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Well, it was a tough day for many BSLT 70.3 racers this past Sunday. But for the hubs, so much of it was not in his control. A flat tire on the way to the race, a flat tire during the race, 20mph winds, and 110F heat. Craziness! We just looked at each other after the race, laughed, and said, “oh well, what can ya do?.”
I know what you can do..…
Just endure and move past it. My devotional from that morning summed it up PERFECTLY!
(God’s words)
“Stay Calmly conscious of Me today no matter what. Remember that I go before as long as with you into the day. Nothing Takes me by surprise. I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me. I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents. Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities.”
So here it is, the good and the bad, beginning and the end, the black and the white. 
Race Morning….a little rushed but ready.
Fastest swim and first out of the water and onto the bike.
Waiting for bike updates……and waiting…..
The thumbs down signal on the run. I knew something had gone wrong with that signal! haha.
Now that deserves a thumbs up!
The post race walk to the car. A little slow and tired after getting an IV.
But I think the Oreos might have given him a little pep back (aka sugar high).
Milk’s favorite cookie made for a hungry but happy black and white cookie smile.
That was until the post race sugar rush wore off and the heat came back.
Some cold towels and Gatorade to the rescue!
An hour later we were on the road again back to you Austin.
a little tired, a little dehydrated, but overall in GOOD SPIRITS!
Thanks to all the FABULOUS race crew and local volunteers who took such great care of all those athletes.
And congrats to all those athletes who endured a hard day….smiles and all!
Cheers to a recovery week and quality eats!
LC
whew! glad he got to cool down after and get those oreos in his system! so true, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches!
i know, wonderful devotional to share! i hope the finace enjoys is as much as we do Em! thanks for your kind words as well. Lindsay ________________________________
oh ya, you know how that goes. Just wasn't in the cards. Hope IMLP is nice and cool for you. Lindsay ________________________________
haha, yes the famous FB pictures. I think I scared the crap out of everyone, whoops! thanks for the congrats Jenny. I will pass it along to the hubs.:) Lindsay ________________________________
I saw these pictures on Facebook and didn't want to look like a total dud and ask what happened. I am SO SORRY about the, err, "less than ideal" conditions (putting it mildly). Y'all are WARRIORS! Oh! and major congrats to mister man for the fastest swim. That's BEYOND awesome!!!
Loved your photography – but sorry about the eventful race! Stay cool!
That sounds like crazy tough conditions for you both! PLUS the flats and stuff. But I love your attitudes – you have to roll with the punches. But wow, that looks so so tough!
i love that devotional! i just texted it to my fiance! 🙂 it sounds like things were certainly out of your control but you guys made the best of it! and oreos are a great reward at the end!
it was one of those days where nothing was in our control, ya know? we look back and laugh now. Probably cause it was so CRAZY! haha. Hope your training is going well Tina.:) Lindsay ________________________________
haha, love the peanut gallery comment. Thanks S! Lindsay ________________________________
yes, that verse is pretty amazing! HAppy Wednesday friend! Lindsay ________________________________
What a great verse. Sorry it was such tough race conditions but both of your attitudes towards it is inspiring. 🙂
Props to the always amazing Cotters on this one! What a great tone for what seems like a totally scary kind of a day to me! Congrats, and admiration from the peanut gallery. 🙂
What a great verse! I LOVE That!!! Awesome job to your man on the race! 🙂
it really is crazy! might as well be in a suana, haha. Lindsay ________________________________
Awesome job to your hubs!!!! The heat is just crazy to race in! Love the Oreo pic 🙂
Hehe, yupp, you caught me! I came out of my little burrow that is my office to catch up with my blog friends for a few minutes….then back to work…which is totally what I'm doing now. Yes. Definitely working….
thanks amy. Love that is over and one with, haha. Oreos make everyone smile after a day like that, right? haha Lindsay ________________________________
i know, i wrote that verse down too! a great reminder that we are never given too much. Hope you are all settled. Lindsay ________________________________
tis life! we laugh at the craziness of the day now. Thank goodness its over. haha.Lindsay ________________________________
me too! that would have been way too fun!!Lindsay ________________________________
catching up on blogs friend? hehe. Thanks for checking in on us! cookies made for a great recovery, mentally at least. :)Lindsay ________________________________
thank you michelle! It was a tough day, but we are all in good spirits!Lindsay ________________________________
oh so true friend. God made oreos for a reason. haha. Lindsay ________________________________
Sorry to hear how things went! Good for you, though, for keeping such a positive, upbeat attitude!
