Last I wrote, I was hitting a major quarter life crisis. Update: I am still in the midst of a quarter life crisis whirlwind. But, I'm thinking that I've found some direction on my ever changing life compass.
2015: THE YEAR I RUN ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
No, you do not need to set down that glass of wine or get your eyes checked. You read that correctly. I will be part of a team of 18-25 year old young adults running from San Francisco, CA to Baltimore, MD. Over the course of 4,000 miles and 49 days, the team of 30 will be raising awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults while simultaneously creating memories to last a lifetime.
If you've read my blog before, you may remember 2013: the year I biked across the country. That trip is one that I cannot go a day without mentioning at least once. That trip is one that I will forever hold dear to my heart. That trip is one that brought 26 of the weirdest, quirkiest, funniest people into my life. And I can't wait to welcome a new group of crazies into my life adventure!
Whenever I tell people that I am taking part in 4k For Cancer, the first question I usually get is, "WHY?" I wish I had a better riposte than "I can't commit to the real world" or "I have a distractingly strong passion for helping others" or "well, why not?" Unfortunately, I do not.
I will shyly admit that part of this run is selfish. All of my aforementioned answers are true. I can't commit to the real world. I have yet to find the thing that makes my heart beat fastest and still pays the bills. Apparently those two things do not collide in my world... yet. So, until then I will continue finding wild adventures that fill that hole for me. But, this run has a much deeper purpose than my small selfish one.
This run is to raise money and awareness for The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, to hopefully heighten the spirits of those battling the Big C, to ensure that no adolescent or young adult feels as though they are facing cancer alone. I run for those who can't run... yet. I run for those who can't leave their hospital bed... yet. I run for those who, because of treatment, can't travel... yet. I run for those whose dreams are put on hold and haven't been achieved... yet. I also run for those families and friends who have lost loved ones to such a brutal disease. I run to raise money to help those suffering. I run to raise money to eradicate a terrible disease so that people CAN get out of their hospital beds and run, skip, jump, play, hug loved ones, laugh with friends and anything else their hearts desire. I run to remind myself to be thankful for my health. I run after a bad day to clear my mind. But most importantly, I run to make a difference.
Help me run by donating here: http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/margarett-frisby/
Monday, December 29, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Quarter Century
Well, I've officially hit the quarter century mark. I turned 25 on Monday and I still haven't quite figured out how I feel. Saying that I am 25 years old seems so adult, so responsible, so... old. In the weeks leading up to my 25th birthday, I began to panic. I looked around and began comparing myself to others and what they have achieved. Some of my peers have bought houses, gotten married, had babies, have careers and really seem to have it together as far as "life plans" go. Then, I looked at myself. What have do I have to show for my early twenties?? The closer my birthday got, the more I began reflecting on my last few years and I realized, I have lived life completely to its fullest. I'm hoping this review of my last few years might help other "lost" mid twenty-year olds realize that it's okay to feel lost and confused; it's okay to experience heartbreak and feel like a complete disaster; it's okay to live pay check to pay check sometimes/all the time; it's all okay, as long as you are happy.
In my early twenties, I experienced that aforementioned heartbreak. Not just a romantic heartbreak (though I did have my share of that), but my heart broke for many around me. Shortly after I turned 21, my college town of Tuscaloosa was torn to pieces by an incredibly devastating EF4, multi-vortex tornado. Homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and the city was left nearly in shambles. Hearts, homes, spirits and belongings were broken. I have never experienced anything like that, and I honestly hope I never have to again. But, out of heartbreak and devastation grew community and hope. The outpouring of love and assistance nationwide was the most powerful, inspiring and moving things to witness. The city of Tuscaloosa blossomed and people joined together to help rebuild a city that we all love so dearly. As the volunteer coordinator for the University of Alabama Triathlon team, I had the opportunity to truly make a difference in the rebuilding efforts. Being able to help rebuild homes and organize volunteer efforts was extremely challenging, but I will never forget how it felt to work side by side with homeowners as we cleaned up their yards and pieced back together spirits. We were all in it together.
