A Million Thank Yous
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They say the hardest part is making it to the start. Well, with nine days to go, it appears that I will indeed make it to the start of Ironman Canada 2010!
To the casual observer, it might seem triathlon is an individual sport. But for those who participate, we know that we don’t make it to the start without A LOT of help and support from those around us. Even as I continue to look ahead to 2011 and beyond, I want to thank those that were an integral part of the journey to Ironman Canada 2010. There is no time like the first time.
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Thank you Mark!
For his kindness and support in more ways than I can count. You know it’s love (or insomnia) when you wake up in the middle of the night and find your husband in the garage tuning your bike. And thanks for buying me new wheels I didn’t think I wanted. I think I'll keep them!
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Thank you Annette!
For her endless patience, thoughtfulness and more than anything for her wonderful listening skills. No matter what the drama, Annette has a way of making you feel like it’s all gonna be okay.
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Thank you Steve!
For taking the “Uber Gear Bitch” to a whole new level. After ten hours in 97-degree heat you’ll find him still smiling and running around trying to get the perfect photo.
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Thank you Christine!
For not only being the best cheerleader EVER, or for finishing Ironman Florida which inspired me to do an Ironman of my own, but also for being a great friend. She has a way of getting each person exactly what they need, be it a beer at the finish line for Heidi, a margarita after the race for Annette or a hug at just the right moment.
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Thank you Jessica!
For her unending positivity, for being completely devoid of drama and for always bringing her smile with her.
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Thank you Heidi!
For totally getting me. From training, to husbands, to why aero helmets will NEVER be cool, Heidi gets it. She also has damn good time in the process.
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Thank you Josh!
For not only being my personal trainer, but for being an occasional training partner, for understanding riding in the pouring rain, for always being up for an adventure and for having the most understanding wife EVER! Ironman Canada here we come!
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Thank you Ann!
For her encouragement in the smallest of victories. Small victories like rallying to get to the pool for a workout you don’t really want to do, for making progress in the evolving “Life Balance” project and for remembering to celebrate the journey perhaps even more than the race itself.
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Thank you Julie!
Hanging around Julie and Duncan you feel like kids under a piñata just waiting for sweet tidbits of knowledge to rain down. Julie gave me the green light to be self coached and her 2006 class was the starting point of this journey. For that I am eternally grateful.
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Thank you Duncan!
Duncan just oozes advice. Take hill repeats, for instance. How should they be done? “Well, they should hurt!”
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Thank you Chiropractor Marty!
For keeping my head on straight and my humor intact!
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Thank you Physical Therapist Carrie!
For keeping these legs on the road!
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Thank you Massage Therapist Jody!
For finding and fixing all the little owwweeees and for doing great body work!
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Thank you Ortega’s Cleaning!
For making it okay to not have to worry about housework any more. ‘Cause I pretty much gave up on that in March.
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Thank you!
To all those friends, family, tri and non-tri alike who have given a “thumbs up” or a word of encouragement along the way. Thank you Jan, Fran, Enid, Eryn, Tara, Diana, Patrick, Kathy, Sara, Tricia, Steve, Denise, Ross, Michelle, Greg, Nichole, Debra, Shawn, Sean, Gabrielle, Kelly, Sam and assorted caring co-workers and hockey buddies who I apologize if I’ve failed to mention here. It takes a village – thank you.
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Thank you Kyle and Katie!
To Kyle for being the little brother that instilled my competitive drive, to Katie for keeping him in line and to both for their Hawaiian hospitality.
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Thank you Mom and Dad!
For their support and always telling me I can do anything I put my mind to. Even it’s just rocking the Big Wheel with my little brother on the mean streets of Pullman!
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