You know when you have one of those weeks ( or days, hours, moments, etc.) when everything just seems to go wrong? It’s starts with one thing then just escalates from there? Yup, that was our past week and weekend. But in hindsight, we laugh. Because although it didn’t go as planned, we still were safe, had fun, and were with each other.
So… let me begin. 12 days ago (after the hubs victory race), James caught a virus and got sick. It lasted 10 days. No workouts, at all! He got in one run before this weekend. We figured he might as well go and race since he really had nothing to lose, right? Haha. So we packed our bags, the good travel food, and were ready for an easy trip down to Kemah.
Well, his car ended up needing repair so we had a late start. Then we got stuck in a down pour of a thunderstorm and missed the pro meeting. Oh well, no sweat, right? We’ll just email the race director, and we did.
Once we got there and got him registered, we ventured off to find out hotel. Yes, I booked this hotel 3 weeks ago and had a confirmation number. Apparently that did not matter because they did not have our reservation. We called the helpline and they seemed to have our registration but the hotel did not. Hmmm.. sketchy. So off we went in search of a new hotel, at 7pm on race night.
After the third hotel stop, I begged the Super 8 hotel man to let us stay and told him our situation. God bless him because he actually gave us the last cancellation. We were able to get into a handicapped room and he gave us a discount. At this point we are tired, hungry, and soaked (from rain). More thunderstorms rolled in and we decided to just hit the sack early.
4AM came way too early and so did the horrible coffee we inhaled. 
Around 4:30am we got an email saying they had canceled the bike due to flooding. Yep, flooding. Just a swim run duathlon would be taking place.
Okay, not a problem. Right?
3 hrs later we finally get to the boat dock and put James on the boat. Oh, I forgot to mention that they were suppose to jump off a boat (1.2 miles out) and swim in. And instead of doing 2 boat trips for elites and age groupers, everyone was going to go on one boat at 7:45am now. No prob. But wait, James forgot his swim cap. Ohhh, we laugh. And we scrounge.
I wait for the gun to go off and the elites to jump in the water for the swim.
See that little boat below? That’s where they were to jump off, eek!
It was rough, rocky, and still a bit rainy. Finally I see 2 pack of swimmer coming in. One group was way right (due to the current) and one was way left, not even near the buoys. James got caught in the current and pushed to the right, way out. It was a mess (for him at least).
7th out the water and on the .. run? But wait, there was a half mile run to transition. You had to take your cap with you to transition and drop it there in order in order to stay qualified (since there was no bike). James was running strong but then forgot to take his swim cap with him to transition. He ran all the way back to the swim finish (lost 4 minutes on the run) to get the cap and then ran back. Bad move overall, but at least he played by the rules.
Well that put him just out of the top 10. Not a happy camper but hey.. it was that kind of weekend. We’re home, we’re laughing, we survived the weekend and well… WE’RE GLAD it’s OVER!
Today is marvelous for that reason. Over, done with, moving ON! Phew!
Please tell me you’ve had one of those weeks, weekends, etc.?
Do you laugh at it after? Hope so because it sure does help ease the pain. Haha!
Cheers,
LC
p.s.
I’m answering a Q&A Healthy Bites session over at Abby’s blog. Go check it out!
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
Sign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my
katie says
April 29, 2013 at 5:50 AMGirl I know how you feel, sometimes things start off bad and end up just being bad, but other times they turn out ok. I am sorry for all of the troubles leading up to the race and then him not finishing where he wanted, but kudos to him for finishing and giving it his all! Your hubby rocks!
Love you! Happy Monday!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 6:38 AMyep, and we laugh now, thankfully! Happy MIMM lovely!
Amanda @ Click. The Good News says
April 29, 2013 at 6:39 AMWhat a crazy weekend! I’d forgot you were in this part of the country…that totally stinks that it wasn’t a full race, but sounds like you both just rolled with it and made the most of a crazy weekend.
Kat says
April 29, 2013 at 6:56 AMWow what a crazy race weekend! So much has to come together with travel and add a race and it’s stressful at times!