oh totally! I could never do what he does. the pressure alone would kill me. haha. I want to hear more about your new job!Lindsay ________________________________
What an grueling race! So glad you were there to support your hubby! And that verse is amazing — I need to write that down and look at it everyday 🙂
Wow looks like a tough race! that heat is killer! it sounds like you were all in good spirits though and he made it through okay, which is great. i love the oreos btw haha those are prob the best cookies ever!
i've just started working for a tri company and oh my gosh… it has completely opened my eyes as to how hard it is! there is a reason there are full time athletes… tri training is no joke! tri races are a whole different kettle of fish!your hubs is a MACHINE i tell you!
oreo's are god's gift to all of us…i swear! hahabut damn those are crazy conditions! what a race tho!
yes, thank you. All is good in the Cotter House and fully recovered. Phew!Lindsay ________________________________
wow, those are some tough conditions! i was worried after one of your tweets sunday, so i'm glad the hubs is ok and good spirits abound!
oreos make the world a better place 🙂 in all seriousness, glad your hubby is okay after that crazy race. hope your week is going well, friend!
Thats such a hard race, and especially in that heat! Being able to just finish in the heat like that is amazing! Keep up the hardwork hubs, and obviously he has such great support from yoU!
I cannot believe those race conditions!! Ridiculous!! You guys are so adorable, though, even on a rough day! I love the cookie smile:).
aaahhh.. what a champ! I wish I could've been there cheering on the sidelines. 🙂
he is much much better! thank you sarena for always checking in. Lindsay ________________________________
totally agree!, and thats the hard thing to watch. Just depends on the day. Well said kalli.Lindsay ________________________________
man Jess, i feel like the luckiest lady with your sweet comments today. Will you please move to austin so I can be spoiled? haha. But really, thank you and I feel the SAME about you and your best friend of a husband, Lindsay ________________________________
I was wonderng what happend to your disqus! oh I have been there. not fun, but it will all work out again. YEA! Lindsay ________________________________
dana,so glad we can encourage each other. Faith is what keeps us going, amen?! Lindsay ________________________________
"Nothing takes me by surprise." I LOVE that. perfect for today!I cannot belive it was 110 degrees…ugh! So glad you both ended in good spirits! Love both of your positive attitudes!!!! 🙂
i think I need to buy him some of those chocolate pretzels next time! haha. where or where did Dave find those? Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
oh he's in full on recovery mood, phew! thanks for kind words. I always wonder how we come across to others. Like the way I see your husband and you cherish and support each others passions! Lindsay________________________________
thanks sam, he's a speedy swimmer. Wish I had those fins. haha. Lindsay ________________________________
i think everyone there was a superhero! especially those volunteers! whoa! Lindsay ________________________________
thanks Jenny! and I hope you are relaxing after that big move! Lindsay ________________________________
What a swim! So sorry that things didn't go as well as you both would have liked, I LOVE your attitude about it. With so many things out of your control he certainly did the best he could! :)Hope you both get some rest and relaxation and I'm wishing you the best for the next race! 🙂
those jumped out at me too! absolutely perfect. I can't wait for you to do another quote book post.;) Lindsay ________________________________
"Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities.” <—LOVE that! I just jotted it down so that I'll remember to add it to my quote book when I get home. Your positive perspective always brings a smile to my face, and puts a bounce in my step. I hope you and The Hubs have recovered from that crazy heat! <3
Your hubs is a true fighter!
Love the pictures! I cannot even fathom the thought of racing in that kind of heat. Your hubby and you of course are superheros in my book.
what a race! those conditions sound miserable. congrats to the husband on the swim!!
wow.. now that's warm! I love how supportive you are of your husband and hearing of your adventures together. It's inspiring! I hope your hubs recovers well.
Texas heat is no joke. I hope everyone starts to feel better soon. Those oreos would sure pick my spirits up too!
He's a trooper! I hope he's recovering well!
I love that you're a believer! SO fantastic. Thanks for sharing your devotion. It's very encouraging :D.
Thats amazing he did awesome given the situation congrats. So on a side note with the changes to the blog we lost my disqus ahhh and all my comments ekkk!! oh well hubby will fix it soon he said!
