Ahh I must have the Ironman hormones raging (yes I think there are special IM hormones) because I'm feeling rather emotional today.
I'm just feeling incredibly blessed this week.
The shop has been busier that ever. We are actually running low on bikes! Our sales have been phenomenal, our service department is packed, and I met a wonderful new friend. Actually opening this shop has been a blessing,as I have met many new friends.
Had we not opened I would not have met my two new friends Chris and Michelle. They are both the most kind, giving people I have ever met. And I just love being with them. Chris got me through my hundred miler with a base of only about 40 miles in his own legs. We even have some summer vacation plans.
I've also become closer to other Ironman athletes that I used to see on the roads. Now I know their names, their stories, and when I see them on the road I can greet them by name- not just a nod and smile.
And as I said in a previous post, I met a wonderful English gentleman this past week. He's in town for the race and staying at the local airforce base. Apparently he ran into one of our customers who was on a tri bike. He asked for a bike shop recomendation and was told he HAD to go see us. He popped over and the rest is history. Not only are we making sure that his Pinarello is in top shape for race day, I took him for a drive of the race course today. We drove over to the lake and I showed him around the area, and then we drove the bike course. When we got back to the shop he insisted on taking us to dinner. It's so nice to sit and speak w/ someone who is sharing your passion. Albeit he's MUCH faster! I believe he will finish in around 10 hours, but he still treats me as an equal, and that means something. Actually he recognized me from my you tube video and calls me the "famous Denise from you tube". I have to wonder if this year will be a repeat of last. ha ha ha
But anyway, I'm really starting to get excited for next week. I have this feeling that race day is going to rock. The weather today was perfect and I'm channeling that for next weekend. So far so good on the forecast front. Plus this year I will have so many more friends racing along side me. And I'll have my AV jersey on, so it'll be like having ya'll right there with me..
Ahhh I'm just happy in my heart right now. And I want to thank all of you for coming along for the ride with me. You are a HUGE part of the reason why I feel so blessed.
Thanks all, and have a good night!