Well crap, I did it again. Wrote a whole post and then it didn’t save. You’d think I’d learn by now. haha.
Anyway, just a quick hello this Monday. We are on the road back to Austin. NOLA 70.3 was this past weekend and I hate to say it, but it was not good. The Cotter’s are not having any luck with races that start with the word “NEW” in them. haha.
Bad weather blew in and they cancelled part of the race yet again. The hubs ended up having knee pain and walked to the finish… BUT HE DID FINISH!
So we are left now with the remaining options.
A) Get angry, bitter, and throw in the towel.
B) Make every excuse in the book and move on.
C) Reflect, Recoup, and do not make any rash decisions for at least 48hrs.
To be honest, I think the hubs is feeling a little bit of ALL OF THE ABOVE. I respect that, I really do. I think it’s healthy to get all those feelings out.
So for now, I will let the race talk go aside and allow some reflection, some confusion, and some recouping to take place.
But let’s take a good look at the other side of the weekend. The travel side. The history and character of New Orleans.
We had a great time in this city and the people just couldn’t be nicer. Thank New Orleans for the warm welcome.
From Bourbon Street to Canal Street to Café du Monde… we saw it all.
And let’s not forget the frequent visits to the Warehouse Style Whole Foods for hotel snacks.
Best combo snack ever right here. 
I’ve got lots more race photos and video to post, but I think I will save that for another day. Time to recoup.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend…
racing, reflecting, and recouping!
Cheers from the road,
LC
FINISHING is half the battle. a good habit. an important one. proud of the hubs! and you! 🙂
that means more than you know to us Hill! Thank you!
Hi, can’t find your email address (if you have one). I’m looking for a nturitionist (free :)…or reasonable, I’m in debt)…but am in a stuck rut with life and everything. I noticed a comment you left on another blog when she was looking for someone that would help her meet her needs in life…I’m kind of unique. But if you don’t have thoughts, maybe you’ll know someone who will?
I’m underweight kinda (I can share stats with you if you email me , thanks) , I walk daily, have no gym access, am depressed and sluggish and unmotivated, and am continuously “binging” at night (eating a lot at night…hard to talk about 🙁
My digestion is terrible terrible also. I’m not an intuitive eater and one day want to be, but right now I need structure and sanity.
I eat a lOT of fats for sure, so not fats fears 🙂
If you are open to chat, please email…i’m reaching out i guess, something…
merci beaucoup
feel free to email me at cottercrunch AT hotmail. 🙂
Sorry to hear about the race….
Hope you guys ended up having a nice weekend anyway!
Holy comments! haha
That sucks, sorry for the hubs 🙁 You guys are on the road all the time hey? but the places you’ve seen – I love the pictures!!
Hope all is well, I’m trying to get back to blogging more often, I miss it and miss all my blogger peeps! 🙂
oh blogging misses you! well at least i do. <3
well, i’m sorry that the race didn’t go well, but james is lucky to have a sherpa like you! you carry his nutrition and you help carry his emotional load. you’re a strong woman and only getting stronger!
i think we definitely strengthen each other. You know how that is.. you and J have that same bond. I love it. Perfect.
Im gonna say it 🙂
HE IS SO SO SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU.
we all are.
i am lucky to have him and to have such amazing support from YOU!
I am so, so proud of your man. What determination. I heard stories about walking to the finish in Boston as well, but I think it says so much about character.
Glad you took in every awesome ounce of New Orleans!
character indeed! I am so proud too.
p.s.
how was cinque terre?!
You have the coolest pictures Lindz! Go with C. Tell James he is an absolute baller- I have no doubt in my mind about that after my talk with him that he is going to have a successful year. Victories will come and I have learned a ton from him so please ask him to not give up. For me, if nothing else.
i will forward this comment to him. Just plain awesome chuck, thanks!
I’m so sorry the race didn’t go as well as y’all had hoped, and that the hubs’ knee is hurting. That is never fun. I will be sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way for a speedy recovery. As always your pictures are beautiful. I’m embarrased to admit I have never been to New Orleans, even though I live in near by Texas. Shameful really! 🙂
Wow…what a full weekend for you guys! I think it’s definitely natural to feel all three of the things above and I’m sorry to hear about a disappointing race. But you’re right – he DID finish and when you’re in the place for it, the reflecting, refocusing, and rebuilding will be worthwhile and a good thing to do. Still, the in between time and confusion and frustration is disappointing.