Your husband is amazing – so strong and can endure so much!! And you, my dear? You are an amazing and supportive wife and I LOVE to hear all about this experience you two share together every time the hubs hits the road for another race. It's truly inspiring. You two are lucky to have eachother!!
thanks for sharing this race recap with us. ilove all the pics. racing is so tough because it is not always about the strongest man/woman winning. other factors play into is as you know flats, mechanicals etc. you hubs did so well getting out of the water first!
Nice! :)Congrats to Hubs and to you for being a good support 🙂
Was there a footnote or anything with the reference? I'd love to know! Thanks!!
Goodness Lindsay, what an event. I hope James is doing better today. I've been thinking about you guys.
Thanks Katie! he's always number one in my book. hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
I am glad that he is okay!!! God totally gives us only so much that we can handle. What a testimony for sure!
the crazy thing is that a few years ago, this race was actually a little cold in the morning and rainy. I blame TX weather! Lindsay ________________________________
thanks Kell! yes, all is goood with the hubs now. RECOVERY is key, right?;) Lindsay ________________________________
oreos save the day. Gotta love that little cookie. Now I gotta make s GF version ASAP! Lindsay ________________________________
oh my gosh, thats scary jess! glad you held on strong. Impressive!Lindsay ________________________________
oreos are vegan? Nice! I was trying to find the GF ones, no luck in lubbock. haha. Lindsay ________________________________
yes m'am. And its lifts so much weight off our shoulders when we do, right? I can't wait to talk with you soon! Lindsay ________________________________
thank you friend, we will definitely rest! I was WIPED yesterday and all i craved was potato chips. Uh, I think I still dehydrated myself. haha. Have a wonderful day in Cali. Lindsay ________________________________
haha, yes that is progress! Next up is portland. YEA!!! How are you feeling post race? Lindsay ________________________________
and thank God for new days and new mornings. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
highs and lows are much more bearable when we have that support system, ya know? Makes us stronger! Well, at least thats what we say to each other.;) Lindsay ________________________________
it actually from my devotional book. http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884Amazing book! I can look up the reference verse if you want. :)Lindsay ________________________________
thank you Chuck! that means so much. And we definitely appreciate ALL your kind words and SUPPORT! Lindsay ________________________________
oh you are so right. He does only gives us what we can handle. Thanks for the great reminder! Lindsay ________________________________
I saw some of your pics on facebook, oh man what a race. A great inspirational words, so true. One thing we always say to each other when things get hard or stressful, is that God only gives us what we can handle. Congrats to everyone!
oh thank you Pam. You are right, the Man up stairs knows best! I leave it to Him! Hope you are recovering well. Great job on your race. I heard that was HOt too!! Lindsay ________________________________
i can relate! this message really helped me let go of that stress. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
ya, I think 'you'd like this HOT one but you are right. Nothing beat that WARM ocean swim and view. Lindsay ________________________________
oh no its the disqus commenting, sometimes it gets stuck. Sorry friend! but I am so glad you can comment now, I LOVE hearing your words of encouragement. Thank you a million times thru and thru!! Lindsay ________________________________
YES I can comment again!! I think Blogger hates me cos I tried to comment at least a thousand times on your last post but it wouldn't let me :(I LOVE that devotional! Especially this: I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me. SO awesome, and so true:)You and the Hubs make an AMAZING team and here's to a great recovery week full of relaxation and Cotter food!!!
That race is on my list of ones I want to do. Sometimes I think I should move to the mainland so i can do all the races I want to. Then I look outside!
What a wonderful verse! I really need to print it out and put it in my wallet! I am a serious stresser in some situations!
Ugh, I can't believe they even hold races in lubbock during the summer months! Crazy race-directors …Glad to hear everything is okay and you guys are able to smile and laugh on 🙂
James is a huge inspiration to me and so are you Lindsay. I really appreciate both of you responding to my e-mails!
What's the reference to the verse you posted? This is definitely something I need to put in my journal to reference in the future!
Hi Lindsay!!Love the devotional! Soo true! Sometimes you just have to leave it to the "man upstairs!" Attitude is everything and you and your hubby have the right ATTITUDE!! 🙂 Everyone should get a 30 min. deduction on their overall time, due to the extreme heat!! (okay…only your hubs.) :)Have a good evening!! 🙂
despite the highs and lows, you guys make such a good team & it's so great to see how completely you support one another!
I'm jsut impressed that he finished! Great job and next time….tomorrow is a new day!
oh boy…thumbs down is a step up from a phone call from the run course! I can't believe the heat…and I don't even want to imagine racing in that! What's up next?? pick somewhere colder than TX in June!