After graduating from the University of Alabama, I picked up and moved to Mobile, AL. I didn't really have a plan, I didn't have any family in the area, and I had only actually been there one time before. I could've easily moved back home with my parents and figured it out from there. But, instead, I put myself in a completely unfamiliar situation and forced myself to grow. For 6 months, I consistently worked two jobs, still trained for triathlons and managed to maintain a healthy relationship (which is still going strong 2.5 years later). I learned a lot about myself and about people in the "real world." I worked myself to the bone a lot of times, but failure was not an option. Sometime during those 6 months, I began to have the "post college panic" and worried that I wasn't getting everything out of life that I wanted. So, I applied for Bike and Build, which was the BEST decision I have ever made.
Three days after turning 23, my application for Bike and Build was accepted and I was officially going to bike across the United States (a goal I had since I was in 5th grade). I then faced the challenge of individually raising $4,500 in a matter of 6 months. While still working 40-60 hours a week, I was able to raise that money through endless fundraising efforts and support from my family and friends. Towards the middle of May 2013, I packed my belongings in a Rubbermaid container, put my bike in the car and headed off the Nags Head, NC. When I arrived, I met 26 other extremely nervous and excited 18-25 year olds, none of whom I had ever met. Through the next 10 weeks, we bonded, we cried, we laughed A LOT, we biked and we built. 14 days of those 10 weeks were spent alongside local Affordable Housing groups building homes. If you look back through my blog, you will find many posts from Bike and Build. I read them often and reminisce about those amazing 70 days.
About 2 months after returning to real life, post Bike and Build Blues hit me hard. After such an incredible experience biking across the country, I was spending my days sitting at a desk, working a job I didn't particularly like. What in the world was I doing? I needed something to keep my heart and mind busy. As a result, I challenged myself to race Ironman New Orleans 70.3. My life turned into long work days, followed by long workouts. I dedicated a huge part of my life to training for this race and things were going pretty well! This all changed on April 4th. I was stepping onto the treadmill to work on some intervals and loosen my legs as the race was 9 days away. It was my mom calling to tell me that they were on their way to Nashville and that my grandfather had passed away suddenly. I immediately left the gym, packed my bags and organized a trip to Nashville with my sister. The next morning at 5 am, I left South Alabama and drove to Birmingham to meet Katherine so that we could continue to trek up the Nashville. We arrived in Nashville to discover my parents and my grandmother trying to clean up the house. We knew my grandmother was having some memory issues and we were working on getting her and my grandfather moved to Memphis so they could be near my parents. But, we discovered upon our arrival that my grandmother now had full blown dementia. As an only child, my mother was struggling with all of this and we only became closer those 6 days we spent in Nashville. Due to the short notice, I did not pack anything for training except for running clothes. Six months of hard training only to be thwarted by 6 days of mourning, no appetite, barely any workouts, and thoughts of withdrawing from the race.
After talking with my coach and my racing buddy, they understood my thoughts about withdrawing but strongly encouraged me to race. After the funeral, my sister and I drove back to Birmingham and I continued my drive to Mobile. Arriving around 11 pm that Thursday evening, I slept for a few hours and went to work Friday morning, came home Friday evening and began to pack for Ironman. Saturday morning, Jordan helped me load the car and we set off for New Orleans. After a week long emotional rollercoaster, I was pretty much a disaster those 24 hours leading up to the race. But, Jordan stood strong by me and did everything he could to help.
Race day was finally here. 5 am alarm, followed by a jittery breakfast. We drove to the race site and Jordan dropped me off so I could get into transition. Low and behold I had forgotten my cycling shoes and sunscreen. Thanks to those around me in transition, I was able to get my shoes and share sunscreen. But, talk about a rough start to the morning! After calming my nerves a bit, my racing buddy, Gina, and I set off to the swim start. The swim went well and I was feeling great coming out of the water and going through transition. But, then the bike portion began... Between dropped chains, flat tires, busted water bottles and extreme wind and heat, I never thought those 56 miles would end. I finally made it back to transition and sat down on the ground and started crying. There was no way I could finish this race. I was already nearly 90 minutes behind my goal times and I felt completely broken. Through my tears, I looked up and saw Jordan standing outside of transition cheering for me and encouraging me to get up. I slowly, but surely, put on my running shoes and started slowly trotting out of transition. As I came out of the shoot, I started crying to Jordan that I couldn't do it. I was almost completely defeated. But, for the entire first mile, Jordan walked/ran alongside me encouraging me and telling me that I could do this. And I did! Crossing that finish line was one of the most emotional and incredible feelings I have, or likely ever will, experience. I will never forget hearing them call my name and Jordan grabbing me up in a bear hug at the end of the race.
