I spent my 44th birthday doing some of my favorite things with some of my favorite people.
Birthday Ride
The morning started with a 90-mile ride with more than 8,500 feet of climbing. Some of my riding friends were out of town so we are planning a more “epic” belated birthday ride in a few weeks. But I was very grateful for those who were able to celebrate my birthday with me on two wheels. The weather was cool and overcast all day but it was a fun ride for over 6 hours.
After the ride, my mom and Alan came over for pizza (from Coastal Crust) and carrot cake. Karel got me the most delicious and moist carrot cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. It was a simple day, but one filled with the people and activities that mean the most to me.
This birthday was especially meaningful because it also marks 20 years since Karel and I were set up on a blind date (on a group ride). It's hard to believe I was only 24 when we met. Looking back, it's amazing how a single introduction can completely change the course of a life. We were so young!
I remember feeling nervous about turning 40. Now, four years later, I can honestly say I'm loving my 40s. I feel healthy, strong, grateful, and more committed than ever to making the most of every day.
This birthday also came with some reflection. Four days earlier marked 12 years since my dad passed away my dad passed away at age 67 after a ten-month battle with cancer. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him.
At the same time, I know he would be proud of the life I'm living. While triathlon is still a big part of who I am, it no longer defines me. It has become one part of a much larger and more meaningful life - one built around friends, volunteering, travel, experiences, gratitude, and purpose.
As I begin year 44, I feel fortunate for the people who share this journey with me and thankful for every opportunity to keep growing, learning, and making memories.
If the last few years have taught me anything, it's that aging isn't something to fear, it's something to embrace. Every year brings a little more perspective about what truly matters.
Here's to another year of living fully and wasting none of it and a few lessons that I’m bringing with me:
• Take care of your body, but don't let your identity become tied to any single pursuit. What you do is important, but who you are matters more.
• Invest deeply in relationships. The miles, races, accomplishments, and goals are memorable, but the people you share them with are what give them meaning.
• Don't postpone travel. Say yes to experiences, and make time for exploring the world.
• Loss is part of life. Grief never fully disappears, but it can deepen your appreciation for the time you have and the people (and animals) you love.
• Be grateful for growing older. Not everyone gets the opportunity. Every birthday is a reminder that time is precious and worth using well.
Stay curious, stay grateful, stay connected to the people you love, and as my dad would always remind me, never waste a day.
And if you were wondering why I always celebrate my birthday with carrot cake, it’s because of Laura.
This tradition began when my best friend Laura surprised me with the most delicious homemade carrot cake on May 31st, 2009. I didn't even know I loved carrot cake so much until I tried her cake. For the next 6 years (until we moved to Greenville) Laura would always make me carrot cake for my birthday.
Sadly, Laura lost her one-year battle with stage IV non-smoker lung cancer on April 23rd, 2018. In her honor, I continue to enjoy carrot cake on my birthday. I also made sure to include a carrot cake inspired recipe in my book Essential Sports Nutrition so that we can all yum over carrot cake, all year round.