Jessie says
April 29, 2013 at 6:58 AMAwe love, I’m glad you two were able to laugh about it after it was all said n done. Bless your souls! Heres a tip: If you book through a 3rd party (expedia especially), your reservation may not always get sent through. Always call the hotel right after you book the room… just something I learned from working @ hotels.
.. and after your weekend, go grab yourself & drink and have a fabulous day<3
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 7:50 AMthat’s the weird part, we did book through the hotel directly. I think they were just clueless. haha
Coco says
April 29, 2013 at 7:06 AMWhat doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right?! You guys rock!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 7:50 AMYES YES! I’m singing the Kelly Clarkson song today! haha
Miz says
April 29, 2013 at 7:09 AMOMGOSH I HAD ONE OF THOSE YESTERDAYS too.
xoxox
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
April 29, 2013 at 7:12 AMWow, what a hectic weekend!! Sometimes all you can do is laugh 🙂
Christa @ Edible Balance says
April 29, 2013 at 7:26 AMOh wow… just one thing after another! I love your spirit and thankful heart. I’m sure it’s far easier looking back on it all instead of being smack dab in the middle. Love you crazy Cotters! 😉
Abby @ Change of Pace says
April 29, 2013 at 7:34 AMCrazy weekend! It just kept going, hey?! I think the only thing you could do was laugh!
Hope you two enjoyed some wine after that!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
April 29, 2013 at 7:36 AMGood grief. He should get a medal just for showing up to that one!!! I can’t believe they still had the swim with the weather and choppiness. That’s all mental strength right there! I hope he’s proud!!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
April 29, 2013 at 7:44 AMOh, yes… it all comes at once sometimes!! The storms were really bad- I had another friend racing at Kemah too, wish I had planned to go, could have cheered along with you! I’m so glad you can laugh at it- really, what else can you do? 🙂
Jody - Fit at 55 says
April 29, 2013 at 7:44 AMYIKES!!!!!!!!!!!! So sorry for all that craziness… not a fun weekend BUT hopefully it is all up from there! 🙂 Honest on the hotel that messed up your reservation, I would write a letter & see if you can get a comp at any of their locations in the future – NOT GOOD of them!
Hugs to you both & hope nobody got sick from the weather!!!
Bre says
April 29, 2013 at 7:55 AMI’m sorry that this wekeend was less than awesome, but I can’t help but giggle as I read this post. Not b/c it’s funny but because I can totally relate and I frequently find myself on race weekends like this where everything and anything that can go wrong does and by the end of it you just have to laugh. Next race will go much smoother! and none of this cancelled bike course!? (ughhhh…)
Brittany says
April 29, 2013 at 8:17 AMYikes – my husband did the Kemah Oly also and it sounded like a mess! He never got the email at 4:30 AM (we don’t know why), so he didn’t know that it was changed to one boat and got there late and had to scramble! I think he also didn’t like the 1/2 mile barefoot run to transition. I’m kind of glad I was out of town to miss this tri…
Kim K says
April 29, 2013 at 8:22 AMoh no!!!!! totally stinks that it was one of those ‘when it rains, it pours’ type of days, but so glad you guys are able to laugh about it now. race season is just starting, so many more to nail in the future! 🙂
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:37 PMyes, i keep telling him that too!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
April 29, 2013 at 8:23 AMugh…that swim cap rule seems silly 🙁
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:39 PMtotally, and they changed it all up last minute. But at least he was paying attention to the rules. haha
Kim says
April 29, 2013 at 8:28 AMI’m impressed that you are already able to laugh about the weekend – Yuck!! I guess it will make the next race weekend that much easier!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:38 PMlet’s hope so!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots says
April 29, 2013 at 8:31 AMYour hubby is a trooper!! I would have given up I think! He is lucky to have such a good cheerleader 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
April 29, 2013 at 8:39 AMSounds like an adventure to say the least…
I’m glad you guys are done with that and staying positive. It’s way better to laugh than cry, right?! Have a great week friend!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:40 PMi think i did both! haha
Bonnie says
April 29, 2013 at 9:18 AMAhh! Definitely a crazy weekend! Everything literally did go wrong. 😉 …except that you guys had incredible attitudes to laugh your way through it and move on. So great! Thanks for sharing and for having such a good attitude – speaks volumes to those like me reading! All in all, I still say way to go James – and bonus that the pictures look good. 😉
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
April 29, 2013 at 9:40 AMI’ve not only had one of these weeks, but more than I care to count. They make for good memories though. And am I a horrible person for reading your post with a smile on my face? Not because of all the nasties you had to go through, but because of your attitude towards it? I can just completely relate to having everything that can possible go wrong, go wrong, and then looking back at it and laughing.
