Relaxation, joy, and love have filled the past few weeks and months. I am still trying to keep in shape for the UWC Triathlon Bahamas on November 9th with one of my sponsors, Mark Holowesko, but my form is not anywhere near peak. I train once or twice a day, when convenient, and I am usually joining others in their workouts. I’ve been able to ride with Patrick almost daily, run with Olympian Carrie Tollefson and other local Minnesota runners, and swim at the University of St Thomas. In order to push myself, I’ve been entering some local running and cyclocross races. The most enjoyable race I did was a 50 mile gravel road race (the Filthy 50).
Patrick and I had a very big day on October 4th: our wedding. It was absolutely perfect! We went for a ride the day before with friends and family who were in town. It was a beautiful fall day, until the snow started to fall 15km into the ride. It was actually quite pretty with the fall leaves and big white snowflakes.
Patrick and I were so blessed. The community and our family and friends pitched in. We said we didn’t need any decorations; however, friends turned Rivers Eatery (the wood-fired pizza place we got married at) into absolute perfection. A local farmer saw our party tent in the back of the restaurant and asked what was going on. When he heard it was a wedding, he hopped in his car, drove to his farm and picked up hay barrels and pumpkins to decorate (it’s an amazing group of people in Cable, WI, and that’s a big reason why it’s our favorite place to vacation). Other friends (Trudi Rebsamen, Dennis Kruse, Tom Schuler, and Deb Wood) even went so far as to press beautiful fall leaves for table decor!
I wish I could describe the atmosphere when we walked up to the altar. The room literally roared with love and support. It was the most exhilarating and happiest moment of my life. No WTS win, Olympics, or other event could ever or will ever compare. I couldn’t have been happier with the night. Molly and the Danger Band played live music throughout the night and we left a little after 1am. It was perfection.
Before the wedding, I just wanted time to hurry up so Patrick would have no time to change his mind. If you have ever met me, you have likely met Patrick as well and know how amazing he is. He’s been completely selfless the past two years and has done everything to help me live my dream. Thinking of everything he has done for me and invested in my (and our) future brings me to tears. Words can’t describe how incredible of a man he truly is and I’m so excited for our life together.
The morning after the wedding Dennis, Trudi, Steve Tilford, and Billy Stolte cooked breakfast for us and our families. It was a great way end to an unforgettable weekend.
For those of you who like short summaries, here’s a recap of my thoughts after these 2014 events:
- First day at training camp in Falls Creek, Australia: I am so unfit and I really hope I don’t get dropped again on our 20 minute runs.
- Auckland WTS: Maybe I’m not cut out for triathlon. Mentally, I just don’t know if I have what it takes.
- Cape Town WTS: Physically I’m not strong enough. I thought I was ready, but these girls are on a different level than me.
- Yokohama WTS: That was amazing! I want to do that again.
- London WTS: I don’t feel well.
- Chicago WTS: I can’t believe I just did that!
- Hamburg WTS: That was hard.
- Edmonton WTS: Where is Jamie? Where is Patrick?
- Wedding in Cable, WI: Thank you, Patrick, for choosing me. I’m so happy we are family.
This was my first ever roll out and I loved it! There were close to 400 people racing the Filthy 50.
This is the pack I ended up riding with for most of the ride. The Filthy 50 was super fun!
This is at Green Acres Cyclocross race. Photo from Green Acres Facebook Page.
Green Acres Cyclocross course. Last year I was nervous to go over this ramp. This year I loved it! Photo from Green Acres Facebook Page.
Green Acres Podium.
Lots of people raced at Green Acres. It was a beautiful weekend. Photo from Green Acres Facebook Page.
The wedding guests who didn't care how cold it was and decided to join us on a mountain bike ride.
Our group bike ride before it started snowing ....
The Lemieux and Jorgensen families. Thank you so much for all of your hard work! Especially Jane, Nancy, Elizabeth and Paige!
Jonathan Pavlica did a great job taking pictures of our wedding. If you would like to view public wedding photos, you can view some here: http://jubilation.pavlicaphotography.com/the-wedding-weekend-in-cable-wi