“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end requires courage and tenacity.”
In the present day I am overwhelmed with gratitude and it is the BEST feeling in the world. For the last 18+ months I have waited for this feeling. I have successfully executed Ironman training. Come Sunday I will walk into the water prepared. I have trained to the best of my ability and most importantly I am HEALTHY.
For a very long time I had doubt that this day would ever happen again. My body kept failing me. At the beginning it was over-use injuries. I admit it. At first, I over did it. Most triathletes do. But then I took the less is more approach and I still “ran” into set-backs. I'm aging up and hereditary conditions veered their evil head. I had endless support from family and friends, but when doctors and coaches told me that I “couldn't” or that I “shouldn't”, it mentally beat me up.
Nothing good comes easy. After I finished IMC in 09 I never felt that IM high everyone speaks about. I did the same thing that 2000+ other people did that day. But now..... I have that high. I am different. You are different. I came face to face with challenges that told me to “go home” or to “throw in the towel”. On several occasions I ALMOST did. I now feel silly for admitting this, I used to feel ashamed of my conditions. I viewed myself as weak. But that feeling is long gone. I was smart with my training and listened to my body – even when it lied. I am that 5% statistic and I am ok with that.
Whatever the race Gods have intended for Sunday I will be happy with. I know I have done everything that I could to make this day happen.
I leave you with a smile :D and a few people that made me and my training what I am today.
BTW - I'm going to kill it Sunday!