Never been to New Orleans! Loved the photos and getting a glimpse into life there for a visiting weekend. We love you guys! Press on in Him,
Bon and Mikey
Bonnie, i am your number one fan. Thank you for such awesome encouragement and being a sister in christ!
Sorry to hear it didn’t go as planned. So how does the rest of the trip go after he has a bad race? I have to say I hate trips home with my hubby after his tris don’t go as he hoped…makes for a very long and crabby car ride.
I do think a little “mourning” time is good after a disappointing race, so it’s okay if your hubby was feeling a bit “all of the above”!
totally, mourning times are good for the soul.
I’m so sorry to hear about the race and I really hope that your hubs knee is OK. True strength and courage in finishing. But you are so right – NOLA is an amazing city. It’s regouped and has come back strong just like you both will.
oh woow, so true. I like that perspective Christine!
I’d choose “C”…Yes the weather was horrible this weekend. I was in Myrtle Beach with friends and it was rainy and cold, but it was a awesome weekend, and sometimes certain things are totally out of our control. We made the best of the situation and still had a amazing time. 🙂 xoxo
i love mrytle beach. Rain or shine it’s all about perspective, i agree. thank you Katie!
oh man – that look on his face alone SAYS all three options. Yay for finishing though!
tough but totally shows strength! Yes! Thanks friend. <3
i love Nola! and you got some gorgeous pictures 🙂 your last little note about not making decisions for at least 48hrs is one of my new mantras…lately when i start to feel negative or get too far ahead of myself in a run (or just life)…i just start telling myself: no decision should be made in mile 1 of your 20 miler. or going uphill. or even downhill. haha.
i am thinking of you and the hubs! he is amazing for pushing through such a tough situation. hope he continues to heal mentally and physically from the race 🙂
you are so wise Julia. THANK YOU for these words. I will take them and share them!
aw. Proud that he finished and really sorry about the knee pain. That’s strength though. I have no doubt you will both regroup. Time for some rest and recovery.
Hope YOU are feeling better too!
feeling better friend, thank you!
Oh no about the race! I’m hoping the hubs knee gets better soon! It must be frustrating for sure, but at least he finished the race! Have a safe trip back home!!
totally agree Lisa. thank you!
Knee pain…NOOOOO!!! That breaks my heart. He is incredible to still finish. Keep us updated on how he is doing. Beautiful pics as usual:)
thank you friend. Hope you are recovering well from this past weekends race. congrats to you and BIlly!
say thanks to so a lot for your website it helps a whole lot.
Ah man bummer on the race 🙁 But the important thing to remember is that we must always have bad races to help us stay humble and keep pushing for the best. It is an opportunity to show our strength in another way, and that is to keep moving forward. We learn from each one and that is what makes us stronger in the end.
On another note your trip looked awesome, what a great city to visit. I need to get there someday!
this city is longing for your visit. Just sayin…
give him some time….it must be so hard on the both of you. i really have a feeling this is a test and that with time he will have his race. good things will come. i just know it!
i just want to hug you! can I ?? 🙂
It was a year ago today that I was in NOLA for a friends wedding. Such a lovely city. Fabulous photos and post-race feelings are always tough. I agree with rule number 3.
fabulous city indeed! and i agree, #3 is where we need to be. thank you!
aww sad! Hopefully he’s not taking it too hard. You gotta have a bad one every once in a while to make the good ones EXTRA good.
Hang in there!
very true! thanks friend.
Man, he is having a seriously bad spate of luck here. I am so inpressed with your good attitude though. And his. I’d be PISSED.
let’s just say it wasn’t the most exciting car ride home. haha. 😉
I’m sorry to hear about James. I can’t imagine how bummed, upset, pissed, etc he is. Glad to hear that he finished – even though he had to walk. Keep us updated on how he is doing.
Looking forward to the full recap of the weekend – looks like (other than the race) you guys had a great time!!
Look forward! You two know how to keep rolling and rock the next one 🙂 Hope the recouping is going well – xo
that’s what i am hoping for too! next one. 😛
So so sorry to hear that the hubs had another tough race. What an amazing example and inspiration he is to still finish and not DNF. That says a lot about his character and strenght.
Love the pictures! I would love to visit New Orleans.
he is an inspiration to me too. And so are YOU!
Racing- somewhat…. does that count racing my own brain in the pool on Sunday? 🙂
Reflecting- oh my word… any more and my brain and heart might have imploded. Any wonder the impact of a move, the end of the school year, and a pregnancy on one’s ability to reflect- when one is a natural-born reflecter? (is that a word?)
