Little by Little

Well, I have been meaning to write for the last few days and some how just never made the time to do so. This is my last week here, crazy how time flies. When I first arrived, I was wondering how I was going to make it. I was sick, tired, getting my ass handed to me everywhere I turned and was thinking maybe I’m just not cut our for this at this level. Well, time has a way of revealing the information we need as time goes on. I have learned so much while being here: Trusting my coach, knowing I can handle way more than my mind thinks I can, realizing I have been treating this more like a hobby than a job, that my eating habits are pretty bland (I hate veggies, well I have broadened my horizons this trip but still), going to bed every night before ten and most nights before 9 makes you feel so much better at 5 in the morning, (crazy how your body adapts -when first arrived did 24x200 and ave 33 thought my legs were going to fall off, now ave 31-32 and had room still in the tank), that the simple life is really pretty good with me, I can’t do it alone like I have the past 2 years or so, which leads me to needing to relocate to one of two places for the summer-Nashville or Boulder. Knoxville will always be home. I have some of the best friends in the world there. Since I have been gone, it is crazy to realize how much support is there. I am one blessed individual, THANK YOU! My family is there as well, so I will never really leave. I see myself spending training stints in different places over the next few years and I will be HOME often. I have come to realize that to be the best you must surround yourself with the best. I go to swim squad and look around and there are a couple top 10 at Ironman Hawaii, a couple World Champions and Olympians, and plenty of Ironman Champs. I have really enjoyed getting to know a few of my new mates and look forward to seeing them in the states and back over here next year. Also, I realize how lucky I am to have Hillary Biscay as a roomie. She is a model workhorse, she rarely if ever complains, she is always getting the job done-it’s no wonder the girl can do 9 Ironman Races a year, she truly is an Ironwoman. She has been of such great support and encouragement to me over the last 5 weeks. I have struggled at times, usually I get home sick and no I am not really home sick. I do miss my routine and I am a home body so I feel a little out of my element. But, this walkabout has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life that will hopefully catapult me to the places I need to go. As my mate Huck said earlier, little by little may all your dreams come true, one step at a time. I took a big step 5 weeks ago and followed my dream, and now little by little it will unveil itself to me. Never let anyone tell you, you don’t have what it takes. At the end of the day there is only one who can answer that question. As I sit here and the rain comes down, may it rain some days and shine others but never stop DREAMING BIG!