Falling in Love- Wisconsin Style

Oh, how I wish this was the story of falling in love with a boy. But for now, falling in love with a City will just have to do...Madison. Almost like a boy's name, but not really.

My best friend and I ventured up to Madison from Chicago for a day of boating, corona-ing and general lounging. We have a few friends that live there, and I had never been, and actually had never realized how close it is to Chicago. 2 and a half hours after leaving Chicago, we were immersed in the quintessential Madison summer-weekend experience: the farmers market.

This market is open every Saturday morning in the spring through fall and surrounds the Capital building on all four sides. Amazing vendors selling various locally grown things, plants, arts, etc, including the world's most amazing spicy cheese bread I have ever tasted. There was also an abundance of cheese curd, which I resisted trying, lord knows I need yet another incredibly unhealthy food to crave.

After a stroll around the market, we headed about 20 minutes outside of Madison for an afternoon on a Pontoon Boat. The rest of my day consisted of amazing views, way too many coronas, and one very competitive cannonball contest.

(hi all- this is the first pic I have put up of me..hello!)

Taking it all in...

Bombs away!!

As the day went on, I realized how much I LOVED Madison. It was big enough to have a 'city' feel, but definitely had a smaller city charm about it. There were people outside everywhere, biking, hiking, boating. I am sure it helped that it was a holiday weekend with perfect weather. After dinner (and more Corona), we headed to the 'Terrace' to watch the sunset and play some card games. There is a terrace attached to the University of Wisconsin's student union with a sunset over the lake that could rival the tropics...

We managed to get into some quality trouble as the night progressed, and the night ended with me getting a tuturiol on how to play 'Buck Hunt' (apparently it's the 'Golden Tee' of Wisconsin??) by a lovely Midwestern fellow...what better way to finish off a Wisconsin day?

Now, rewind a bit. When I first arrived in Madison, I realized I had never been to a city/place where an IM is held. Upon driving into the city, we drove straight into the famous terrace/parking deck that houses the transition areas for IM Wisconsin. I got really excited and realized, "Hey! I could swim the IM Course!" It must be right around here (I was also with my best friend from forever who I met through swimming, and meeting up with three ex-Dartmouth swimmers). When we arrived at our friend's apartment, I wouldn't give the idea up (no one else seemed interested in swimming 2.4 miles, not sure why?), the girl we were staying with pointed out her floor to ceiling windows and said, "the course is RIGHT THERE!- We will watch you from up here!"
Her view literally looks over the IM Wisconsin swim course and transition. This picture doesn't do it justice, but you could see the entire transition area and the round spirals you have to run up after the swim. It was so cool.

When I woke up on Sunday morning, the swim didn't seem like such a great idea, and when I looked out the windows, there were about 5 people trying to swim into what looked like 20mph winds. Not so much fun. So I opted for a tasty breakfast and walk by the lake instead.

But the pure excitement and nervous energy I felt just SEEING the swim course made me realize that I have fallen in love with triathlon. I can't say when, or even if, a full IM is in my future, but the desire has been confirmed. Now I just need to get my body in line with my mind. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it.