After settling into post Ironman life, I began to get antsy again and decided it was time for a change. After 2.5 years of living in Mobile, I quit my job and moved to Orange Beach. I had always wanted to live at the beach and I was beginning to realize how unhappy I was sitting at a desk day in and day out. I couldn't do it anymore. I am now working a job that I thoroughly enjoy, though it's challenging and ever-changing. I love living in Orange Beach and I'm not sure I'll ever move (I say that now, but I'm sure I'll get antsy again). I am preparing to race Ironman New Orleans again in April and gearing up for 2015 triathlon season. Who knows what is to come! Let's see what you have, 25!
While reliving some of these moments, I felt all the emotions again. I felt the sadness of Tuscaloosa, I felt the excitement of Bike and Build, I felt the emotions of missing my grandfather, I felt the happy tears of crossing the finish line. I've definitely experienced some obstacles in the last few years, but I know they are only preparing me for what is to come. Sure, I might feel lost some days. But, one thing remains constant. I love my life and I love the challenges that life brings my way. I am beyond excited to see what this next year holds for me. And I can't wait to bring y'all along for the ride!
In my early twenties, I experienced that aforementioned heartbreak. Not just a romantic heartbreak (though I did have my share of that), but my heart broke for many around me. Shortly after I turned 21, my college town of Tuscaloosa was torn to pieces by an incredibly devastating EF4, multi-vortex tornado. Homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and the city was left nearly in shambles. Hearts, homes, spirits and belongings were broken. I have never experienced anything like that, and I honestly hope I never have to again. But, out of heartbreak and devastation grew community and hope. The outpouring of love and assistance nationwide was the most powerful, inspiring and moving things to witness. The city of Tuscaloosa blossomed and people joined together to help rebuild a city that we all love so dearly. As the volunteer coordinator for the University of Alabama Triathlon team, I had the opportunity to truly make a difference in the rebuilding efforts. Being able to help rebuild homes and organize volunteer efforts was extremely challenging, but I will never forget how it felt to work side by side with homeowners as we cleaned up their yards and pieced back together spirits. We were all in it together.
After graduating from the University of Alabama, I picked up and moved to Mobile, AL. I didn't really have a plan, I didn't have any family in the area, and I had only actually been there one time before. I could've easily moved back home with my parents and figured it out from there. But, instead, I put myself in a completely unfamiliar situation and forced myself to grow. For 6 months, I consistently worked two jobs, still trained for triathlons and managed to maintain a healthy relationship (which is still going strong 2.5 years later). I learned a lot about myself and about people in the "real world." I worked myself to the bone a lot of times, but failure was not an option. Sometime during those 6 months, I began to have the "post college panic" and worried that I wasn't getting everything out of life that I wanted. So, I applied for Bike and Build, which was the BEST decision I have ever made.
Three days after turning 23, my application for Bike and Build was accepted and I was officially going to bike across the United States (a goal I had since I was in 5th grade). I then faced the challenge of individually raising $4,500 in a matter of 6 months. While still working 40-60 hours a week, I was able to raise that money through endless fundraising efforts and support from my family and friends. Towards the middle of May 2013, I packed my belongings in a Rubbermaid container, put my bike in the car and headed off the Nags Head, NC. When I arrived, I met 26 other extremely nervous and excited 18-25 year olds, none of whom I had ever met. Through the next 10 weeks, we bonded, we cried, we laughed A LOT, we biked and we built. 14 days of those 10 weeks were spent alongside local Affordable Housing groups building homes. If you look back through my blog, you will find many posts from Bike and Build. I read them often and reminisce about those amazing 70 days.
