Just call me Sherpa Wife. Yep, that’s been me the past week and I have no complaints. I like being a Sherpa.
What exactly is a Sherpa? Glad you asked… I mean I asked.
I like to think I was born for that role. In fact, before the hubs I were married, I promised to be his Sherpa while we pursued his triathlon career. It’s a role that most fitness enthusiast avoid, well most of the time. Why? Because it means your training is less important than the person you are “sherpaing” for.
But you see, I am quite lucky. The hubs is my Sherpa in MANY OTHER WAYS! I may be his go-to Sherpa during this crucial time of training, but he’s my Sherpa in life. Always there to guide me through rough terrain, tough climbs, obstacles, etc. And I’d say he does a pretty damn good job! 
So my Sherpa skills may be more physical, but his are much more emotional. It balances us out, making us a good TEAM. Or so I like to think. 
My Sherpa week consisted of:
- making sure the fridge was stocked for quick recovery meals.
- think eggs, boiled potatoes, homemade GF muffins (recipe coming), GF oats, chocolate milk, ham/lamb roast, mince meat pies, etc..
- carrying a back pack full of snacks, hydration, & emergency TP on the port hills hike so the hubs could get in a few long runs.
- Hubs teaching me how to drive a stick shift on the left side of road while driving on the right side of the car (weird!!). This is in case I need to come rescue him on the bike.
- Hand-washing all the workout gear so that its ready for next days’ training. Okay so I didn’t do this, but I did watch my mother in law do it. She’s a master, I dare not touch the masters skills. ha-ha.
- And lastly, my Sherpa week meant I was there, just being a friend, asking how the workout/run/bike/swim went. Ya know? Who doesn’t love that?!
You might be thinking, that’s a blah job. But really, it’s not. It’s an important part of the “team”. In fact, it’s almost as crucial as the real training/racing itself, at least I like to think that. And, i seem to keep myself quite entertained while doing so. hehe.
Do you have a Sherpa or are you the Sherpa yourself?
I hope you get to play both roles!
Cheers,
LC
p.s.
I thoroughly enjoyed being a fly on the wall this week. Regular blogging “might” commence back up come Monday/Tuesday.
p.p.s
The hubs is doing another Wild Kiwi giveaway on his blog. Go check it out!
Todd, what is the best way and product you’d recommend for sharpening an axe and hatchet? I have an old army axe, just a plain steel head. And an Estwing Camping hatchet, made of carbon steel. What do you recommend?
Also, do you have any blogs or tips and advice on sharpening axes and knives and such? Thanks!
It sounds like sharing the Sherpa roles with your partner leads to a well balanced and healthy relationship. I like to think my partner and I do the same. Being each other’s Sherpas- our guide, our light and our hand to hold.
HA! I call myself a “pack mule” when I sherpa for my husband. I earned the nickname pack mule first because I tend to carry more than I need (which comes in handy for the people around me) but then it morphed into whoever is providing race support (usually me) is “pack muling” for the day 🙂
oh me too! pack mules are the best prepared though. We’d make a great team!
I think it is just AWESOME how supportive you are of your hubs. I love reading about it and the joy it brings you! Love catching up and hearing how you are doing. I haven’t been blogging regularly either. Did you get my email last week? I was wondering if you ever received your GymBoss. Let me know!
oh i love reading about you and your hubby too. Such a good team! I did not receive that email, weird. But I did get the gymboss! SO SO EXCITED! thank you! now i just need batteries. haha.
I need a sherpa!
Sherpa.Sherpa. Sherpa. Sherpa. Funny word.
i know, its an addicting word. Sherpa this, sherpa that! haha.
love this. however since the hubs is going back to ironman, you gotta call yourself IRON-sherpa. you are earning this title, my friend! 🙂
ps: the pics of the port hills make me green with envy! lovelovelove running there!!!
oh i like that name! I’ll take it!
p.s.
Its not too late to come back to NZ! Port hills are calling for you.
So cute! Y’all are both lucky to have each other <3
I need a Sherpa…preferably a sexy hunk a man 😉
I want to be a Sherpa 😉 sounds wonderful
good luck with the driving…I do not stick! haha I am basic girl
xoxo
M
oh but you are! you and Lori are the perfect sherpa’s for each other. Such a great support system!
Love to you both.
<3
Umm can you be my sherpa? 🙂 haha, the treats part of it sounds delicious!
yes, i can definitely be your sherpa. You can just be my wine pourer, k?
