"You know what Uncle Guy, I'm one crazy kid" - Isabella "Boombah" Fairclough, my niece and manager
So, last week, from October 5 through the 11th, I raced twice, and ended a successful season, even though I am always looking to do better. The last week of the season was an emotional one for me, for a couple of reasons. First, my manager/niece turned 5, and I wasn't able to be at her dinner b/c I was training. But please don't fear, I will be at her party this weekend with 115 other family members. Yes, 115 family members for a 5 year old's birthday. We're Italian, so enough said.
It was also my sister's wedding anniversary, and I don't know anyone in my life who has done more for me than her. When I was at my lowest, she took me in, and let me live with her and her husband for almost a year till I was back on my feet. She was the push I needed to start racing again, 5 years ago.
Her, and her daughter, my niece, my God daughter, my manager, Isabella. The day before she was born, I was lying in a hospital bed, with a heart rate of 175. I was 30 years old and thought I was going to die. I was 40 lbs overweight, trying to make a comeback in the sport, and failing miserably, constantly getting sick. An antibiotic I was on caused me to have horrible anxiety attacks. When I was released, I went straight to the hospital where my sister was giving birth. I was still very shaky, but, when I saw my niece, I knew if I wanted to see her grow up, I needed to get healthy, now. So, she and I share a special bond, as I always tell her, she gave Uncle Guy his second chance. For those who know me, know my family is very important to me, and know that I treasure my relationships with them more than anything, and without them, I wouldn't be here.
I guess another reason we share a special bond, is, that, here is someone, who knew nothing of my past, and just loves me, unconditionally. She is always happy to see me, and we talk like adults to each other. Well, I think its how adults talk, since she is smarter than me, and she holds her own very well. I harbor hopes of her becoming the next big thing in multi-sport, even had a shirt made with "La Bella Triathlete" on the front, and 2020 Olympics on the back. However, watching her soccer games, I don't know if athletics will be her thing. She came to the sidelines to show me her mosquito bite, and I in turn responded, "Look, you have to play past that". She gave me a look, similar to my Mother's, that said, you're an idiot, and an uncaring one at that. I don't know if my sister will want me to attend many more of her games.... Needless to say, she spends way too much time with my Mother and sister, b/c she talks with her hands, that makes you laugh and cringe at the same time, knowing she becoming quite the Italian woman, and has started with the "20 questions" like my mother, becoming just as nosy.
But Isabella, or Boombah, as I affectionately refer to her, embodies the essence and character of the strongest women in my family - my grandmother, my Mother, and my sister. And even though she is no longer with us, she has glimpses of my Nonno in her. I can see it when she smiles and laughs hard, its a laughter that is pure and simple, one of true joy. As adults, I think sometimes we lose the ability to laugh purely; we have become too jaded by everything in the world, things that have skewed our point of view. But, my faith is always restored when I hear her laugh.
The last 5 years have seen me progress not only as an athlete, but as a person, as well, in large part, because of the time I get to spend with her. And I don't think I am alone. I watch her with my grandmother, who, at times, seems tired and weak, but, when she sees Isabella, she lights up, and takes 30 years off her life. She is the spark, the light that comes along every so often, in a family, that you are simply drawn to, and become infected with her happiness. You can't help but leave being with her feeling better about life, about yourself. And this last week, I had her in my thoughts all the time, constantly reminding me, that I don't have to miserable all the time, that I don't always need to be in a bad mood, and when I heard her on the phone wish me Good luck, I couldn't help but crack a wide smile, knowing she would be happy no matter how I did. I dedicated these last 2 races to her and her mother, my sister Laura; two women who are always looking out for me, always supporting me, and always reminding me, not to take myself so seriously.
As for the races, I tried to pull a Boy Wonder and race twice in 6 days. 1 shorter du, and then 1 long du. I raced in Kentucky on Oct. 5 where I witnessed Dub C set the tri course record as I cruised to a comfortable top 4 finish in the du, not pushing, knowing I had a long race 6 days later. I was happy with my running, 10:50 open 2 mile run, and a 25 and change closing 4 miles, I was feeling good about the last race. At the same time, I had another, larger goal, being the first athlete to repeat as Mideast Du Series Champ, and breaking the points total. As I toed the line on Saturday, the 11th, with the mercury rising, I just wanted to finish strong. As the first run was finishing - completely cross-country and I was already dehydrated, bad.
I had nasty chills, so, got on my bike and started to get fluids down, and Endurolytes. It wasn't enough, and I watched my lead shrink on the 40 mile bike. By the time I got off to start the second run, I had nothing, and was completely out of it. I shuffled thru the run, unable to keep water or Gatorade down, and basically running unconscious the last 2 miles. It was 90 degrees, and I finished 3rd and completely shot. Sliver lining - I won the Mideast Du Series for the second straight year - broke the points record, and had the most wins in the series. That thought alone revived me enough to stay awake for the rest of Saturday.
They say the mark of a true champion is one who defends, and I did just that, and let me say it was worth every trip to a med tent. Even though that decision is under appeal, I am still happy with my result, and hope that I do indeed get to keep the title.
So Boombah, and Laura, these were for the 2 of you. I still keep wondering though, how, are you going to fit 115 people in your yard for her birthday? Does she really know 115 people? I think its probably all family, but, it sets a pretty high mark for this kid. She's going to expect a football stadium full of people when she turns 16. As her uncle, I think its best that I constantly remind her of that idea. Its what uncles do best. To Boombah, with love.
Guy