About 2 months after returning to real life, post Bike and Build Blues hit me hard. After such an incredible experience biking across the country, I was spending my days sitting at a desk, working a job I didn't particularly like. What in the world was I doing? I needed something to keep my heart and mind busy. As a result, I challenged myself to race Ironman New Orleans 70.3. My life turned into long work days, followed by long workouts. I dedicated a huge part of my life to training for this race and things were going pretty well! This all changed on April 4th. I was stepping onto the treadmill to work on some intervals and loosen my legs as the race was 9 days away. It was my mom calling to tell me that they were on their way to Nashville and that my grandfather had passed away suddenly. I immediately left the gym, packed my bags and organized a trip to Nashville with my sister. The next morning at 5 am, I left South Alabama and drove to Birmingham to meet Katherine so that we could continue to trek up the Nashville. We arrived in Nashville to discover my parents and my grandmother trying to clean up the house. We knew my grandmother was having some memory issues and we were working on getting her and my grandfather moved to Memphis so they could be near my parents. But, we discovered upon our arrival that my grandmother now had full blown dementia. As an only child, my mother was struggling with all of this and we only became closer those 6 days we spent in Nashville. Due to the short notice, I did not pack anything for training except for running clothes. Six months of hard training only to be thwarted by 6 days of mourning, no appetite, barely any workouts, and thoughts of withdrawing from the race.
After talking with my coach and my racing buddy, they understood my thoughts about withdrawing but strongly encouraged me to race. After the funeral, my sister and I drove back to Birmingham and I continued my drive to Mobile. Arriving around 11 pm that Thursday evening, I slept for a few hours and went to work Friday morning, came home Friday evening and began to pack for Ironman. Saturday morning, Jordan helped me load the car and we set off for New Orleans. After a week long emotional rollercoaster, I was pretty much a disaster those 24 hours leading up to the race. But, Jordan stood strong by me and did everything he could to help.
Race day was finally here. 5 am alarm, followed by a jittery breakfast. We drove to the race site and Jordan dropped me off so I could get into transition. Low and behold I had forgotten my cycling shoes and sunscreen. Thanks to those around me in transition, I was able to get my shoes and share sunscreen. But, talk about a rough start to the morning! After calming my nerves a bit, my racing buddy, Gina, and I set off to the swim start. The swim went well and I was feeling great coming out of the water and going through transition. But, then the bike portion began... Between dropped chains, flat tires, busted water bottles and extreme wind and heat, I never thought those 56 miles would end. I finally made it back to transition and sat down on the ground and started crying. There was no way I could finish this race. I was already nearly 90 minutes behind my goal times and I felt completely broken. Through my tears, I looked up and saw Jordan standing outside of transition cheering for me and encouraging me to get up. I slowly, but surely, put on my running shoes and started slowly trotting out of transition. As I came out of the shoot, I started crying to Jordan that I couldn't do it. I was almost completely defeated. But, for the entire first mile, Jordan walked/ran alongside me encouraging me and telling me that I could do this. And I did! Crossing that finish line was one of the most emotional and incredible feelings I have, or likely ever will, experience. I will never forget hearing them call my name and Jordan grabbing me up in a bear hug at the end of the race.
After settling into post Ironman life, I began to get antsy again and decided it was time for a change. After 2.5 years of living in Mobile, I quit my job and moved to Orange Beach. I had always wanted to live at the beach and I was beginning to realize how unhappy I was sitting at a desk day in and day out. I couldn't do it anymore. I am now working a job that I thoroughly enjoy, though it's challenging and ever-changing. I love living in Orange Beach and I'm not sure I'll ever move (I say that now, but I'm sure I'll get antsy again). I am preparing to race Ironman New Orleans again in April and gearing up for 2015 triathlon season. Who knows what is to come! Let's see what you have, 25!