Aww Lindsay your the best for your hubby! So sweet of you to support him and be his sherpa lol!
I’m pretty much my own sherpa, but for real!! Not a bad gig 😉
not a bad gig at all! but i think you probably sherpa to more people than you know. <3
Your Sherpa life actually seems quite appealing. What a wonderful team you guys make, both you and your hubby are lucky to have each other. The food looks yummy, it’s making me hungry!!!!
sherpa life is fun! can’t complain. HOw’s your training going beth? Do you need some sherpa lovin?! hehe.
I loved this post!!! My hubby and I have been the sherpa for each other!! It’s actually SO enjoyable to be on the other side every now and then. Helping them train, prioritizing for them, cheering them on, etc. There’s such a strong feeling of pride when your hubby or whoever you helped train does well. I would argue that it’s even better than being the one who succeeded!
Loved the video! Would LOVE more of the NZ scendary!!!!! =)
i agree, its very fulfilling! and it makes me so joyful. A good balance, yes?!
I know I “sherpa” myself, but I think I have the tendency to take on that role with others too – more often, it’s their emotional “baggage” that I carry around – and while it’s good for me to listen, I think I need to stop taking it on as much as I do! I’ve got my own to deal with!
i think so too! you need a sherpa for you! If you come here, i will happy be yours. But for now, feel free to vent, etc through email. You know where to find me friend.
HI FRIEND 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment- hope you saw mine back to you…that even though I truly do hope you are having a wonderful time in NZ, I cannot WAIT for you to be back..I’m desparately missing my Healthy Bites 🙂
What a beautiful trail!! Love that you did a blog so that we can see what parts of NZ looks like.
Hmmm..when I think of a Sherpa for Craig…the main thing that comes to mind (don’t laugh) is being ready for football season..he is a MAD man when it comes to this time of year…and I LOVE it 😀 Totally random, huh?! Hope all is well! Xo
ahh I love that! you are the football sherpa and you make good sherpa football goodies to keep your man going. hehe. I am smiling about this one so much. Too cool!
p.s.
Healthy bites will be back at your door come march!
Alex and I are an amazing balance… I inspire him to be more responsible, and he inspires me to let loose and have more fun. We are both incredibly encouraging of one another’s endeavors, and I love that about us!! <3
don’t you love how you balance out so perfectly with Alex?! It is so inpsiring and encouraging! sherpa’s to the rescue!
I love the idea of being a sherpa–sounds like you and the hubs are great ‘mates!
yes, mates for life. I like that term too. <3
Awww I think it kind of sounds like a fun job. 🙂 And you are great at it and you are right that it is a team effort. He couldn’t train the way he does without you Lindsay!
we all need sherpa’s in life, yes? I bet you are a great sherpa to your family and vice versa! Running and training just wouldn’t be the same without them, yes?
Ahh that vid is great. Keep walking, lol. It is harder to hike!
I think being a Sherpa is SO important. I am sure your good deeds have not gone unnoticed. I am too a Sherpa for the hus, and I love it!
you are one great sherpa Nichole, and to more than just the hubs. That i know!
Way to go girl!! How wonderful it is to have a purpose and a goal : ) It sounds like you are in your element for sure!
I’m the Sherpa around here. Food, laundry, shopping and cleaning for the boys and hubby. When the house is clean and the laundry is done, it’s a good day : )
Keep it up, you’re a wonderful Sherpa!
Nicole
yes, i like to think its my “calling.” haha. I am pretty sure you are the worlds great sherpa mamma for your family. They are so lucky!
dang girl! you’ve been busy! you’re such an awesome wife. plus the title of this post made me laugh out loud for some reason 🙂
Laugh out loud is a good! sherpa is just a fun word to use anyway. Right?
haha. or LOL!
I think Sherpa duty is VERY important and it sounds like you’re definitely a great one! Never underestimate the importance of asking how a workout went and listening to the good and bad – I love that! Kirk and I have typically alternated sherpa duty for each other – we’ve rarely trained for the BIG races at the same time. I know James appreciates all the work you’re doing for him right now!!
i love that team effort. It’s what keeps you two going as well, trading off schedules, etc. Team work baby! woo!
Such a good wife!
well you know he has to put up with me so it’s only fair, right?
😉
I watched your video and girl that is where I want to be. Love the birds chirping and the wind… nature is the best!!
