Post-Race Words

I want to thank all of my family and friends again for the tremendous support throughout my training and race.  I surpassed my fundraising goal, with much help from my sister Melissa & Dave McBride.  

The race day support crew this year was very inspirational, and present all over the place throughout the day.  Thanks to Scott and the kids, Mom, Melissa & Aunt Debbie, Tammi & Alex Jones, Alex LaClair, PJ, Christi, Jake Teske, Willie & Myrtie, Bob & Gin, Jeff & Lynn Kellogg, The Placid Planet crew, Aunt Mare, Uncle Bill, Sissy & Ronnie, Amy, Mary Eppolito, and the Spiridigloizzi crew, and their pit captain Cherstin.  It was lots of fun looking for everyone, hearing the horns, hoots, and cowbells.  I love you guys! 

What a day!  My alarm went off at 4, I had 1/2 hour to myself to contemplate the day, eat breakfast, & get my things together.  Scott& I headed down to transition for a few last minute adjustments to my transition bags, to pump up my tires, & unbag my computer & bike seat.  I loaded my nutrition/hydration on the bike, then headed out into the street for body marking.  I got to see my kids & some of my favorite people just before the swim start.  

The swim was fun, and over quickly, then off on the LONG bike.  It rained a bit early in the bike, then became sunny, and very humid.  This required me to change my nutrition plan slightly, and to hydrate more than I had planned.  Aid stations were frequent, and well staffed, which made last minute modifications easy.  The run was the same... entertaining, difficult, and very familiar.  Scott, PJ, and Jake provided the perfect combination of encouragement and comic relief.  Uncle Craig was out there with me too... I could feel his vibe on River Road.  

The finish was just as amazing as last year.  The noise and electric energy made me smile & pick up my pace for the last mile or so.  I love running 1/4 of the way around the olympic oval, seeing all of the people, and hearing the announcer and the pounding music.  You really need to experience it to understand.  

All in all, I had again, one of the best times of my life to date.  

I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family, and enjoying the rest of summer.  

I'll be back in the spring for IM 10!  

Thanks again for everything you all have done for me!

KI