Plan, Attempt, Reorganize, Repeat
Now racing in February 2026
Oh hey! Been a while. Welcome to a very quick update.
Finding a flow in the past year or so has been difficult. In battling with injuries, initiating Gaucho Derby training, and deferring for a financial buffer, I have been almost constantly shifting lifestyles.
“You’re going to be okay, you’re not crippled and you can recover.” Unexpectedly powerful words. Why did I tear up? Did I subconsciously believe that I would never be able to recover? Maybe, the pain has been with me long enough to forget the option of full recovery. (I seem to be really good at re-tweaking injuries. Yes, I am actively treating myself.)
“You’re a person of passion. It’s okay that you haven’t settled down or found a long-term plan yet.” I slumped a little. Is that relieving to hear? I do feel passion in my pursuits, gratefully, but does that mean my lifestyle has to be so energy-costly?
“Deferring seems to be a blessing and a curse for you.” Agreed. More time to save money, reach out to potential sponsors, and do any fundraising, but… I still have to move on with my life. The Gaucho Derby isn’t my “final test”, even if it’s the farthest ahead I can plan right now.
A strange feeling, to have this commitment with no concrete methods of getting there. I can train in endurance sports, ride horses, camp, acquire gear, etc., but what exactly does that look like? Endless ideas must be whittled into action.
I committed to 10 months as a wrangler, riding and conditioning horses. My expectations for the opportunity were high. Oops.
I said goodbye after 5 months.
Okay, reorganize.
A little less yeehaw, a little more pitter patter. My fitness focus shifted to my own feet, peddling and running. My bike was a source of joy for commuting and working out. On a bigger day, maybe I’d spontaneously bike 30 miles to work my body and drink in the scenery. Almost every day, I used it for running errands, accessing trail networks, and getting to community events. On days I wanted less joy, I ran a couple of miles. A good way to condition without a horse.
Wait - my bike is gone. Cut from the lock. My back hurts, restrained (ultimate frisbee, another oops).
Okay, reorganize.
Now you’re (mostly) caught up. The weather is crisp and the snow is creeping in. I have broken into a community that is so, so kind and has presented numerous opportunities. I can exercise ride several horses, participate in art and meditation classes, learn how to build another bike… the list goes on. Oh, and my day job? Installing holiday lights. Sounds kind of silly, right? But hey, the best views in the neighborhood are from the rooftops. And I’m tipped in cookies. Wanna join the crew?
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