Recouping- yes, yes, yes! We Target wandered (and scored some amazing deals on Sunday afternoon in the pouring rain), hit up Starbucks for an unexpected treat, and retreated to our favorite State Park to recoup (instead of being in noisy Starbucks). We watched the rain blow in on the bay, and it was wonderful!
Funny, I woke up today recharged, and actually cleaned out a box (to-be-donated stuff) right before I left for school. We also planned parts of the packing/move and I cleaned my classroom more so, too!
Rally On! 🙂
love it all wendy. you are a true reflector. Love that about you.
crap! but i totally admire kiwi man for finishing the race….lots in his category would have dnf’d….but he toughed it out and walked and did the job. and that is huge in my book!!! what ever you both decide will be the right thing to do. you both rock!!!
thank you times a million friend!
crap! but i totally admire kiwi man for finishing the race….lot’s in his category would have dnf’d….but he toughed it out and walked and did the job. and that is huge in my book!!! what ever you both decide will be the right thing to do. you both rock!!!
Tell James I’m always praying for him!! (and you!) God has a plan right now – James knows that, but it might be hard for him to see.
i shared your comment with the hubs, so thank you! it means soooo much! xxoo
Congrats to your husband on finishing the race! I’m sorry to hear about his knee pain and hope it gets better soon!
Great pictures from New Orleans! I have it on my list of places to visit!
Whole Foods, I wish I had one close by! I take full advantage when I come across one!
Safe travels 🙂
oh NOLA is calling your name Keirston, and so is WHOLEFOODS! <3
I was so sorry to hear that the race was no fun – I can’t believe it was turned into a duathlon. 🙁 That happened to me once, but it’s actually how I discovered that I kind of like missing the swim. Not so fun when James is such an awesome swimmer though. Praying for you guys and for his knee!
i know, it was a clutch for him, but live and learn. Prayer are so awesome. thanks heather. And how are you?? i need an update. <3
Sorry to hear about James’ knee. Good on him for finishing; I think that shows real character!
NO looks awesome. I can’t wait to see more photos! Safe travels.
thanks abby, i agree. such strength!
Perhaps his next race should be in “old Town” I’m sure most states have one of those. So sorry about the weather and the knee! I’m sure frustrating is only a small part of what you’re both feeling. Positive thoughts and prayers going out to you both! And hoping refueling with your good cooking is also part of the recouping and reflecting.
LOL! I think you are right. An OLD town would be perfect. xxoo
So sorry to hear about the down sides.. BUT you two are adorable! You both get to travel together to such great places and support each other. How beautiful!
you are so right, and we are thankful. <3
Oh I am so sorry to hear the news, was so sad to read it on Twitter this morning. But your perspective and ever-lasting perseverance is what always impresses me. I read ‘girlfriends with God’ this morning and completely thought of you as well (as I do every day I read!) because the message about strength was right-on. ((hug)) to you and James. Onward.
Sure you’ve seen this before, but whenever I see/ hear about how triatheletes struggle I think about this video of Dick and Rick Hoyt. Okay even if you’ve seen it a gazillion times, maybe some readers haven’t… this is just so powerful.
http://youtu.be/dDnrLv6z-mM
oh yes! we actually shared a table with the hoyts and one of the awards ceremonies. Such amazing people!!
What an experience that must have been! AWESOME!
Ugh! You guys really are traveling with a black cloud over you! So sorry. But so impressed at how you found the positive in it all. Next one will include a positive race as well!
i think it’s just a temporary cloud, yes? But nonetheless, it is a cloudy today. Thanks for such encouragement!
I’m sorry to hear about his race but finishing is always a great thing. And making memories together in a new city is what life is about too! Cheers 🙂
that we did friend. memories are the best part. … and pictures!
sorry about the race, but praying for God to give you both the strength and direction you need right now to move forward! I’m glad you got to experience the wonderful city of New Orleans, and I hope you have a safe trip back to Austin. call me this week! xo
yes, can’t wait to check in with each other this week. Love you.
Oh, so sorry to hear about the hubs’ knee. Thoughts and prayers going out to you guys with hope that it’s nothing serious.
HUGS! <3 XOXO
we’re hoping he can bounce back. thank you for prayers. Hope you are healing well!
Aww man- :/ what a bummer- So sorry to hear! Staying in the game and finishing- especially when your in pain or things aren’t going well is tough- keep your heads up and your spirits high guys 🙂 Hugs and love!
thank you! Hopefully we will!
