I sat and sighed for a bit, groused for a bit, then I wrote the emails to my colleagues asking them to switch weekends with me.

Next, I put in your DVD, and did push ups and sit ups while watching you and countless others conquer the Ironman. Started crying when you jumped in the water, and kept on, crying and doing pushups, determined to train better for PPT than I was for LZT.

Truth is, ladies, I'm not scared of LZT anymore. I am scared of PPT. Of the swim. Funny thing, I bought a full-body wet suit this year. I would not have needed it for LZT (warm lake). I will need it for PPT (cold lake). Great! Now I truly have a reason to go down to Lake Michigan with my wet suit and swim in the cold water.

I made a training plan that will prepare me for an Oly tri in August and a 1/2 marathon in October. Next year, the 1/2 IM.

Denise, THANK YOU again for all the inspiration you've given me. I've watched your DVD over and over. Today, for the first time, I "heard" what you were saying as you crossed the line. "YES! I did it!" What I know is that I can do Pleasant Prairie, and I will not be the last one across the finish line. L.