I can do this.

I can do this., originally uploaded by Tipping Point Photo.

Traveling to a triathlon as a spouse sherpa instead of an athlete gives me time to observe the other athletes--who they are, their shapes and sizes, how they move, their competitiveness or sheer determination to finish. I wish I had hours to move among them, documenting their journeys through the water and across land and pavement.

Some of the captured moments cause reflection on my own journey to the sport of triathlon. In particular, I wonder what brings some women to the starting line: the desire to venture beyond a single sport, and a curiosity about its challenges; investment in personal or physical life changes; following through on a bet from a friend, or supporting that friend in her first racing endeavor; or needing to prove--to the spectators, to someone, to herself: "I can do this."

And as she crosses the finish line, she throws up her hands and affirms, "I can do anything."