Playing the role of a sherpa is so fulfilling… that’s what Jesus calls us to do right =)
yes yes, exactly! i do feel that Jesus definitely has put that oon my heart and I’m finding such joy in it!
LOVE THIS!
I always joke to my child—since she was tiny—I was her sherpa.
her tenzing norgay 🙂
tenzing norgay!! haha, i love that. You are one amazing sherpa to tornado. Lucky kiddo.
Doesn’t sound like being a sherpa to me… sounds just like being a best friend!
oh that too! we’re good at that. 🙂
p.s.
any luck with austin jobs?
Oh sweet Sherpa…and yes, you are a VERY IMPORTANT part of the team. I am my own sherpa. I finished my first 70.3 this summer. I wasn’t sure I could finish it, the entire race. And when I came through the finish shoot, my hubby and 2 kids, sis, niece, nephew, brother were all standing there, cheering my finish. And then they looked at me and said “So, what do you want to do for dinner?” After all that, I still had to come up with dinner plans for the family. You are going to make a big difference in your hubs’ season this year.
wow, i wish i could have been there to make you dinner!! congrats on finishing. Find a good friend sherpa, you deserve it! and breakfast in bed. hehe.
oh, Linds! You are seriously so precious, generous and loving. He’s blessed to have you as his Sherpa! Makes me laugh. I picture you in some sort of costume. I think Billy and I help each other in life. We share the Sherpa duties. 😉 Love you!
haha, picture me in some hobbit outfit. will that work? thanks for being my sherpa in friendships. You know how to guide me in all areas! hope we can chat soon. did you get my message?
Aww, sweet post. 🙂 I think my mom is my sherpa for now, lol! Can’t wait for that muffin recipe!
mom sherpas are the best, they make everything better. hehe. ANd you will love these muffins, high protein too!
You’re definitely an awesome sherpa!
I am both with joe, my mom, and matthew my nephew. It’s a wonderful way to look at things 🙂
yes, sherpas are crucial and i know that joe and your mom and matthew are thankful for your sherpa skills. Oh and your fabulous teaching is definitely a sherpa skill for your students.
I think you know my answer to this. Tony and I are both the Sherpas in this relationship. Sounds like you have some amazing teamwork going on! I love it! You two are such an inspiration!
yep, i know EXACTLY what your answer is and it shows in your marriage, your posts, etc. Tony is one lucky guy and vice versa!
Well you are certainly the best Sherpa ever! You are so wonderful Lindsay, and I am sure making things so much easier and better for the hubs 😀
and you know what, i can tell that you are a sherpa during this time. You don’t know it but you are, to many young women! 🙂 i think you know what i mean now.
<3
I consider myself a professional mini sherpa! I think it comes with the fact that when I want to get things done it’s only me who can do it and get it done the way I want too. I also am that person who refuses to make 2 trips to the car to get all the groceries, so I carry like 6 on each arm. HAHAHA!
you are a badass and i love that. Its going to take one hell of a sherpa to keep up with you and that awesome katie~
I love this! I used to be married to a semi pro bike racer before bill and I did a lot of Sherpa work. I am sure James appreciates you much more than my ex though 😉 love how you related it to him being your Sherpa in the emotional ways. So true! Bill has had to do that for me lately with my dad being ill. Also love the video! And I agree…..much harder to hike than run!
oh bill is a much better sherpa for you. I see it in your posts all the time! I am so glad that you remarried to him. I hope your dad is doing better. Can i do anything for you friend?
You’re an awesome sherpa. Wow! Although I’ve provided support I wouldn’t consider myself have been a sherpa and I have not had a sherpa….yet.
Thanks for taking us along on the trail. So pretty and peaceful. Loved it!
well Heidi i think your time is coming for both! if you want to come run these trails, i’ll be your sherpa. K?
🙂
Oooh! Someday!!
I think that in a good relationship, both people are sherpas. So it’s good to see that you are both so supportive of one another! I mean, if I were in your position, I’d be so happy to be where you are. Those trails are beautiful!! I would love to run in NZ one day!!
i am quite happy doing this job, not a bad view eh? I could use a side kick sherpa. Need some healing time in NZ?
Girl I love this. You are so amazing and I think you and James are just an awesome couple. You guys seriously work for each other.
i am very thankful for marrying my best friend, it does make things click, thats for sure. I know you can agree with Jason.