While reliving some of these moments, I felt all the emotions again. I felt the sadness of Tuscaloosa, I felt the excitement of Bike and Build, I felt the emotions of missing my grandfather, I felt the happy tears of crossing the finish line. I've definitely experienced some obstacles in the last few years, but I know they are only preparing me for what is to come. Sure, I might feel lost some days. But, one thing remains constant. I love my life and I love the challenges that life brings my way. I am beyond excited to see what this next year holds for me. And I can't wait to bring y'all along for the ride!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Re: Do What Makes Your Heart Beat Fastest
My last post was about accomplishing goals and sticking with it even after some setbacks. If you've read my blog consistently, you know that last summer I spent 10 weeks biking across the country with 26 other amazing young adults. Throughout that trip, we all had many trials, tribulations and mountains to climb (literally and figuratively). But, we all survived and we did it together.
Today, the video for our trip was posted. Talk about emotions and bittersweet heartache. I miss this trip and those people more than I ever could have imagined. If you have 25 minutes to spare, check out our video. It'll be worth your time, and might inspire you!
Love you all, and happy valentines day!
Today, the video for our trip was posted. Talk about emotions and bittersweet heartache. I miss this trip and those people more than I ever could have imagined. If you have 25 minutes to spare, check out our video. It'll be worth your time, and might inspire you!
Love you all, and happy valentines day!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Do What Makes Your Heart Beat Fastest
We are seven weeks into 2014 and I am willing to place bets on the percentage of people who have fallen off the path of sticking to their New Years Resolutions. I'd say about 86% of people are no longer attempting to conquer their weight loss, better organization, and not posting as many drunk pictures to Facebook. And I can't say I blame them.
For me, the main purpose of New Years Resolutions is to create goals for myself to be better than I was the previous year, in whatever way I see fit. This year, I signed up for a Half Iron Man and I also have the goal to switch careers and return to school. I am scared to death of all of those things but, simultaneously so excited about the possibilities. In my opinion, setting goals and being afraid of them is a good thing and shows that attempting to accomplish such endeavors will change you, regardless of if you succeed or fail.
Starting new things is hard, and sticking to them is even harder. In this time between New Years and Lent, we have the Super Bowl, Valentines day, St Patricks Day and Mardi Gras; four holidays full of gluttony and partying. These holidays can be tough on sticking to goals because who doesn't want to sit in bed and enjoy pints of ice cream and wine on Valentines day, or shamrocked for St Patricks day?
Don't get me wrong, I am the first to tell you that I can easily down a pint of ice cream in one sitting and hold my own with the best of them along Dauphin Street (because Mardi Gras in the United States actually originated in Mobile, not New Orleans). But, I don't allow these things to get in the way of my goals. There are actually very few things I allow to temporarily set me back, and one of them is not fear.
I refuse to allow fear to be a factor in my life. I am extremely blessed to have a supportive family, group of friends and boyfriend who will stand beside me even if I leap and fall flat on my face. Not reaching my goals is not failure, it is only a temporary setback. It is lessons learned, plans reconstructed, goals reevaluated, and a larger fire in my belly to succeed.
Why do we so often let one setback completely destroy our self confidence we have worked years to build, or deter us from creating a new path for success? Why do we let fear take such a grip on our hearts and minds that we don't believe in ourselves?
I say it's time for that to stop! Let's move forward together, accomplish what we started, and make 2014 our bitch . There are 45 more weeks for us to tackle and perfect our ambitions, but the time to start is today.
By bettering ourselves, we will better this world. Accomplish your weight loss goal, keep your stuff more organized, show up to work on time, perform random acts of kindness, complete an athletic feat, carry out your goals, whatever they may be.
Most importantly, do what makes you happy, makes you excited, and makes your heart beat fastest.
Monday, January 6, 2014
One Thing to do Before...
Recently, there has been a mass influx of lists of 20-something things for 20-somethings to accomplish before marriage, before turning 25 or 30, before getting a real job, before this, before that. Who knew there was such a timeline on our lives?
I, for one, did not.
In case you don't know what articles I am talking about, here is a small selection I have picked from which you can choose:
23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged at 23
A Response To: 23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged at 23
25 Things to do Before You Turn 25
30 Things to do Before You Turn 30
I could go on forever with these links, but I'm sure you get the idea.
