5 minutes and 55 second of euphoria

So it's been a really crazy past couple of months... Training, racing , working , traveling, doing what I love to do. Doing what I believe I am here to do. That is ...enjoy life, follow my dreams and be involved in sport in some way ,shape or form.  It just so happens that I choose triathlon, but if it were not this , then it would be coaching swimming or running or working for a company that promotes healthily living, lifestyle etc.... And if it weren't for certain people in my life that is probably what I would be writing about, but I am not. I am writing this blog after just returning from Kona. After competing in the World Championships Ironman, something that is truly a dream come true for me.  I will not be getting into splits, or the do a play by play of the race because frankly there is nothing too exciting about my performance out there. I did not break any records, make the podium, crash my bike, or collapse at the finish line  (All of the things i think make an exciting race report), But I did compete in one of the coolest sporting events that I have ever been a part of.  I got to spend time with my boyfriend in a beautiful place, see friends finish the amazing race strong , ogle over my idols and train on a course I have watched on tv numerous times while sitting on my trainer with snow falling outside.  This was the best ending to a season a girl could have and I am proud to say that I competed with the best triathletes from all over the world.  At about 11 pm on race night we went back to watch all of the finishers come in, which never gets old.  Harriet Anderson the oldest woman in the competition who is 78!, a man who is known for doing 100 ironman races, and a woman that finished  about two minutes after the 17 hr mark, that had one leg.  What an inspiration!! This is why I love this sport!!
  Thank you.. Paul Gallegos for making this trip a possibility for me and giving back to a sport that I know inspires you too!! My family and friends...Mom and Aunt Paula I know you wished you could have been there but were rooting me on from home:) Jake, Ros, Erin, And Aaron for being out there all day rooting us on!  Coach Aaron, thank you for getting me race ready with a very crazy schedule and helping me achieve every goal I set this year, you are the best leader and coach i have ever had!! Cher, I look up to you so much!! my biking sister, you did amazing!!! Calf pull and a smokin fast bike split with a solid run to back it up!!! Marc to see you out there having the time of you're life and doing awesome gave me the lift i needed during the run! All of the other Salt Lakers representing ...congratulations!!! Canyon Bicycles, Porcupine, Wasatch Running Center and First Endurance thank you for you're support all season. Rob thank you for helping get the nutrition dialed! Jess and Pete, I thought about you guys all day, no matter where i am you are on my shoulder rooting me on, thank you for always believing in me and helping get through all of those swims!!Pete now it's you're turn. Dodo boys, Tom, thanks for pushing me on the bike, dragging me home most days and letting me tag along since day one!! Kay and Craig, you guys are the best always letting us into your home to make our training more convenient and enjoyable! Ali, I know it's been a tough year but you will be back out there stronger than before.  Jake thank you! I love you for you're support and giving me a reason to finish strong every time... So I can make you proud:)
     If you look at the last mile splits of this race you will notice one theme going on... They are all smokin fast.  During this time you can hear the music bumpin, the crowds cheering, Mike Reilly's booming voice and all of the pain goes away. No more stomach aches or heavy feet and all of a sudden you are on steroids and are running on clouds:) For me this is the coolest feeling on the planet,  even though it lasts only minutes.  It's when you get to enjoy all of the work put in, goals reached and celebrate with loved ones out there supporting you while hearing "You Are An Ironman". I am already itching to hear those words again... Can't wait unil next season:)