Piha, NZ! Surf Lifesaving and training.

Piha
After a long period of healing and then taking two steps forward and one back I have come to a space where my body and spirit are healthy and rejuvenated. As most of us athletes can identify with, injuries and the healing process are some of the most difficult times in sport.
Last September I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in the femoral neck of my leg. It was a shock and only 2months before 70.3 World’s my season was abruptly halted. As life goes, we must make the most of what we have in each moment. During my healing process I decided that I’d take the opportunity to train and experience a different culture in Australia and New Zealand. No time like the present. Again, after a long period of no training, I also have been in a slump with my blogging. I am truly sorry, as the words were just not coming while my spirit was trying to heal, but also taking a beating and trying to comprehend all of the hard work and dedication that seemed to be, at the moment, merely for disappointment.
But as they say, there is no time like the present, always living from this moment forward. I took the time and circumstances to learn and grow, deciding to use an old ticket, I went down under. At this moment I’m in Auckland, New Zealand. I just competed at the New Zealand National Surf Lifesaving Competition. After two months in Melbourne Australia with a few mates, heaps of yoga, 1000km cycling trip from Melbourne to Adelaide and a bit of easing back in to training, I headed to NZ to compete for Piha surf club.
Mind you, I had no idea what surf lifesaving entailed, what a surf competition was or involved, what I would be doing and was expected of me, and last but not least, that Piha is one of the most dangerous beaches in NZ. I live in Boulder, Colorado, nowhere near the sea. I grew up in a farm town in Iowa, again, nowhere near the sea. I compete in triathlons that are mostly in lakes, ponds, or non surf ocean conditions, and train in a still water swimming pool. I was connected with the president of a west coast beach above Auckland NZ in 2009 and he said come out and compete with us. So I decided, why not? Here I am, at one of the most dangerous beaches in NZ, competing in a sport, as I mentioned, I know nothing about. But the entire experience, including the team, the club, getting certified as a NZ Surf Lifesaver, the travel and competitions has all been an amazing experience and opportunity. Swimming under and catching 3M waves among the rips , currents, holes and all that goes with the ocean and it’s movement has taught me so much about swimming and power of mother nature. Reading and trusting the water, trusting the unknown with patience, and my own swimming and water skills. Nothing should be taken for granted, and sometimes it is best to wait for the wave and let it come to you instead of pushing or fighting. The atmosphere is different than any team or individual sport I’ve competed in, in the USA. With surf it is truly about going out and having fun, catching a wave, enjoying the surf and the natural environment as it is. Parents are cheering for their kids yes, but it is so much more relaxed and go with the flow. I have also learned it is not always the fittest or fastest person that wins, it has a lot to do with knowledge of the waves and the ocean, one can be unlucky or at the wrong end of things. Everyone supports each other, cheers, and enjoys the beach and the sun. At the end of the day win or lose, everyone gets together after for a few more waves, laughs and a few beers.
So after a few months in Auckland, I’m excited to say my surf team won a silver medal at Nationals and it has been an amazing ride. Next week, with a rejuvenated and healthy body and spirit I will take on the next phase. It’s back to triathlon training with my base block for the 2011 race season. I am so excited to share my enthusiasm and the gifts of sport with all those around me and grateful for the continued support of my family, friends and sponsors who help me keep moving forward toward my goals, and enjoying the process. I am so thankful for the continued support of my sponsors, Zoot,First Endurance, GU, Ridley, Garmin and Zipp for keeping my body healthy with top of the line products, equipment nutrition, and all of my support keeps my spirit bright and my belief strong. This life is a gift and I feel blessed. Happy training and cheers to a beautiful 2011 season! I’ll continue to blog of the training and races I do in NZ, as well as add photos when I can! I’ll see you all racing this summer in the states!
All of the best! Becky