Inspirational

It's count down time...13 days until Ironman Wisconsin.  Today in the mail I received a very inspirational book made by a good friend Brooke Ferguson.  Here are just a few:

"If it doesn't challenge you, It doesn't change you" 

I feel like in my life I've been given a few challenges and succeed through them.  This is an physical challenge which some would say I'm putting my body to the test.  Yes, I agree but it's the challenge that will change your life. 

"Cause when people tell me I've inspired them it makes me feel so proud"  

I do hear this often and it's such nice compliment that I usually don't know what to say back.  But I am so proud of each and everyone of you for getting out there and getting healthy. 

"Mind/Matter"

"Anything is possible 140.6"

I have to say I think I'm writing this on my forearm race morning.  I want to be able to see there and keep going that anything is possible. 

It will hurt.
It will take time.
It will require dedication.
It will require willpower.
You will need to make healthy decisions.
It requires sacrifice.
You will need to push your body to its max.
There will be temptation.
But, I promise you, when you reach your goal, it's WORTH IT. 

This quote says it all!  I really don't have to explain Ironman training & racing after reading that quote. 

My daughter became a kindergartner last week.  It makes me think that all of these chapters in our life that we realize what really matters.     As my coach reminds me, "Remember why you signed up for Ironman".  



Rainbow Aug 10, 2012

August 10 was my final ride for 100 miles.  I was watching the weather this week because we finally had high winds and storms predicted.  Our 1st attempt of Thursday we decided to move it to Friday for a less a chance of storms but a higher winds up to 25mph from the north.

I really spend too much time worrying about the conditions, I have to stop doing that.  The ride turned out to be a strong cross wind because we headed west to Rochelle.   We crossed farm roads of sunflower fields, hogs, cows and

horses.    But the best thing we came across was the rainbow!  Luckily the sun followed us afterwards to warm us up and keep away the stormclouds.                                                          

I really can't believe I'm 4 weeks away...by the end of Saturday's 13 mile run that followed the 100 it all came clear.  It's about getting through the pain.   Those last 6 on Saturday I was tight and my right knee decided to be painful for the first time.  I told Betsy, "It's about working through the pain" the rest of the day we were asking each other how we felt.  Dave & Betsy were up for the 13 which is amazing with out having to do that for any training.  It's so nice to have company.  Lynn my friend is a unique soul to want to do 100 miles with me.  If anyone is luckily enough to train with her I encourage it.  She's strong through anything. 

I'm hoping the 20 miler this Friday a.m. will have some recovery built into it prior.   Keep you posted soon on the spectator guide for Ironman.