Sarah vs Sally

Sally or Sarah? with Buddy and Morgan.  

What the heck were my parents thinking when they named me Sarah but have always called me Sally?  If I told you the real story, my parents would deny it, so I'll tell you what they will never admit.

You know how writers will often times have a different name for themselves when they sign their writings?   It's called a pseudonym. I believe my parents knew I was going to be a star from birth.  They saw me and thought to themselves, "by golly, look at that Star!  We must give her a pseudonym to protect her from her fans when the world meets her!".  That is where the name Sally originated; so that when I go by Sarah no one would know who I was.  Although legally I am Sarah, you would never find me because I go by Sally!   Seriously though, my parents legally named me Sarah just in case if I were to become a professional (ie: lawyer or doctor) my name would sound as such as well.   So, my legal name is Sarah and I go by Sally.  (sometimes I am confused by my name as well)  If you look up in the dictionary you will find these definitions:

Sally: a sudden rushing forth or activity (dictionary link to Sally)
Sarah: princess (dictionary link to Sarah)

I think they both fit me rather nicely, and therefore would not be able to choose if I were forced to.   I tell you this because I go by Sarah on paper . I sign up for races as Sarah.   My paycheck is Sarah.  My drivers license is Sarah.  Everything I own is owned by Sarah!

In less then a week I will be racing in Ironman Wisconsin.   If you're anything like I am, you will be glued to your smartphone or computer following the race online and cheering on all the people you know who are racing!   That's what I do almost every Sunday.  When you see me on my phone, I'm either following a race or catching up on my favorite athletes on twitter. (follow me on twitter @skeetss)   If you're interested in following my race progress follow this link, Ironman.com or maybe this link, Ironman Wisconsin and search for Sarah Shadle in the results section.

I'll see you at the finish line!

Game face!  Although I race as Sarah, cheer me on as Sally!  

Are you going to be following the race?

What nick names were you called as a child?  

My Blog History

Me, smiling after a half ironman.

During the course of a conversation, I find myself talking about blogs more often that I like to admit.  "I read on a blog last week.." or "My favorite blog talked about.."  It is almost embarrassing how much I enjoy reading blogs except now I have decided to start my own, so I am not embarrassed.

My sister (her blog here) is the one who actually got me started reading blogs about a year and a half ago.  She was visiting me and laying on my couch when I got home from work.  I asked her what she had been doing all day and her reply was, "catching up on my blogs".  Apparently Kelsey follows numerous blogs, I am talking over 40 of them!  I sat down next to her and together we looked through some of the blogs she had recently read.  She showed me blogs about furniture, fashion, families, and interior design.  I was hooked.  My entire world opened up.  This blog thing was a new concept for me!  I began to look into this more and discovered that there was a huge array of blogs out there!  There were blogs on hair, triathlons, animals, running, racing, humor, and photography just to name a few!  I immediatley downloaded an app on my phone and began following over 30 blogs  Yes, us Shadle girls may have a problem.  We love our blogs.

Now, over a year later I have finally decided to begin my own blog.  Kind of a big step..  The question is what do I write that may be of interest to people besides my parents?  I have decided to not answer that question and instead just go with it..  Yes, I will allow this blog to find its own legs and run!  I will put a disclaimer out there though.  I am an aspiring athlete who dabbles in triathlons and enjoys racing.  Dabbles and aspiring may not be the best words as I do numerous races a year and take my training seriously in hopes of taking my racing to the next level.  (more on that in future posts, I am sure)  As a result of my athletic interests, you will find a lot of race reports on this blog.  I love reading race reports!  (not everyone does and I understand this)  I take it back, no disclaimer!  This is a blog about me (Sally) and the life I lead.  Triathlons are a large part of my life as are my two wonderful dogs, Morgan and Buddy.  I look forward to watching this blog grow and morph into what it will.

Morgan, the black Labrador and Buddy, the wire haired dachshund.

What do you like to read about?

What are some of your favorite blogs?