As a Fitness Coach, I ask others all the time about their goals. But, it’s not common for someone to ask me that same question. Answering that question can leave a person feeling vulnerable, but in our environment, that vulnerability doesn’t go unsupported.

In January of this year, I wrote on a sticky-note, “Swimming a straight line” and placed that sticker on my staff shirt. Other people were imagining hiking Crater Lake, or diving to the deepest depths of the ocean. I just wanted to know how to swim. This is when my “Imagine” became public, and I took a leap of faith.

I’ve run many miles and taught countless Group Ride classes. But, there was one piece missing in my repertoire of fitness in order for me to comfortably participate in what I only knew was a fun, fitness-related event called the C2V, or Courthouse to Venti’s. And that was swimming.

I shared this with my friend and co-worker Lindsay Crawford and I asked her if she could teach me to swim. With a huge supportive smile she agreed.

I laugh now as I write this because it sounds so easy on paper. As I practiced, I kicked too fast, I forgot to take a breath, I forgot to exhale, I swallowed water, I got frustrated, my hair constantly smelled like pool, my nail polish wouldn’t stay on. I felt humbled, and before I knew it, accomplished. I was swimming in a straight line for a 1/2 mile.

On May 14th, I walked into the West Club and received my race bib. My race number was written on my arm for my first triathlon (Okay, for those of you have done a real triathlon I know this is different, but to me it’s the same thing). I walked to the outdoor pool as the first heat was starting their swim. It was a gorgeous, warm day. There was live music coming from a two-man band, the pool looked inviting, the bikes looked familiar. But, somehow I was still missing something. I was missing my friends.

As my heat start time approached, my friends arrived. Carrie, David, Angie, Scott and Drew were ready to do this thing, and now so was I. I felt at home, and a rush of fun came over me. This was no longer about swimming. This was about having fun with my friends and getting our fitness fix at the same time. The trombone blew, and we were off. 5 laps done, 5 miles on the bike done, a beautiful run through Riverfront Park done, 50 push-ups at Gallagher’s done. We were greeted with smiles and high-fives as we entered Venti’s Cafe downtown. I couldn’t have asked for more as I looked around the restaurant full of athletes, and thought “Wow, this is beyond cool.”

That was my first C2V. It will not be my last. If you imagine it, you can do it.