Last night was the Minnesota Triathlon banquet and I was honored to receive the 2008 Rookie of the Year Award and was also voted as a member of Team Minnesota. The event was held at St.Paul College and the food was great. What was even better was three time Olympica, Hunter Kemper spoke to the audience. He shared his memories about being an Olympian as well as his determination to help defeat a disease called A-T that affects one in 40,000 babies. A-T shares traits with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and many forms of cancer and I couldn't imagine if my own son had this horrible disease.
Friday night Derek asked me if I had anything prepared to say if I won the award. I was like "um no I think I will be fine going up there just winging it", needless to say and I hate saying this - Derek was right and I should have had something prepared! I kind of blubbered on the stage and couldn't sleep last night thinking - "I hope people don't think I am quirky or uneducated...but then I have to also remember that they probably don't even remember what I said! If I could do it over I would have kept it short and simple - something like this.."Just wanted to say thank you for recognizing me for this award. I look up to all the athlete in here who have had so much experience in this sport and looking forward to next year working with my coach Dan. Also thanks to my husband because I wouldn't have gotten into this sport without him." Oh well - there is always next year or next week to redeem myself. Next weekend we are going to Des Moines, IA for the Iowa Triathlon Banquet as the winner of the Flatland Series will be announced. I hope to come home with that award as well. Since we'll be back in Des Moines a few days after the banquet, for Thanksgiving, we are going to leave Owen with Grandma and Grandpa. It will be weird to be in Minneapolis and not have Owen here, but it will also be very nice. I think we are going to go to a movie and I am going to decorate the house for Christmas. I LOVE CHRISTMAS and everything about it, I love buying presents for others and getting into the Christmas spirit!!!
Kortney Haag is a mom to two young active boys and understands the time challenges many athletes face and the importance of balance in life as well as in training. She has had extensive experience coaching and racing at all triathlon distances. You can contact her at kortneyhaag@gmail.com
3 comments:
Congrats again on Rookie of the Year Kort!!!!
Congrats on the award - very cool!
Congrats Kortney on the well earned award. You had a great year, and there's no doubt you'll have the opportunity to showcase your acceptance speech at future Tri night banquets!
Also, welcome to the Gear West Tri team. I'm excited to have you as a teammate!
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