Danskin triathlon at Pleasant Prairie, WI. Each of them joyfully finished the triathlon.
The training team reinforced my desire to complete the book. Each of my team members had a story about why they decided to complete a triathlon. Some had a personal tragedy to overcome. Examples include the death of a spouse after extended illness and the resultant need of my team member to emphasize her own health to help with healing; another’s triumph over previous spousal abuse. Others decided to tri as part of a life transition: becoming empty-nesters after sending children to college; taking time for oneself after leaving a career to stay home with children. The stories continue. And just as I found inspiration from my team members’ stories, I remain confident that others will benefit from all the stories in the book.
As the summer and triathlon training comes to a close, I am now set to refocus on Flying with the intent of completing the manuscript before the holidays. At risk of sounding like the boy who cried wolf, I AM going to finish the book. Over the next month, say though September 30th, I welcome new stories and updates of those you previously submitted.
I am grateful to all of those who have generously shared the stories and belief in the vision of my book. Know that I am committed to its timely completion.
Sincerely,
Susan L. Kane
Flying Over The Finish Line