Hope this week is off to a better start for you, Lindsay!
Mamarunsbarefoot says
April 29, 2013 at 10:46 AMWow a half a mile to transition??? You know you really are amazing! what an awesome partner he has in you!
Amanda @runtothefinish says
April 29, 2013 at 10:47 AMOh heavens!! I saw the photos on FB, but goodness the rest of the story! What a messy weekend, but like you said multiple times there wasn’t much you could do but just roll with it and whatever happened happened.
You make my weekend seem better…sitting in a new apt with no furniture all day to get the cats settled, then going to a random hotel to sleep, shower, come back. I thought the cats were going to have a heart attack when I shoved them in their carriers to drive to Orlando…never again!
Kristi @ Sweetly Fit says
April 29, 2013 at 11:15 AMSometimes laughing is all you can do. I’ve been there! Glad you guys are safe and sound and wishing you a wonderful new week!
Jess says
April 29, 2013 at 11:21 AMWHAT a weekend — and the sheer fact that you two could laugh about ANY of it is amazing. You two have such great attitudes and an amazing relationship, that much is clear. I am constantly struck by you two!!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
April 29, 2013 at 12:12 PMI’m sorry to hear it was such a challenging weekend for you two. That’s no fun. But, yes, sometimes all you can do is laugh about it. In fact, I had a moment of this just yesterday (which doesn’t quite compare to your whole weekend, but similar nonetheless). I was making my batch of almond butter, when somehow (must have underestimated my strength!), I pushed the tamper through the hole too hard, and it when straight into the blades. At first I cried, because I thought I had ruined my Vitamix, but Bob calmed me down and I realized I just ruined the tamper . . . and a big batch of almond butter. We were laughing about it later, but it was quite the clean-up at the time.
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:43 PMoh too funny! pretty sure i have done that several times with my vitamix and my heart skips a beat from fear!
Katie says
April 29, 2013 at 12:17 PMWow. What a story. I mean, when it rains it pours, huh? Literally, in this case.
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:42 PMhaha, yes. And I’m done with rain now. Move on april showers
Allie says
April 29, 2013 at 12:18 PMWowza, what a CRAZY time! I feel so bad for the hubs and you! Everything was just crazy, huh?! Well, I’m glad it’s over, too! There’s always next time!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
April 29, 2013 at 12:20 PMoh geez, I definitely think we all have days/weeks like that. But they teach us to appreciate the good ones!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:42 PMyes, exactly! now we’re just waiting for that good one. haha
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
April 29, 2013 at 12:36 PMOh wow… when it rains it pours, isn’t that right? It’s funny how frustrating things can be while one thing after another happens, but then it’s so easy to laugh at later on. ‘That actually happened? Yup!’ on to the next!
Beth @ Miles and Trials says
April 29, 2013 at 12:41 PMGoodness, what a weekend you guys had. It’s great that you can laugh it off and move on. No sense dwelling on it, right? Yes, I had one of those weekends a year ago when 12 hours before I was catching a plane to go run a marathon, I was with my son in the ER. Everything turned out fine and one appendix removal later we had a great laugh over it. He still tells me he is sorry that I missed my race. Sweet boy!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 12:50 PMoh too funny, well now it’s funny. Gosh those situations are always chaotic!
Holly says
April 29, 2013 at 12:55 PMYou are so beautiful inside & out Lindsay <3 I love how you always see the positives in everything!! I'm sorry that happened, but James still did AWESOME despite everything…the swim cap thing is ridiculous.