While I do agree with certain points in all of the articles listed above, I hate the fact that 20-somethings are essentially shaming other 20-somethings because they chose, or have not chosen, to get married at an early age. Haven't the millennials realized that we should stick together and support each other?
I originally completely supported the first link because I, personally, could not imagine being married at 23. I have changed so much in the last few years and I am not sure I could have grown as much as I have if I were married. However, I know some very happily married 23 year olds who I actually believe have wed their soul mates. I backed off the bandwagon of not getting married when I saw this post from a girl who went to my high school:
I think it is time we stop creating lists of things we should be doing before a certain age or milestone and just focus on the lives we are trying to piece together each day. These lists cause us to compare our lives to the lives of others and it's unfair to both parties. Instead, let's put that energy towards happiness, experiences (good and bad), learning lessons, helping others out of the good of our hearts, laughing with friends, traveling, getting married, weaving baskets underwater, and whatever else makes YOU happy.
So, in conclusion, please do ONE thing before you die: be happy.
Try it, and maybe you won't be so concerned about the what everyone else is doing. After all, you can only live one life and it's your own.
I, for one, did not.
In case you don't know what articles I am talking about, here is a small selection I have picked from which you can choose:
23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged at 23
A Response To: 23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged at 23
25 Things to do Before You Turn 25
30 Things to do Before You Turn 30
I could go on forever with these links, but I'm sure you get the idea.
While I do agree with certain points in all of the articles listed above, I hate the fact that 20-somethings are essentially shaming other 20-somethings because they chose, or have not chosen, to get married at an early age. Haven't the millennials realized that we should stick together and support each other?
I originally completely supported the first link because I, personally, could not imagine being married at 23. I have changed so much in the last few years and I am not sure I could have grown as much as I have if I were married. However, I know some very happily married 23 year olds who I actually believe have wed their soul mates. I backed off the bandwagon of not getting married when I saw this post from a girl who went to my high school:
I'm seeing so many posts supporting the idea that getting married young is the equivalent to missing out on so many other things. While I know getting married young isn't for everyone, I just have to say that marrying Drew last may (i was 23) has led to the most amazing blessings. If I have any kind of wonderful opportunity in my life, it absolutely is made wonderful by the fact that he is beside me and I thank the Lord that because I married him young, that means more years with him. (Erin Turberville)
Reading that status and these articles made me stop and reflect on my life to this point. As a 24 year old, I am happy to admit that I am not quite sure where I'll be in the next 5 years, I don't necessarily loooooooooooove my job, some weeks I live paycheck to paycheck, and sometimes I don't wear underwear because I haven't quite gotten around to doing laundry thanks to Netflix marathons. I am happy in my almost 2 year relationship with my boyfriend, and I am happy that we aren't engaged or rushing to get married. (I am not saying I don't want those things, but I am extremely happy with where we are and I am enjoying just dating him.) I am happy that sometimes there is more beer in the fridge than food, I am happy that I have amazing friends who are accomplishing great things (whether they realize that or not). The most important part of all of that is that I am HAPPY. I think it is time we stop creating lists of things we should be doing before a certain age or milestone and just focus on the lives we are trying to piece together each day. These lists cause us to compare our lives to the lives of others and it's unfair to both parties. Instead, let's put that energy towards happiness, experiences (good and bad), learning lessons, helping others out of the good of our hearts, laughing with friends, traveling, getting married, weaving baskets underwater, and whatever else makes YOU happy.
So, in conclusion, please do ONE thing before you die: be happy.
Try it, and maybe you won't be so concerned about the what everyone else is doing. After all, you can only live one life and it's your own.
New Year, New Blog
This is a short and sweet post. I'd like to thank my readers for taking time out of your busy lives to read my thoughts. It means more than you know.
As you can see, I have made some changes to the page as I am now posting about adventures other than Bike and Build. I've got a few things up my sleeve for the year and I'd like to get my thoughts out here. I hope that my musings and ramblings bring light and happiness, or at least a little laughter, to your days!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)