🙂
Me and the madre are the definite sherpas….we care intensely about the men in our lives and like looking after them. can’t wait for the gf muffin recipe! oh and I totally understand about the driving on the other side of the road thing…took me a while to get used to when I moved to australia!
how long did it take? i want to give up. haha, i just can’t do the left side shift. so weak in that arm.
i don’t think I ever really got it to be honest….when we bought a new car we got an auto! But don’t give up yet…i’m sure you’ll get the hang of it 🙂
i need an automatic! haha.
no sherpa here but i obviously need to get one!!! haha. jk.
in more seriousness. i thought it was so true how you pointed out that you hope we all get to experience sherpa from both sides. sometimes in life we are the one giving and caring and others we are taking and receiving but it all balances out in the end and makes the team work…much more efficiently and pleasantly for all!
i think you just might findyour sherpa during this time of healing/injury treatment. SO many will come to your guidance because you have obviously been a sherpa to them in other ways. Loving, kind, giving, etc.
I don’t think that is blah at all!! I think it’s all about support and you are doing just that! I love to ‘sherpa’ too and think it’s something we do out of love and partnership 🙂
yes, what a great partnership it is too! Makes it worth every PENNY! even drinking beer instead of wine, haha. Hope you got that joke.
I think being a Mum is the ultimate sherpa…. particularly when Viper is the equivalent of another small child… so it’s like I’m a sherpa-mum for TWO.
Your hubs is very lucky to have such a devoted sherpa (wife/best mate/manager)
and misty and viper and the worlds best momma sherpa and soon to be wife sherpa! they know that right? I’d claim you as my sherpa if we lived closer. hehe.
Oh I love this concept of being eachother’s “sherpa” in life. You both support eachother in such great ways – it’s so clear you two are a TEAM in every way possible. I admire that so much about you guys and am loving all of this learning and bonding you two are doing while in NZ. It’s awesome. Truly.
How I’m Sherpa-ing this week? I prepped all of Scott’s lunches, made him special chocolate chip cookies and made sure all the laundry was done before I leave for Cali tomorrow. And his sherpa-ing for me? Buying me all sorts of healthy snacks to pack for my trip, helping me figure out how to PACK everything I need for my trip and letting me cry on his shoulder when I got sad about leaving him for four days. I just love him so!
i saw those snacks. He’s such a great trip prepper! I know you are going to miss him but what a great feeling that is, to be missed and appreciated. yes!
You do such a great job as his wife, Lindsay. What a blessing you must be to James. I appreciate your thoughts here. Often times I assume that Jon should be serving me, when in reality marriage should be a contest to out-serve each other.
Hope you are having a great weekend!
yes it is, and serving each other in various ways, to meet one another needs. I know you are great at that! <3
You are the best sherpa EVER Lindsay!! A good sherpa makes all the difference in the world. Having that constant support and love is something I’m sure the Hubs is eternally grateful for 🙂
I love that video (hilarious!) and NZ looks unbelievable beautiful! There are no proper trails near where I live, so I’m very jealous!! Also we are totally on the same wavelength with recovery! My fridge is filled with boiled potatoes and chocolate milk haha!
Haha stick shift+ left side of road+ driving on the right side of the car is how I drive too! When I tried to drive in America it didn’t end well! 😛
I hope Team Cotter have a great Sunday! <3
i just need to get that left clutch down. I will teach you american driving, you teach me UK driving. OK? then we can feast on pototoes and chocolate milk. haha. jk.
Yes! Both are equally important and both make up a team! 😀 I am a sherpa more often than not; Mikey’s nickname for me is actually “Donkey” or the “Chalmers Donkey” (my maiden name) because I carry so much stuff (often for him) in my huge purse (it’s a long story behind the name too)! 😉 And I’m doing the food prep, breakfast on the table, lunch packed, waterbottle and tea/coffee on the way out, dinner, etc because if I don’t, he’ll forget to eat! I could never forget to eat. 😉 And I love my role. He definitely “sherpas” me in life like James and you, and I trust his leadership and appreciate our roles so much. Oh – he’s the sherpa for our outdoor adventures. He preps gear, I prep food. We make a good team. 🙂 …beautiful hike! And I agree that hiking wipes you out in a different way than running!
oh yes, i like that! Chalmers Donkey. I should rename the hubs Donkey. Although i am not sure he’d be a fan. I carry a large purse for that reason too!
Seeing you guys journey together in life makes me smile. A sherpa team at its finest! God’s sherpa team!
