48 hours from now I will be chugging sipping on a cocktail, bay side in San Diego having just just finished a triathlon, one of the most life-changing and inspiring accomplishments of my life.
And that being said, today should be a day for reflections and thanks. And 5 months, maybe not 50 pounds, but certainly 500 miles later I can tell you all this:
You can do whatever you set your mind to. Seriously. Your body will follow.... just ask this girl - who 5 months ago couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without huffing & puffing, let alone run for more than 2 minutes without needing to walk - who now won't take anything less that 4 miles pounding the pavement, and can swim/bike/run half the day with reasonable ease. And with that you will not only transform your body but the way you think about life.
I am a strong person, but I could have never done this without the support and love of my amazing family and friends. I have been truly blessed in life to have an amazing built-in support system in my family - and though my mother might hound me, my father not be the most open about his emotions, and my brothers be unable to financially contribute to my cause, they have given me more then anyone else, have been there for me through thick and thin, sweat and tears- the real heroes who will never give up on me.
I have been doubly blessed in life to attract amazing friends - those who live with me and those who live thousands of miles away, those who I see every week and those who I haven't seen for years. Those would give to a cause they've never been effected by when they themselves were in more need of the funds. Those who pour out their love and pride for me in emails/texts/facebook posts without hesitation. And those who ultimately love me for who I am, not who I could be.
And who could forget my teammates, mentors and coaches? The newest of the new friends who accepted me without prejudice, kicked my butt every Thursday/Saturday to be better, who never let me give up or give in, and who have helped usher me in to this new era of my life. You are all an inspiration, and I owe so much of myself to you.
And last, but certainly not least, I must thank the cosmic irony of life that brought me the most incredible cheerleader, shoulder to cry on, motivator and friend I could have asked for - whose post 4 hour practice tuna melts, back massages, and unconditional love makes all those early mornings and steep hills easier to climb. To him and to all those that have been there for me, I love you all.
But I think the biggest revelation these past months, and the one I have (secretly?) been searching for the majority of my life - I found me. Not the loud and proud on the outside, but insecure on the inside me. Not the me who didn't think she was ever worthy of love or the win. Not the me that would give up when the going got tough.
Nope, I found the REAL me - the strong, powerful, kick-ass, beautiful and determined me. The one who won't let any hill, wave, or distance stop her, who won't take no for an answer any more. And as I read my own entries here, I smile at the way that "me" has grown. It has been a journey, a transformation, and one could even say a re-birth. And you know what? I really like this new me.... I think she can stay.
So all I have left to say is : San Diego, are you ready for this? Cause he I come...bring it on...
Today's Jam: "Man In the Mirror" by Michael Jackson (Bad 1988)
Tri this Emotion: Nervous, scared, excited, ready to conquer the world.
Special Props Go Out To: All the incredible people who have supported me and the LLS physically, spiritually, financially, and emotionally. I loveyou alll.
The Be-All End-All Attitude: If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make that change.
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