Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Thank Yous!!!

I can't seem to find the intestinal fortitude to actually complete my race report. I'm probably over-thinking it. SO... before I get into the race report... I really need to take a little time and thank some people that have been an integral part of what has been a VERY long 2nd season in triathlon.

You may recognize the people at left. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. I started this whole triathlon thing 2 years ago b/c I saw a couple of my less-than in shape friends doing it and thought, "I can do that!". None of us realized the impact that first race would have on our lives.  To say that my family has been "supportive" simply falls short. They've come along with me through the entire journey... sharing in my successes and failures. Particularly over this last year... we've had some challenges... and we've learned a LOT. This sport can truly consume you if you let it. I want to thank them specifically for reeling me back in and keeping me focused on the big picture... without pointing fingers, nagging, or judging. Thank you you guys.  I love you.

Take a look at the chick on the right.  No, not the tall skinny one.  The short, cute one.  You might have heard me mention her name a couple of times.  Her name is Liz, and she's my coach. She started working with me at the beginning of the year.  Let me say this, I would not have had the success that I did this year, without her patience, guidance, support, and expertise. She focused me, pushed me, challenged me, educated me, and talked me down from quite a few post-workout meltdowns.  She put up with my annoying and random text messages and kindly answered ALL of my stupid questions in a MORE than timely manner.  I am eternally grateful to ELF.  She's like the smarter little sister that I never had, and I couldn't imagine launching into my 2009 season and meeting the challenges of IM Coeur D'Alene without her.  THANK YOU LIZ!

Sally.  I want to thank Sally.  Couldn't have done it without you.  Serious.  THANK YOU SALLY! Hm.

LifeCycle and Gilad.  Thanks for all your support you crazy little buff dude!

Very special thanks to the Bigun.  For the sling.  For the drugs.  For puttin my bike together and forcing me to be still.  For the rides.  For the support.  For the company. For understanding De Oppresso Liber and for just plain bein there.  Love ya big dude.

Lastly, I want to thank all of you.  If you're reading this right now... you can be confident that you played a part in my journey this year.  Don't laugh... it true.  Thanks for taking the time to read.  Thank you for all the kind words of encouragement and support.  Thank you for your wit and your ribbing!  You helped to keep things light and real.  Just...  very simply... 

Thank you.

Breathe....

7 comments:

beth said...

its a good time of the year to give thanks...i'll always thank you (via a directive from ELF) to remind me when i'm being a wimp to......MAKE THAT HILL YOUR BITCH.

favorite line ever.
hope all is well!

Ryan said...

Your welcome...I would like to thank my...(roll oscar music).............................................

Great 2nd year of triathlon, making it to the 70.3 worlds is quite a feat.

MJ said...

No, thank you.

It was great to follow your year - laughing all the way through at your descriptions and reports...

Enjoy the off season.

Cheers,

jameson said...

thanks to you too dude... i remember chatting with you online the night before Xterra worlds... good times.

i can't wati to keep following along in '09 as you prepare to crush IMCDA.

Anonymous said...

It's heart-warming that you take the time to thank your family.

OK - so.....what now? You have a few months off right? Are you pigging out? Gaining weight? Eating pie? I think I remember a blog that discussed your weakness for pie.
Go for it! That pic of you and Liz let's me know that you can afford to eat some pie.
Enjoy your off season but don't forget to blog. I really enjoy reading it.
S.H.

Anonymous said...

you forgot to thank me. I think running from me and playing in the waves and riding bikes together provided you with the foundation you needed to start this venture. Are you going to eat pie for breakfast?

Bigun said...

You da man, Rob. Hey, where's my armpit pic of me'n Liz?