I need a sherpa.
i know where you could find one….. and i think you know where too. Hmmmm…
(you know) i totally agree with you when it comes to support and teamwork in relationships. j & i have each other’s backs in this crazy world and you and the hubs always have the other’s best interest in mind (and heart).
you seem so at peace and comfortable since NZ. i’m extremely happy for you!!!
i am finding peace, in my marriage and in where God is leading us. It’s taking a lot of LETTING go, which is about bloody time. haha. I am also excited for you and J and this journey you are on. Such a great sherpa team.
<3
I told my parents once that I wanted a sherpa instead of a boyfriend 😉 those trails are truly amazing- next time I vote James wears a brighter shirt- like hot pink. Then you can find him zig-zagging wherever his mountain goat running takes him! I also absolutely agree with you on walking being harder than running- I had to hike a trail and the whole time I whined about how much easier it would have been to just run it! you need Sadie-pups for company on those trail walks! 🙂
haha, if he work hot pink he’d die. Too much color for him. Maybe orange or red? and yes, i miss sadie. she would love it here.
p.s.
I am so glad you are with me on the running vs. hiking thing. haha
i love this post! marriage is a great partnership. iron sharpens iron! my husband is my sherpa and i am his. unfortunately, we both can’t do too much with me being almost 7 months pregnant and him with a hernia problem :-\ but he’s still my biggest supporter! ps – looking forward to seeing that GF muffin recipe!
oh but you are both going through so much phyiscally and thank GOD you are each other sherpas to get through it. Lots of good fun times to come post baby and post hernia. Hope the hubs heals soon. xoxo
Aw, how sweet! I love the comparison to being a sherpa.
I can’t believe how beautiful that trail is. I’m not a huge running fan myself, but I’d run through those gorgeous woods!
when you are distracted by great scenery, it’s much easier to run, yes? hehe.
A sherpa sure sounds like a perfect helpmeet! 😉 And that’s exactly what you are to James!!! PERFECT!
Yes, and thank you for showing me that! Awesome stuff Lindz!
What about that sounds “blah”?? It sounds like you get to partake in the adventure, just through a different angle 🙂 Sounds fun to me!
i think it blah to those who want to do all the training themselves, ya know? like a bit of jealousy blah. I remember feeling that way when we were first married then realized, heck…. I don’t want to train for an ironman, why am i jealous of all the time he spends training. BUT, that being said, if i did want to train for a marathon, etc. He would be there to support at a drop of a dime. Okay, so i blabbed. do i make sense?
Aww, this is awesome! I defiantly have Jimmy as an emotional sherpa .. like you said with you and the hubs, were a team. Love that 🙂
How did the driving go?! It would feel so weird to me!!
Jimmmy os quite lucky! you’ve got mad sherp skills. haha. And the driving was very weird. Left hand shifting is hard!
You are the best sherpa ever ; ) how sweet! Im sure hubs will name you Sherpa of The Year! : )
I can not drive a stick shift, tried once and it scared me!
Happy Sunday love! xoxo
i bet you are mike’s sherpa. a HELLO kiTTY sherpa. hehe. And yes, stick shift is way too much thinking!
Oh my this post hit home and straight to my core! 🙂
I’ve been a “sherpa” since I was born- or born to be one?
Some, but not all examples (one doesn’t have to relive it all for “proof” or sharing :-):
*Stocking hub’s Jeep with tissues and baby wipes (perfect for post run showers; clean ups from human sick times; etc.)
*Volunteering professionally in the sherpa role (WWC; pro soccer teams; etc.)
*Endless years of A/S and S/F volunteering at ultramarathons (BEST prep ever for marrying a triathlete- minus no. 2. and being a Navy brat!!)
*Memorizing race dates, sites, entry fees, contact points, key times and sharing when asked
*Researching training routes
*Slowly introducing new (better) foods and continuously making them
*Offering bits of encouragement here/there/when needed
*Navigating trail runs and offering suggestions during them
but you know what… if I’m a sherpa, so is he…
How?
*listening to me babble
*washing dishes (after I cook)
*helping me to understand how to better raise a child of a different faith (our son)
*calling me on my planning time at school just to talk for a bit (he knows it helps me so much to have that break!!)
*researching ideas on a gift for said son even til 1230 am!! 🙂
So perhaps it’s about being co-sherpas and there’s more here.. 🙂
Personally, I love being a sherpa and the sherpa with whom I am blessed to share a heart, a home, a family, and a life!
oh yes! love that wendy! you nailed it. Co-sherpas and sharing all those blessings.
Cheers!