As Ironman Texas creeps closer and closer I’ve started building up my arsesnal of happy thoughts. This is the mental catalogue I keep just in case I slip into one of the inevitable “valleys” of endurance racing.
Here are a few of my latest additions:
1. My friend Mary (the one who lives in Japan) just did her first triathlon – three months after giving birth! Her goregous little girl, Maggie Joy, got to watch mom crush everyone on the swim and place first overall in her division! I can’t wait until Mary comes to race stateside!
Mar leading the swim!!
2. Speaking of babies, Coach Diablo and his awesome wife, Elizabeth, just had their third child. Little Cal Rose probably thought being born was pretty cool, but he has no idea that sitting on my kitchen table right now is the second or third best baby gift I’ve ever given. I’ve spent the past couple weeks admiring my wrapping job, but I think I might be about ready to part with it. Cal, you’re one lucky kid.
3. This weekend two of my all-time favorite people are tying the knot. I’m so excited for Michael Kidd and Andrea Smith! What do you think’s harder – planning a wedding or racing an Ironman? My guess is wedding!
4. And it must officially be wedding season because last weekend my friend Julia was in town for her brother’s wedding. Julia lives in San Francisco and her triathlon coach is actually my grand-coach (coach’s coach), Chris Hauth. Since we’re part of the same triathlon family, I made sure to invite Julia along to the pool for a swim. Hopefully she’ll go back to Cali and tell everyone how awesome ATL is!
5. This month is my five year anniversary at work. That means I’ve lived in Atlanta longer than I’ve lived in any one place my entire life – talk about commitment! To celebrate, I got this fancy-schmancy pen. Perfect timing too because my old autograph pen is almost out of ink.
6. Finally, the greatest happy thought this week is all of my teammates and friends racing this weekend. From Knoxville to Mountain Madness to St. George – I feel like I’m the only one NOT racing. But my time will come, and that makes me happy too. Good luck everyone!
Good luck at Ironman St. George, Drew! And thanks for leaving this self-portrait on my phone!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the shout out!! I need to get better at transitions, I fell off the bike and I wasn’t clipped in or anything, just super uncoordinated. Maybe one day I’ll be able to keep up with you!! Charlie had a pretty bad crash this week (super scary for me) and bent both his rims, took a chunk out of his seat and shattered his helmet. Thankfully he’s okay, other than being a little banged up, and is looking forward to getting his bike upgraded….
love the “arsenal of happy thoughts”!! such a great concept. better get mine ready for this weekend!
You are ready to crush Ironman Texas. Between your hard run races this winter, to your happy thoughts, you are going to have one heck of a race :)!
I saw one of your teammates in his bright green kit at St. George. I was close to yelling, “I read Haley Chura’s blog and it’s awesome, plus I like that she’s an accountant too,” but it was kind of a mouthful, so I just did a low profile fist pump instead. Best of luck with your IM taper!