It is a fact that I would not have made it through this year with out my incredible friends and family. Every day I receive an overwhelming amount of unconditional support, and I am very much humbled. At the risk of leaving someone out, I am not going to name names, but I'm certain that you know who you are. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Without a doubt, the long bike rides have been my favorite part of the training. Who knew that you could have so much fun, while suffering through so much pain! I will never again be able to look at Matthew McConaughey, peanut M&Ms, or BBQ chips without snickering. And all of those people who do their long training rides without multiple coffee stops are losing out on good times. I'm probably not going to miss the early morning swims. Or the grueling runs after work in the dark. But I will certainly miss the Saturday morning bike rides.
Not a day goes by that I don't get an encouraging text, an email checking in to see how I'm doing, or a phone call to tell me to keep on keeping on. I'm grateful for all of the coffee talks and happy hours...often my only social time this year. When I complain about my aches and pains or constant fatigue, everyone just smiles and tells me I'm doing great. When I feel fat and slow and horribly undertrained, I get compliments and pep talks. It's almost embarassing how awesome all of you are to me. I hope that I can pay it forward someday. 
Without a doubt, the long bike rides have been my favorite part of the training. Who knew that you could have so much fun, while suffering through so much pain! I will never again be able to look at Matthew McConaughey, peanut M&Ms, or BBQ chips without snickering. And all of those people who do their long training rides without multiple coffee stops are losing out on good times. I'm probably not going to miss the early morning swims. Or the grueling runs after work in the dark. But I will certainly miss the Saturday morning bike rides.Not a day goes by that I don't get an encouraging text, an email checking in to see how I'm doing, or a phone call to tell me to keep on keeping on. I'm grateful for all of the coffee talks and happy hours...often my only social time this year. When I complain about my aches and pains or constant fatigue, everyone just smiles and tells me I'm doing great. When I feel fat and slow and horribly undertrained, I get compliments and pep talks. It's almost embarassing how awesome all of you are to me. I hope that I can pay it forward someday. My Mom, who several years ago witnessed my very first triathlon, will be there next week to witness my very first BIG triathlon. I can't wait to share this with her. And I'm looking forward to the conversations in December with my family that don't revolve around Ironman this or Ironman that. They have been so patient.
And, of course, Ken. The best hubster ever. It's ridiculous. Dinner every night. Dishes while I sleep on the couch. Putting me to bed at 8pm. Coffee and PB&J in the morning. Usually 4:30 in the morning. Stuck at home every weekend because I'm too tired to go anywhere. And then telling me it's okay to sign up for another one.
All of these memories will be with me on race day. :-)