Dang it 🙁 i dont like hearing hubs had a bad race. hope you are both hanging in there and recovering. thinking of you both. xoxo
Bless his (and your!) heart. That’s the worst thing about racing for me – not being able to control everything, even how your own body will feel on the day of. Shooting up a prayer on y’alls’ behalf that God will show you the right path forward!
thank you thank you Bekah. Prayers are amazing.
I’m glad you guys got to enjoy the city, but really stinks about the race and his knee. I just can’t imagine the frustration. Be safe going home!
I’m glad you were able to have a wonderful time with the touristy side of New Orleans, but what a shame about the race! I hope after a few days of reflection you two can decide what the next step/race will be!
amen to that! cheers to the next step.
Sorry to hear about the race….
Hope you guys ended up having a nice weekend anyway! 😀
Mannn!! Heart goes out to James… so frustrating, and that is obviously heightened when it’s kind of his job to race. =/ “No rash decisions for 48” hours is a good idea (and a tactic I should employ more often)…
Congrats to hubby! I am so sorry he had knee pain, but he is a rockstar for still finishing!!
Hope he feels better!! Rest up hubby!
<3
i will sure tell him that Katie. <3
I’m so to hear about the race – but I feel confident that this will be a great summer for you! Y’all have a great attitude and I admire that so much! It’s time for me to play spectator with you; school’s out and I’ve got the summer! What’s coming up?
yes, we need to make that happen! and soon!
=( Sending love to Team Cotter. xo
I’m really sorry to hear that the weather was bad and James’ knee was giving him trouble. You and I know that is completely frustrating and overwhelming. I’m glad he made it to the end though. He’s a fighter, that’s for sure. Have a safe trip home and both of you keep your chins up! You can and will get through this! Hugs to you both!
thank you sarena. I agree, he is a strong man. Lucky to have him.
congrats on him finishing!!! we know how frustrated it can be when you want to do something but your body just doesn’t let you, but that will power kicks in and lets your finish, that is always a great feeling too!!
love all the pics, looks like you guys are having a great time which is important too!!! HUGS
Love you both. <3
all I can say is that my knee would protest a duathlon too- and the NOLA peeps better have a wicked plan B swim option for next year! argh so frustrating. This is super corny…but I’ve had it on my desk all week as a reminder so I’m passing it along.
“When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things go wrong that you must not quit.”
~ Unknown
freakin love this… and U!
what a great “poem”
I’m sorry to hear that Linds! I’ll be thinking of you guys! I’m pretty sure a warehouse whole foods sounds like the most amazing thing ever haha. I could probably spend hours in a place like that! Safe travels love <3
yes, i could spend hours at this WF too. Such a cool vibe!
i think you are being very smart to hold off on any major decisions or thoughts 🙂 we put our hearts in to training so hard that it certainly makes a less than stellar race a heart breaking moment and usually a lesson when we are ready for it
so true. But these lessons makes us stronger, amen!
I am constantly impressed by your perspective (and your hubs’ perspective) when things don’t go according to plans, seriously — it’s so refreshing and uplifting and shows how strong you both are. I hope that this reflecting and recouping time is good to you both. xoxo
I hope his knee feels better soon!!!
I feel like I will have a recoup week. O man is my body HURTING from the half marathon!
how did it go?! Was thinking about you!
I ran the race in 2 hrs and 33 minutes. that was my official time. I had to walk a few times My body is STILL sore. I loathe stairs right now.
The weather has been crazy, this seems to be the year for weather-related race changes. The 48-hour waiting period for decisions is probably smart for MOST decisions. I like that!! Hugs to you both…. (and don’t forget that SAVE button)
i’m hoping the rest of the season is perfect weather! haha. How are things with you? how’s training?
Things are good, I had a 6 week injury layoff of running only but I’m back in pretty good form. No complaints 🙂
Hugs for the Hubs… he will be back on top, he’s a fighter for sure.
I want to go to New Orleans… looks like way too much fun, love it 🙂
Sorry to hear about the hubs’ race. Hope his knee feels better soon! In the meantime enjoy your recuperation and rest. Thinking of ya 🙂
will do friend. xxoo
Oh Lindsay I’m so sorry to hear about yet another change in the race that affected James and so sorry to hear his knee is acting up. I’m thinking option C eventually?
What a tough situation to be in but draw strength from each other now Lindsay – you are not alone. Sending you both love and good vibes.
thank you petra! your words are amazing support. Hugs!