An Ironman Thank You

                                         

                        

                               

   

An Ironman is a very selfish act.  The training you need to do to prepare.  The sleep you need to do the training.  The times you can't go out so you can sleep.  The food you need to eat to train.  It's all about you.  

No one will get nearly as much joy out of me crossing that finish line on Sunday as I will, but it sure as hell took a lot of people to get me there.  So now, I would like to thank them.  In no particular order:

The Running Institute of Chicago.  I came to you in January with a lingering foot pain.  Thanks for steering me in the right direction. 

NovaCare at DePaul.  Athena and Will grastoned? the heck out of my foot and got me out of a walking boot and running faster than I thought possible.  

Running Away.  For your gear and support and George and Anne and everyone for getting me set up fast on my sweet ride. 

Hot Tubes Custom Painting.  For giving me the coolest paint job I have seen on any bike, ever (in my opinion). 

My babysitters.   Parents, nieces, friends, and anyone else who took care of Alex so I could train.  Gene, sorry, I don't think Dads count as babysitters.  

My spectators.  I have a big crew coming up Sunday specifically for me and I can't wait to see them. I also know there will be other friends I see and strangers who yell my name and for that I am thankful.  

My training partners.  If I ran, rode or swam with you this summer you are part of this group.  You got me through a workout and one step closer to the finish line. 

My clients.  For listening to me talk, complain, boast (not sure what that was) and making me feel like a badass.  You guys are the best.  

Tavia.  For mostly just being you but also for creating the Spark brand.  I will be so proud representing my brand in your creation Sunday, seeing others out there in it, and getting a tattoo that you designed;)

My parents. For everything you do for us and for going above and beyond this summer to allow Gene and I to ride.  And for giving me the priceless gift of knowing Alex is always taken care of. 

Elisabeth.  For being client/friend/training partner extraordinaire.  I'm so proud of how far you have come and could not have made it through this summer without you.    

Alex. I love, love, love you more than you will ever know.  Thanks for always being up for an adventure and the sweetest baby girl a mommy could ask for.  I can't wait to cuddle with you after the race. 

Gene.  My hubby, tech support, equipment manager and best friend.  There really are no words to thank you enough for all you do for me.  I could not possibly have done this without you.  I love you so much.  

See you at the finish line!!!

-Coach A

www.sparkmultisport.com