The Thank Yous

One never gets through the Ironman training or completes the Ironman alone. This journey is always the result of many, many people in your life giving you a little boost every once in awhile when things are seeming bleak. It could be anything from an email, to spending a part of your 5 x 6 min strength intervals on the bike, to just a text letting you know they are thinking about you. I sacrifice a lot during IM season, but there are so many people that were out there sacrificing right along with me. The family was getting less phone calls, my friends were seeing me less for gatherings, and of course Kyle even spent some time away from me when he was sick so I didn't come down with a bug or understood when I feel asleep at like 8:00pm on a Saturday night.

The Ironman has since come and gone. And even though it feels like it was just yesterday, my body has enjoyed a much needed break (as has my mind!). The people that were there in my life before, are still there now. They wouldn't care if I came in first, last or if I had to DNF and walk home. They love me no matter what and I'll tell you, that's a pretty good feeling.

So, without further ado I just want to say a quick thank you to all the people I mentioned before the race in this post IM Coz Or Bust, along with my Sponsors, my teammates who raise money for such a great cause like Ballou Skies, and just keep me grounded and happy, my facebook and blogger friends (too many of you to name, but just to name ONLY a few - Kim K, Mary, Charisa, Beth, Maija, Marit C-L, Ramon, Teresa, Courtenay, Jen H, Bri, TriMommy, Michele, Chloe, ADC, Steve, Christi, and Julia). I would link to all your blogs but I don't have time!! Just know that it means a lot to me that you read and write and just listen to me blab!! My Pittsburgh Crew (Chad, Jen, Jos, Matt, Jason, Billy, G, Nate) who never lets me down and always makes training so much more fun. My Michigan com padres - Jim, Cindy and all the crew up there!! My gym friends who always encourage me at Masters swimming and while I'm on the treadmill for what seems like hours on end and of course, my coach - Justin. Justin has changed the way I think about everything and he's starting to help me get a glimpse of what things could actually be if I put my mind to them and believe in myself and my dreams.

Speaking of dreams, I have some pretty big ones for next year. I couldn't be more excited about the upcoming season and although the passion to train like a manic hasn't come back QUITE yet.. it certainly is in burning embers deep within my soul. Come January 1st, it will be ready to roar and I couldn't be more excited about trying to nail down this schedule without the pressure of qualifying for Kona.

Now, a few people asked me why I didn't mention more about Kona in some of my posts or Facebook messages. It's not that I am NOT excited about Kona - I certainly am! It's great to have a year to get ready, and plan and SAVE and SAVE :) However, this may sound crazy, but I'm even more excited for other things. I wanted to break 10 hours in an Ironman pretty badly this time, and I knew if I did, Kona would pretty much take care of itself (at least in the case of Cozumel). However, there is much much more on the horizon now and I just want to see how far I can go and maybe someday compete against the best of the best. The goal is to become the very best athlete and person I can. If I can do that, then I will be happy. However, to have that happen you must continue to be pushed to a level where the competition is fierce and you have to up your game just to stay within sight. I'm not sure what exactly all that means, but let me say, I'm excited to find out.

This next season should be really fun, and I can't wait to see where it goes. If it goes really well, then I think the next steps will be evident. So, let us just continue on the journey together!!

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported EACH OTHER in this sport this year. Triathletes really are some of the best people around - don't you think?? Who's with me on this!!??