POOR GUY!!! I cannot imagine racing in that weather….and the WIND!?!?! AHHHH!!! You and James are my heroes and your attitude is always AMAZING!!! Enjoy feeding him your amazing eats and REST (BOTH OF YOU!!!)!!!
I can't even imagine try to walk in those conditions, much less swim, bike and run! Congrats to James for giving it his all. I'm so sorry things didn't go well with the flat tires, heat, etc, but I love the verse from your devotional, and it's a wonderful reminder to me that I don't have to feel overwhelmed in life – in those moments, I just need to refocus my faith and give it up to God. Love you, Linds.
AHHH CONGRATS TO JAMES!!! What a pro. Like actually. Omgiahhh since oreos are vegan, if you put them in front of my face they will be gone in two seconds flat.
Wow.. that sounds pretty rough. I'm glad he made it!! Tough cookie. I'm sure there is no worse feeling than seeing your hubby going through that. I did my very first race ever in 37 degree weather – it was SMOKIN hot. I ran past about 15 people that were passed out (with paramedics) part way through the race, people used their hoses to cool us down. I crossed the finish line soaking wet, but at least I wasn't overheated! I hope your hubby feels better soon.
I hope he is proud. I think it takes a few days to process. Thank you for such kind words katy! Lindsay ________________________________
runningforthekitchen.blogspot.com 🙂
I LOVE the pictures! Glad y'all are back safely in Austin! And the hubs did an amazing job!! Wishing y'all a great recovery week!Katie : )
But oh remember your own inspirational blog post! we encourage each other. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
totally steph! God's timing is perfect and humbling. :)Lindsay ________________________________
I am so glad the devotional helped. It spoke to my heart as well jen! Lindsay ________________________________
thank you Kris. You are so encouraging, I just love you!! Lindsay ________________________________
I am such a weenie running in ANY kind of heat, I cannot even imagine. good going on the swim!! and sorry the uncontrollables were working against him. you have such great attitudes, though – and that is where it's at. well, that and oreos.
Thanks, Lindsay, for posting that devotional. I needed that today. 🙂 No way could I endure anything in that kind of heat. Way to keep up a great attitude, though! And, yes, I find that oreos help many woes.
thank you Jess. I'll pass it along to mr. cotter crunch, haha. Lindsay ________________________________
I'm sorry to hear that the race didn't go well, but I am SO encouraged by your Godly spirit. God has such perfect timing (giving you that devotional). I hope ya'll have a good recovery week
You guys are the most inspirational people I have ever known. Truly, such a wonderful attitude. xo
amen to that! We all need a recovery week now. Feel better soon Missy! Lindsay ________________________________
Intenseeeee heat. Wow-za!! I probably would've died on the sidelines. Way to go to Mr. Cotter Crunch 😉
I think you are my virtual life coach. Always such great advice friend. Thank you. Lindsay ________________________________
Good attitude you guys! PLUS don't forget the good swim!
gosh, I think so too. (insert giddy giggles). 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
maybe we should all go to cabo wabo right now to recover! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
I know, that medical tent was BUSY! crazy. How was your race? Lindsay ________________________________
Congrats to hubs! Even though it was miserable conditions, he made it through, and no matter the outcome, he should be proud. Plus. Oreos. They make everything better. 🙂
yes, driving home was tough. It was a 6 hr drive and we had been up since 3:45am. Got home around 10pm. Thank goodness for COFFEE! hehe. Hope you had a great weekend Kath. Lindsay ________________________________
Wow, what a hard race! And I think it's crazy that the athletes have to get home (somehow) and hour later already! I think you can hardly drive yourself after such a race.I love the saying! 🙂
WOW. Definitely grateful for all who took great care of the athletes in such crazy heat! sorry to hear parts did not go as planned but glad you all could leave in such great spirits when it was all over! that is something that is truly inspiring about you Cotters 🙂 Have a wonderful recovery week!
Sounded like scary rough conditions – Definitely a rock star (both of you) for getting through that!
Your husband is a rock star!
You know, that's all you can do – live and learn and move forward. So glad he's doing just fine after the race at least. Hope you both were able to rest up today.
You know, that's all you can do – live and learn and move forward. So glad he's doing just fine after the race at least. Hope you both were able to rest up today.
Oreos sound like the perfect way to combat a not-so-good race! Enjoy your recovery week.
You're a great wife! I'm sure your husband is so thankful to have you there to take care of him after a race. I hope he's feeling fully recovered soon.