Quote Originally Posted by Lise
Howdy, TE campers!

I did it, I'm home, the dirt, sweat, and tears (no blood, I'm glad to report) are showered off, I smell of Icy-Hot, and I'm here to tell you all about it.

...

I thought of things I've read on here many times. To cheer myself up in the swim, I thought, "It could be worse. It could be bog snorkling." On the run, I thought of Running Mommy at her Ironman, saying, "If you have to walk, walk with purpose." I thought of KnottedYet, doing her first tri, and being so nervous beforehand.

THANK YOU AGAIN, WOMEN OF TE! Knowing you for the past 9 months made this a wonderful triathlon experience. L.
Lise, you rock. You came back from being so discouraged and FINISHED! Nothing can compare to that feeling when your chip goes BEEEEEEEEEP and you cross that finish line, no matter how you place. It feels so good to finish -- not just for the fact that you can stop going , but for the accomplishment. I am not surprised at all that you burst into tears... somehow I manage to stay sane when I finish, but when I watch other people finish or read race reports and imagine you finishing in my head, it really makes me teary to think of the sense of accomplishment and success. Just, wow.

CONGRATS! What a victory! :cheers: (those are my imaginary champagne glasses!)