Unexpected Cheerleaders

Since my bike accident 3 weeks ago I have put in 15 hours on my bike, with another 5:25 coming up Saturday and I have hit the pavement running 11 hours. I was so excited to get back to training! This Ironman thing just becomes so much a part of your everyday life, but really what makes it so important is the people you train with and meet along the journey...the people who inspire you and cheer you on. A few weeks back I was doing a long run and attempting to finish my second thresh hold set (which I do not enjoy:)) As I was trying to keep my pace there was a woman who was literally cheering me on and telling me what a great job I was doing. This woman had no idea what I was doing or why but she simply felt compelled to give me a kind word and it completely made my day! Those kind words have stuck with me for the weeks since. I have been praying that I can take this example and adopt it into my daily life and my training. I hope that I am remembering to say a kind word to someone or cheer them on or simply give them a smile with they need it most! You just never know when you may turn someone's day around by this simple jesture. My most memorable races are the ones where I have encouraged others on the course and had encouragement given to me by another participant.

I have to give a big thanks to Papa Joe for being my biking partner and cheering me on during these very long rides. He has stuck with me for all of these hours on the bike even when he only had an hour to do. He has banked some serious time with me for his Ironman training that will start later this year. He really is one of the best cheerleaders I know along with my sister-in-law, Cindy, who has cheered us all on at the races and in our everyday lives! I also want to thank everyone for the supportive messages, you have so encouraging to me during this training. God has put some really great people in my life and I am so thankful for them all.

So until next time remember to continue to encourage each other, watch for runners and bikers on the road and enjoy this beautiful Texas weather we are having!!!

PS....mom knows about the accident now so we don't have to keep it a secret anymore:)