My Unsung Hero

12 years ago I met you

 And I fell in love so fast.

It didn't take too long for me

To know our love would last.

I fell in love with all your charm

Adventure, strength and boldness.

Your heart for Christ, Your love for others

Your self defining witness.

I had no real understanding

 Of all that you would show me.

I didn't know that marrying you

Would uncover wings inside me.

There really is no greater gift 

Than a spouse who lifts you high.

Who gives you voice and strength beyond.

Who lives to see you fly.

The woman that I am today,

I credit most to you.

I never would have found her

Unless you insisted that I do.

You are my unsung hero

In this season chasing glory.

I'm humbled by the way you've taken

A backseat to my story.

It hasn't gone unnoticed, 

Not by me and not by others.

How selflessly you give your time

Its one of your greatest wonders.

IRONMAN takes everything

And you've graciously let me go.

You have taken on the homefront

Kept the team going to and fro.

You are my unsung hero

And I really should tell you more

How thankful I am to have a friend

Who lives to see me soar.

You're always patient, never angry,

And gracious through and through.

You amaze me.....completely

You are my dream come true.

Thank you Bob for choosing to

Lay down your life for me.

Thanks for being Mom and Dad 

For our two Mini Me's.

You are my unsung hero

The IRON in my IRONMAN

I am grateful you have chosen me

To walk with hand in hand.

To the best Father and Husband......Happy Fathers Day and Happy Anniversary my Love.

Journey to IRONMAN: The Dueces Wild Triathon

Alright, Little Miss Lily had had her day so its now time to share my story up at the Dueces Wild Triathlon!  There is a Meme that goes around on Facebook of a surprised little girl and the caption goes, "Ooooops......I signed up for another race!"  This was SO me when it came to Dueces.  After my experience with the Rocky Point Tri and my stomach troubles, I was just hankering for another go at an Olympic event and didn't want to wait until July!  I know.........its an obession.  So 2 weeks before Dueces I Hail Mary'd it and signed up for the event.  After all, we were gonna be up there anyways.

It was going to be such a fun weekend especially with my girl Bridgit doing her Half IRONMAN.  I really didn't want to miss out on the racing frenzy.  We headed up to Show Low a week and a half ago,  got to our campsite and headed over to collect our numbers and race day swag.  I am going to say it again.....Man I love racing.  Nothing quite like giving your name to the volunteer and having your number, cap and swag ready for you.

We were up and out early on race day morning.  Since switching my diet, I had an entirely new approach to pre race fueling and during race nutrition.  I was anxious and excited to see how it was gonna work.  Since this would be the first big race since I became a high fat, low carb eater I was hoping it was gonna pay off.

I LOVE that my coach was not only there but racing.  She is so motivating and such a kindred soul.  She makes me want to be great and I am grateful for her.  Secretly my goal was to catch her on the run (cause she is a monster on the bike) since I failed epic-ly at that attempt in Rocky Point.

I felt fantastic in the water and out on the bike.  My diet is WORKING and I killed it.  I was most nervous about the transition from the bike to the run, but as I approached transition after the bike I knew I had it.  Everything was ready for it.  Stomach wasn't slowing me down!

I left transition flying and just hoped that it wasn't a fluke and I could continue to hold it.  I even caught my coach :)

This race was most definitely a high point for me.  I felt fantastic through the whole race and cruised into a 2nd place age group finish after holding a solid 8:45min/mile pace for the run.  I felt so good!

The Dueces may have been a last minute race for me, but it was an amazing event for me.  The diet and changes I have made are working and making a huge difference.  The sky is the limit and I simply couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

Bridgit came in from her Half IRONMAN a couple hours later and after a 2nd place finish in her own age group, we couldn't help but feel unbelievably grateful for powerful coaching and our friendship in training.

The next morning following the race was lovely.  I spent the early morning making a Starbucks run with Evie (yes we were close to Starbucks.....Hallelujiah!)  and then enjoying a lovely hike with our buddies.  

Our entire weekend was a huge success and we came home with lots of bling to prove it.  I am proud of myself for executing a phenomenal race and I am proud of our family for living life boldly. 

I am getting stronger and stronger.  Next stop is the Boulder Peak Triathlon next month followed by a couple more races and then the push to IRONMAN!