Thank You's

Just a few thank you's going out to everyone who helped me reach this weekend's finish line.

First set of thank you's go out to all of the companies I used clothing and race gear from...

Zoot

Speedo

Trek

C360

Adidas

Wright Socks

Ironman

Road ID

Timex

The second round of thank you's go out to my nutrition....

Poland Springs 

(You guys seriously make the best water on the planet!!)

Gatorade Endurance

Ironman Perform

Powerbar

Clif Shot Bloks

Third, I'd like to blanket thank all of the volunteers and paid staff from the Ironman Crew

It was my first Ironman event, so I don't have much to compare to, but things went very smoothly and you could tell the volunteers were working very hard to accomodate every whim of the racers; VERY much appreciated! THANK YOU!

My fourth thank you (I feel like I'm accepting a Grammy) goes to everyone who helped with my training, whether it was the right or wrong advice!

Friends

Family

Racers at all of my events

The H.E.A.T. Triathlon group

Bloggers

Doctors

Next, my mother
She drove over 4 hours to come see me a few short times over the two days.  She held my car keys and other memorabilia items during my race and I want to say thank you for always being there and dealing with my hectic race mentality!

Next, my CT Crew!

You guys were amazing with your signs and simply just making the trip out to see the race.  Thank you for being so accommodating and supportive despite how crazy and scary-skinny you might think I am.  haha

And of course I can't go without thanking all of you bloggers!
I've learned so much from you guys (and gals) and have so much more to still absorb.  Thank you for reading.  Thank you for your advice, support, and stories!  I've honestly made friends that I hope to eventually meet in person and keep for a LONG time.  It helps to have people who don't think I'm crazy all the time and even encourage me to do more. 

Lastly, I want to blanket-thank everyone who believes and disbelieves in the possibility of my dreams.
Writing that literally made me cry!  It took a HUGE leap of faith to drop what I had eleven months ago and follow this dream, but every time I hear a "OMG, you're nuts," "Good for you!," or "Seriously?," I get another boost of energy to continue following this path, for better or for worse. 

I may not become a pro.  I may not get anywhere near my goal and I may crash and burn financially, socially, and personally all at once, but one thing I've learned (and still need a reminder of from time to time) is...

"happiness is a journey."  

Don't focus on the end point, but the steps it takes to get there and no matter where you end up, you'll be proud of and happy with yourself.

THANK YOU!!

Here's to many more training days, race recaps, laughs, fears, and tears!

THANK YOU!!

Stay fit.  Stay healthy.  Stay safe.