I'm a blessed girl....

[Running Mommy]

Pic to share...

Today was the 2.4 mile swim at the Ironman site. I didn't swim, but went to support my friends. I actually rode early, did a small brick run, and then finished my run at the lake.
Here's a pic of all of us at brunch afterwards. AV represents!

http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...=IMAZ08033.jpg

[Running Mommy]

I was tuckered out earlier, so I cut the last post short.
As I said, today was the 2.4 mile open water race. I haven't been to Tempe for a race in awhile, so it was good to see everyone. When I walked over to the site I was greeted by many many friends. It was nice. All were asking if I was swimming today... alas, no. I had no desire to do that swim w/ only one week to go. My friend Chris decided at the last minute to swim. Now mind you he's only been in masters for a couple of months, and I don't think he has swam for an hour straight yet- much less 2.4 miles. He finished in just over 2 hours. I'm VERY proud of him!
Also there were George and Jane Esahak-Gage. They are the couple that were nearly killed a year and a half ago by a red light runner. In fact how George survived is a MAJOR miracle. Last spring he was just getting back to running, today he knocked out the swim in less than an hour. He's an ANIMAL! And HE is my inspiration. I am in absolute AWE of him! It was an honor to get to speak with him.

http://www.ahwatukee.com/news/george...says_jane.html


There were lots of IM racers swimming, so the IM vibe was in full effect. Today is our new British friend Adrian's birthday, so we surprised him with a card and maple cupcakes. After the swim we took him to brunch and had a fabulous time. I left the restaurant feeling so full of that good ju ju I call the "Ironman vibe". For those of you who have raced an IM, you know what I'm talking about. There's NOTHING like the buzz surrounding an Ironman.
Oh- and the lake temps- 68 degrees! WHOO HOO! Weather forecast is for 90+ degrees next weekend, and so far no mention of "breezy conditions". That's coming mid week. So it should be done and out of here. Let's hope that forecast holds. I do hot, I don't do wind.
I'm gonna rock next weekend. I just know.... I'm gonna rock!

Thanks again all. I'm feeeling your love and giving you a cyber hug!

[Tri Girl]

You go, girl! You look especially great this year, btw. You look fantastic in your IM outfit!!!!

[jesvetmed]

Thanks for sharing the story about George. AMAZING MAN.

AND you know what? YOU ARE GOING TO ROCK!
Good luck to you all!
Jes

[firenze11]

This is so cool and inspiring RM. I'm getting so excited for you and IMAZ now. I'll be sending whatever "strong, fast, powerful, determined woman" vibes I have during the race. . .not that you even need any.

And it's so great that your shop is doing so well and you love it so much. I only wish I lived in AZ so I could come to your shop.

[ClockworkOrange]

You go Denise, will be thinking of you on Sunday 13th


2191



Sending you a super duper lucky black cat, to wish you loads of luck, not that you will need it with all the arduous training you have been doing.




I cannot even begin to tell you how proud I am knowing you, I cannot be there but will be thinking of you every cadence of the way!

Last but not least, take care.

Big hugs.

Clock

[Running Mommy]

I'm all registered and ready to go. Hit the water yesterday and today. It's cold, but manageable.
Yesterday:
Jumped in the water and got an ice cream headache. It was windy and choppy so I didn't linger.
Stood in a heinus line for registration- you would think they would have this down to an art??
Got my sparkly participant bracelet.
Bought a couple of cute tops and a jersey from "IM swag R us"- aka the merchandise tent.
Had a couple recognize me from my you tube video
Chatted with Michelie Jones ( LOVE HER)
Went to a talk given by Michael Lovato (hottie) last evening. Spoke w/ him briefly afterwards and told him about the video- he's actually in it as well. DANG he's a funny guy! We were laughing the entire time.
His take away message was "it's suppose to be FUN! So if your not having fun, why do it??!!"

Today:
Back to swim. Much smoother today, but lots of traffic- had to watch for oncoming traffic.. ugh
Talked to some reps. Being a bike shop owner now you kind of have to.
OH-
This morning I was chatting w/ the Quintana Roo guys when Heather Golnick came by. She's sponsored by them and they have her on a custom pink and grey Dolce- which is the new womens version of my bike. I got to chat w/ her (LOVE HER TOO), and even had her autograph something for the shop.
I WANT her bike in a serious way! Even the ZIPP stickers on her wheels are pink! SWEET!!!
Had some Bakers double chocolate granola - YUM- Paula Newby-Fraser likes it too! She was having some for breaky.
decided I needed to wonder home to get my bags ready. Tonight is the dinner, and tomorrow is bike/bag check in.
So just had some lunch, and now I'm off. My friend Michelle is a professional photographer. She was with me yesterday and captured my day on film. She added them to my IMAZ 08 album on photobucket.
I'll also add my Heather Golnick pics.

http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...e69/IMAZ%2008/

if you have trouble go to photobucket.com and my username is tony66denise69 and p-word is spencer97

[Running Mommy]

Just got this email from a friend of mine. I had to share what he wrote. LOVE it!!

Another “ism” to keep in mind:

The pain will go away…braggin rights are forever.



So push through the pain, you can rest when it’s over. Don’t think about lack of training, think about it as you trained but a lot of the training was rest. Resting is when you get stronger, not when you’re out there suffering. Don’t discount the miracle race. Like they say in football, “…On any given Sunday.”, meaning it can happen when nobody excepts it.



You don’t need prayers, you need to get your azs out there and move…..and keep moving till it’s done. Remember, “There’s no f'in crying in baseball” (or tri’s). if you need to throw up, do it while you’re moving. No luck needed…see you at the end.

[Wahine]

Denise, I am sooooooooo excited for you. You're going to have a great race. I can't wait to check up on you online. I'll be in a conference all day, arrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!! But I'll be able to check later.

[maillotpois]

Good luck!!!

[jesvetmed]

Just wanted to tell you I'll be thinking of you and GOOD LUCK... both KSH and RUNNING MOMMY! GO GET EM!!!!!!!
Jes

[Tri Girl]

What a great day you must've had! Those goose bumps were HUGE!
Gotta love that wetsuit neck chafe- and I even saw the pic of you putting on body glide. What's up with that??


I'm sooooo excited for you! I can feel you excitement all the way over here. Can't wait to hear all about how much fun you had out there- cuz he's right- if it's not fun then why do it?

[spindizzy]

RM - I have been thinking about you all week.This is the culmination of a dream for you. I wish you strength, perserverance and tenacity. Every time we push ourselves, we learn something new. I believe.




To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
Anatole France

[Grog]

I'm thinking about you!

[firenze11]

I just wanted to come wish you and Knapplaura a great race tomorrow. I will be thinking about you and hope you have an incredible day. Good luck, good luck, good luck (3 is tradition in my family)!