Monday, November 14, 2011

Race with Gratitude

With Ironman less than 2 weeks away (!!!) I have been doing a lot of thinking about my goals for race day. I have spent time reflecting on the past year and how much I have grown as an athlete and as an individual. You'll have to wait until later this week to hear what my goals for the race are, but there is one thought that kept coming to mind as I was brainstorming and I felt it needed it own post: race with gratitude.

I am so unbelievably thankful for all of the wonderful and supportive people I have in my life that have made this experience not only possible but enjoyable. It is overwhelming, in a wonderful way, to know that on race day Phil and I will have those we love most cheering on the side lines, as well as many others cheering remotely.

I have been blessed with a supportive family that hasn't questioned why I chose to do this- but instead, memorized the Ironman distances, booked flights to Cozumel, and ordered matching shirts in preparation to cheer me and Phil on.


and Phil. From the very beginning he pushed me when I needed it, listened to all my frustrations, and was by my side always. I am very lucky to have someone so wonderful in my life who makes me happy every single day. It is nice seeing him at the finish line even if he gets there hours before me.



and lastly I have the best friends in the world. My non triathlete friends have forgiven me for missing birthdays, law school graduations, and nights out due to early morning training sessions. My triathlete friends have made this adventure enjoyable as we pushed each other to reach our goals this season. The bonding that people have while riding 115 miles together is pretty impressive. I've made amazing friends training for this race.





So for that, I am grateful. No matter what that race throws at me on November 27th, I will find strength by remembering the journey and racing with gratitude for my health and the wonderful people I am surrounded by. Sometimes we get caught up with our pace, heart rate, and things that may not be going our way on race day- but it is important to remember how lucky we are to be able to have this experience.

I promise my goals post wont be as sappy :)





12 comments:

  1. This is so true: "Sometimes we get caught up with our pace, heart rate, and things that may not be going our way on race day- but it is important to remember how lucky we are to be able to have this experience."

    - I always remind myself of this when I start to complain and it brings be back to reality.

    You are going to have such a great time during your IM

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  2. Remember how sweaty we were that day running on the trail? My shorts look like I took a shower :) I'm so excited for your race in a few weeks - you've worked hard for this! If only Cozumel was closer...

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  3. Love it! I'm so excited for you. Can't wait to see you this weekend!

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  4. It was nice to randomly run into you yesterday!

    You definitely have the right attitude heading into Cozumel and I know you are going to have such a great race!

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  5. great post girl! I cannot wait to see (or read about) you and Phil cross that finish line.

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  6. Love this. I can't believe IM is only two weeks away -- you've worked so hard and you are so ready to go out there and do it :)

    Also, lovely to see you on the trail yesterday!

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  7. Let's be honest now - Anthony doesn't really love you.


    Go team Lauren!!

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  8. We love following everything that you do; it has made ours lives very exciting.
    Anthony does too love you!!!!


    Go Lauren!!!!!!!

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  9. You have the right mindset to have a great day in Cozumel in less than two weeks! The hard work is already done - race day is just the icing on the already delicious cake! Can't wait to track you race day!

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  10. Great post! Good luck in Cozumel - can't wait to read the race report!

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  11. Awesome post and such a great reminder to always race with gratitude. Keep this in mind during the highs and lows of your IM. Its a long day but such an amazing experience :)

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  12. The ironman IS a team sport! :) Great post!

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