Thank You for supporting Woodland Star Ed Foundation and Woodland Star Charter School.
EBERT APPRAISAL SERVICE
Chestnut Hill Retreat
In Memory of Bill Nash
Metric Motors
Sonoma Aquatic Club
Swede's Feeds
Sports Basement
Studebaker Cheese Cakes
Triathlon Blog - Our Stories!
June 26 - Kick off Meeting today at Plaza. It was very well attended and the enthusiasum was contagious!
July 12 - All our team members!
John Arntz
Shirryl Bayless
Kristine Benson
Paul Benson
Nadina H Best
Amanda Brumme
Anastasia Chuirco
Constance
Monica Conway
Shannon Dewees
Ben Dewees
Stephanie Dunn
Mara Lee Ebert
Fred Ebert
Katie Fitzgerald
Sarah Ford
Laela French
Andy French
Andrea Gregory
Kim Hughes
Kyle Merkins
Kristen Olsen
Eva-Lena Rehnmark
Mike Reilly
Sheila Reilly
Robert Stewart
Jamie & Scott
Elisabeth Steeves
Robyn Twitty
Mark Walden
July 13
Personal Story for doing Triathlon by Kristine Benson
It was spring of 09 when I overheard Kristen Olson talking about training for a triathlon. I was so intrigued, so awe-struck, so impressed, something inside me cried "take me with you!" The thought of achieving such physical and mental strength was exhilarating. And the thought of being able to thumb my nose at all those who picked me last was quite satisfying.
With a 1-year-old that year I decided to delay following this whim, but I had the bug. When Kristen began training for another triathlon early this year, I decided to look into it myself and discovered there was an upcoming triathlon this September in my favorite town, Pacific Grove.
I was anticipating my 40th birthday in June, experiencing symptoms of either a mid-life crisis or divine discontent - most likely both. So it was time to commit to something life changing, time to live out loud, time to face fears and jump over the abyss. A triathlon would do for now, and so I announced to my husband Paul that I was going to do this.
Paul, knowing me so well and also being a man of big ideas, recognized I would need witnesses, teammates, fellow discontented parents looking for some action and yearning to feel youthful again. It immediately came to him that this could be a fund-raising opportunity; for what better way to inspire the community to donate to such a fabulous school like Woodland Star than a team of parents willing to jump in a 55 degree bay rich with kelp and very large sea creatures?
With the natural rightness of wanting to build and preserve the best in education we can give our children, and with the unwavering belief in all of our potential that Paul so passionately expressed, the bug I caught from Kristen easily spread to other parents. And now we are unfathomably a team of 25 or so brave souls.
This whim of mine has become much more than a personal goal; it has grown into a passionate purpose. And with that I have gained a sense of contentment that is growing greater with new-found friendships and such a loving and inspiring community.
July 14, 2010
Personal Story for doing Triathlon by Laela French
My reason for doing the triathlon are several - a true perfect storm of physical challenges and the awakening of an internal personal drive to finally try and make a difference in my own life. In January I hurt my back and was getting treatment for it. As a final stage of treatment I started seeing a "physical therapist." I imagined someone who would twist me into different positions and work my weak points gently. I couldn't be any more wrong. I met Jean - a really BIG guy who treats the "patients" at his office, otherwise known as Gold's Gym. Oh dear, I heard the mantra in my head...I hate gyms, I hate gyms...
Jean was one solid mass of muscle upon muscle. But he had no intention of twisting me with those muscles. Instead, he introduced me into the world of weight lifting, strength training, core training -- all in the name of eliminating chronic back problems. After 8 sessions with Jean at the Gym, I was hooked. Suddenly my old mantra- I hate gyms- became - I can do this, I want to do this. Two months later, I found myself in a great routine of working out at lunch time. This was my attempt to finally, after 2 kids and 15 years overweight to get back into shape and be physically fit. Then when I thought I had arrived at a good point, again a curve ball was tossed my way. I met Paul Benson on the Parent Council. He talked about his dream of doing a Triathlon and turning that into a school fundraiser. I suddenly found myself in his sight lines. I ducked. But he came after me again - I ducked again saying come ask me in a year - when I'm actually fit!! The third time, I caved in and agreed to do the Triathlon. I was terrified at the prospect. But I when I went home and told my husband that I kinda sorta agreed to do a triathlon, he didn't laugh at me. Instead, he said that he'd do it too! Now I was finally out of excuses for not doing the triathlon. So I made the final leap, and mentally decided to do the triathlon as a means of getting fit, as a means of trying to loose weight, as a means to support my son's school as a fundraiser, and as a role model to my children. I want my children to see their parents, swim, bike and run - each day we train - and think this is normal. I want my kids to see us cross the finish line and cheer us on!
The triathlon is still eight weeks away, but already I've seen the benefits of doing one. It has enriched my experience in the school community. It has fostered new enthusiasm for our beloved Charter School as we push ourselves harder each day in training with the thought in our heads that as we succeed so does our school. Each day I am biking, running and swimming my way to a better me and a better school.
Laela French
Parent of 2nd Grade Student at WSCS
July 14 - Bike Clinic
We had a great turn out for our Bike Clinic at Wine Country Cyclery!
July 22
Training is heating up. We will be meeting in Sonoma Plaza at 8:00 am on Saturday 7/24 for a 2 mile walk/run then 8:40 we leave for a 8 mile bike ride! Our latest sponsor is Gracie Construction! Thank You Sam Turner for supporting our team!
- Monica Conway's blog
- Login to post comments