OH, I read your Q&A about the Healthy Bites & I MUST try the Lemon vanilla…didn't know that was an option!! There are SO many flavors that I still need to try…do you have a list of all of the flavors you have ever made? Have you ever made carrot cake??
Brooke says
April 29, 2013 at 1:09 PMOh jeez. Now I really wish I had been there with you! I hope you’re both resting well today! Kombucha cocktails all around tonight 😉
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
April 29, 2013 at 1:11 PMOh girl! I just hate those “everything went wrong” weekends. I’m so sorry! At least you’re staying in a positive mood. The next one HAS to be better, right?
Linz @ Itz Linz says
April 29, 2013 at 1:15 PMsometimes all you can do is laugh! glad itz over!
Natalie says
April 29, 2013 at 1:17 PMWhat a crazy weekend for you all!!
I’ve had one of those weeks. I can happily laugh once everything is over and done with. You have a great attitude 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
April 29, 2013 at 1:21 PMA race to be a reminder that not every race can be perfect. Glad it’s behind you though. 🙂
misszippy says
April 29, 2013 at 1:24 PMOh my gosh! What a mess…one thing after the other. You are right…glad it is over and behind you both. NEXT TIME!!!
Cori @ olivetorun says
April 29, 2013 at 1:25 PMWOW to all of that!! Hey, he just recovered from what sounds like a real bad cold, the travel-race conditions were not ideal, and he still played by the rules. Ben and I would’ve totally laughed about all of these things in retrospect but I can see his initial frustration.
NEXT one Team Cotter!! 😀
Lisa @ RunWiki says
April 29, 2013 at 1:54 PMIt sounds like it was so full of bumps in the road that there was nothing to do but laugh.. a regular old “Comedy of Errors”. I am so sorry that things got rough, but it sounds like both of you powered through. God was preparing you for something down the road, something you can’t see now but you will be so grateful that this past weekend happened. With each obstacle, we grow, we become stronger and we laugh our arses off in the process. love2U
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 2:56 PMi have no my arse.. i totally laughed it off.
She Rocks Fitness says
April 29, 2013 at 1:56 PMLaughing because my friend and I ran 13.1 miles in a cold MONSOON! Beyond soaked and the rain did not let up once….BUT…we laughed about it, finished it, and will always remember it. And we were still able to smile at the end and celebrate the rest of the weekend.
Melissa says
April 29, 2013 at 2:34 PMMan, rough weekend! At least ya’ll are able to laugh about it!
LCCotter says
April 29, 2013 at 2:51 PMthx friend! how was your weekend with the concert?
Lisa says
April 29, 2013 at 2:51 PMWe have a twin thing happening with todays post. I posted almost the same thing today. It’s just been one of those days for me. I’m exhausted and just need a break haha.
At least your week is over now, and we can move on and learn from the past!
It’s always a good reminder in those situations that things happen and we can learn and move on instead of fret! Hope this week is better for you!
Alison @ racingtales says
April 29, 2013 at 3:08 PMOh my, that is quite the adventure you guys had! I’m glad you were able to laugh about it. Others would let it get to them. Shit happens. I’m sure you’re both looking ahead to better days that are sure to come!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
April 29, 2013 at 3:24 PMoh my goodness Lindsay!! Poor you! Poor James! In situations like that, you do just have to laugh about it afterwards. Otherwise, I know that I would be sobbing my eyes out and well, that’s just not pretty. I’m glad that you are able to look back on this and (hopefully) smile. xox
Lauren says
April 29, 2013 at 3:25 PMWe definitely all of those days, weeks, months where things just don’t go our way. Often times, it starts out with just misplacing your car keys and goes down from there. After months of constantly having things go wrong with my knee, I sympathize with you. I know how hard it is to feel let down and I’m happy to hear you were able to laugh it off. There is ALWAYS more races! I hope the Cotters’ luck turns around, girl!
