I literally "MADE" It!

We did it folks.. To those of you that know and have managed to help keep me sane.. Thank you, thank you, thank you.. I cannot thank you enough. To everyone else, sorry for the secrets but they required it happen this way. For the last month I have been filming an episode of MTV Made - "I WANT TO BE A TRIATHLETE" It has been one of the most fun, crazy, tiring, exciting, trying, exhausting experiences of my life. Some days I was filming for 12+ hours while still trying to get in workouts pre-ironman and not let my own clients and regular job work fall to the wayside. The point is.. we made it. Yesterday was a big day. Branden did his first ever triathlon (Pittsburgh Adventure Race - 2 mile kayak (for liability purposes), 20k bike and 5k run to finish 2nd in his age group with a time of 1 hr 50 mins (10 minutes ahead of his goal time). He dropped his chain twice, and still almost had first (only was down by 1 min 40 seconds to 1st place). He is only 16 years old, lives in Pittsburgh and when I met him four weeks ago, had pretty much done no physical activity for years. He lost over 10 pounds and he got to experience our Tri world in full by coming with my to Ironman Lake Placid to see his first ever triathlon.

I couldn't be more thankful to have had a chance to do this. It really did change my life (and the way I look at reality TV!). Josh (film crew), Branden and I were like one little family every day for the last month and we saw really good times and really tough times together. It was probably the hardest I have ever worked at anything non-triathlon related in my life. Kyle had to pick up HUGE amounts of slack when I stopped eating because I didn't have time to buy groceries etc. My friends, family & athletes were so understanding during this time.. and I couldn't have done it without them.

The episode will air in September and I promise to let you all know when it does.

In the mean time, I've got a house that looks like a bomb went off.. bills to pay and still a bit of filming today and tomorrow ("pick up shots") they call them. I actually found I love being on camera and it was a lot of fun.. the outtakes should be hillarious (think me singing, dancing, making faces and rapping.. yes, rapping).

In the middle of all of it, I was trying to train for this little race in Lake Placid that I had always wanted to do. Part of me wanted to cancel it all together.. but that's just not my style. Let the chips fall where they may, I decided to go despite all the missed training, lack of sleep and just general craziness of planning a schedule with TV producers and see what happened. I vowed to have fun all day, even when I was doubting if I might even finish pre-race. Once I let it all go.. it all seemed to come together and God Blessed me with a day I will never forget.

First Female Amateur (6th overall with the professional women), 1st female 30-34 and a new run PR of 3:17. I still can't believe it to this day :)

Needless tosay I'm beyond thankful for the last month.

I have no idea what lies in store next, but I'm so ready to find out.

More race report in the next post, but trust me when I say.. I think it might be a good one! Thank you Kyle, my Mom, Dad, Family, Friends and everyone else who supports me. You make me so happy and empower me to overcome those who try and hold me down with their negativity and jealousy (which they will never do by the way :)! I love my life, I love the people in my life and I will never stop striving to be the best version of myself.. never.. it's going to be a crazy ride.. so hold on tight my friends!

More to come and thanks for your patience. I know this month hasn't been easy.. but it's been so so very worth it!