Week 39

I used my posting mojo on an email this week. New update in a few days...


In just 14 days I will have the opportunity to complete my first Ironman triathlon. To remind you an Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. 140.6 miles, to be completed in 17 hours.

I’ve been reflective lately (as the distances I am training are conducive to that) and looking back over these last 9 months brings a lot of emotions to the surface. In October I had no idea what I was getting myself into. July seemed like a long way off and maybe even just a dream. Would I really be able to complete an Ironman? But through the support of my coaches, mentors, teammates and amazing friends I was able to build a solid base of fitness and mental capacity to aid me in the completion of the most difficult thing I will attempt in my life thus far. I am feeling pretty confident. Plus, not finishing is NOT an option.

Training for Ironman is not easy, and sometimes I can’t even imagine not having it in my life. In nine months I swam the longest distance I ever have (2 miles - I never thought it possible!) and ran the longest I have ever run (15 miles). I lost close to 30lbs but gained 10lbs of it back in muscle. For a few weeks there, I was training close to 20 hours a week. I’ve put endless miles on my car and my body and both held up! I’ve put close to 1,000 miles on my bike and on most days have put close to 4,000 calories in my body. Before Ironman training I used to look at food and say, “Oh my god this has 300 calories in it!” During Ironman training I now look at that same food and say, “Oh my god, this ONLY has 300 calories in it!”

I am happy to report that I met my fundraising goal of $8000 on July 3^rd. Seventy-six of you donated an average of $105. Once again I was amazed and grateful and comforted by the fact that there are remarkable and generous people in my life. People who not only support me but who also want to see an end to cancer. After this third season with Team in Training, you and I will have raised close to $20,000 to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in their fight against blood cancers. Did it slip your mind? I am still accepting donations here: http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/hez

In these last days I will be getting my gear packed, shipping my bike and tapering my workouts to get my body well rested for the big day. I will also be working on the mental aspect of the race. Right now I am scared shitless! I am worried about so many things and am trying to put to good use my number one mantra for race day: “Let go and let God.” Other “mantra’s” that have helped me throughout the season are: “C’mon girl!” “One and two and one and two and…” “You’re a good girl!” and “What the f**k are you doing!” (Oops! That’s not a mantra!)

The next time you hear from me I will be an Iron(wo)man. So think of me on race day: July 20^th, 2008. I’m racing to cure cancer, to do something only a few can and to remember those who have lost their fight. Wish me luck!

Love,

Hez