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) says
April 29, 2013 at 3:54 PMOh my gosh, I’ve never heard of that – needing the swim cap at transition – but then again I only spectate tri’s, so what do I know. 🙂 Glad you guys seemed to be able to laugh the crazy weekend off a little – good memories at the very least!
Sarah says
April 29, 2013 at 4:12 PMWOW!!! Now THAT is one whirlwind of a weekend! I think I would have had a break down! lol Yes, I feel like my entire 2013 has been like that so far! Crazy how it seems like it’s all or nothing!
Jess says
April 29, 2013 at 4:18 PMOh wow what a weekend hey! Crazy! YOu guys have the best attitude to life! At least he got out there and had a go! After a ten day virus and all the craziness you guys met on your little journey I think he did well!
jobo says
April 29, 2013 at 6:27 PMoh my goodness, what a mess my friend 🙁 You really made the best of it, both of you, and stayed strong and focused all the way through. Sending you love, hugs and some wine, because I think you both need it 🙂 XOXO
Michele @ Nycrunningmama says
April 29, 2013 at 8:21 PMHe had to carry his swim cap to remain eligible? I’ve never heard that before…
I’m sorry…your weekend sounded like it was not meant to be. Glad you both remain so positive and upbeat about the whole situation!!
PS. That boat looks SO far away. Kind of scared to know that I have to swim double that in a few months. AGH!
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 6:31 AMit was changed last minute. Oh the joys of racing, eh? LOL! Hope you are having a blast at the photo shoot!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
April 29, 2013 at 8:48 PMOh my gosh your weekend makes my strep throat marathon look like a walk in the park. Wow, everything that could go wrong did YIKES!
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 6:32 AMhaha, no. We’ve all been there. Hope you are recovering well. Get a good massage!!
Renee says
April 29, 2013 at 9:12 PMOh what a weekend! We all have them. You’re attitude is amazing, all you can do is laugh. People plan, God laughs. Keep your head up! 🙂
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 6:32 AMoh that is exactly right!!
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says
April 29, 2013 at 9:13 PMYikes! Rough weekend…but we have all had them! When it rains, it pours (literally, in your case, this weekend!)!! You have such a great attitude and all you can do is put it behind you and laugh about it like you guys are doing! Happy Monday and Happy New Week! 🙂
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 6:29 AMhaha, i know! now let’s have some sunshine, yes?! 😉
lindsay @ fuel my family says
April 30, 2013 at 8:12 AMCan’t do anything but laugh about things that are said and done! Worrying about it wont change the outcome for sure!
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 2:00 PMwell said linz!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says
April 30, 2013 at 9:08 AMOh what a weekend! I had a similar feeling Monday! Just a total calamity. UGH!
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 1:58 PMsheesh, we should have celebrated today since both our days are over. haha
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
April 30, 2013 at 12:42 PMI’m just having ONE OF THOSE Tuesdays! Man, every Tuesday SOMETHING goes wrong… And something already did! Lets just hope THAT’S the end of it today! I think every Tuesday I should just hide under my bed!!!! AH HA HA!
PS: I really can’t get over hot attractive your HUBS is!!! Uh, does he have a brother????
LCCotter says
April 30, 2013 at 1:56 PMlet’s just skip the whole week together, yes?
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
April 30, 2013 at 10:29 PMOh, man! What a fiasco, indeed! But you know what I noticed throughout the entire post? Your positive attitudes – all of the go-with-the-flows and oh-well’s. You guys are an inspiration, for sure 🙂
Allison @ Life's a Bowl says
May 1, 2013 at 6:37 AMGah, sorry girl [and Mr. Cotter] for a less than stellar weekend but I think it’s awesome that you’re able to see the silver lining and move on… Dwelling on the past won’t change it, just keep working hard for a better future experience!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
May 1, 2013 at 7:12 PMOh man, a (not-funny) comedy of errors. So sorry! 🙁
Rachelle says
May 2, 2013 at 1:16 PMOH my goodness my sweet and beautiful friend! I am just catching up here and am so very sorry. 🙁
So glad it’s over and you can look back on it and chuckle a bit. But boy am I sorry you guys had to go through that!