Mahalo

I think anyone who has ever done a long distance triathlon knows that it takes a village to raise an Ironman. Although I will be the only one on my "team" who gets to cross the finish line Saturday, I certainly owe many thanks to many people for getting me to this point! I always feel so blessed to be able to do this sport!

So HUGE thanks to...

My competitors - I've been so lucky to be a part of a fantastic group of women, both in my age group and younger/older, who have really helped me raise my game. We are friends and that makes the sport so much more fun. But on race day, you have pushed me to greater things than I thought possible. I think of you when I train. Thanks for getting me out of bed on many mornings!

BallouSkies - For a greater purpose and for the inspiration.

Dr. Brad - For keeping me healthy week in and week out. Those magic hands kept all the little niggles at bay all year!

Dirk - This year you gave me a tiny glimpse of what it takes to compete on a higher level. I'm not so certain I liked what I saw!! :-) I came to you to be challenged and that is exactly what you did. There were days I thought you were crazy. But you've delivered me to the start line of the biggest race of the year healthy and happy and fitter than I've ever been. Thanks for putting up with me!

My training partners - To my lane mates at Masters - thanks for making me hurt and laugh all at the same time! And to Ben - thanks for dragging me all around Pittsburgh on your wheel. Your enthusiasm for the sport is contagious and your strength on the bike is inspiring!

The Pittsburgh crew - Your hunger for the sport drives me. I am so honored to share the race course with so many of you on Saturday.

My blogger/FB/twitter/real friends - What amazing support you've given! Your encouragement puts the winds in my sails more than you probably can imagine.

My family - Holy cow - you put up with so much!! :-) I am so blessed to have your support on this crazy journey. Thanks for coming to so many races and always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

Oscar - What can I say? I would never be where I am today without you. You have been with me every step of the way, through all the good but also through all the very bad. I think of you so much when I am out on the race course. The sacrifices you have made for me to chase these dreams motivates me in ways that nothing else could. You are everywhere on race day but it's the 4 am wakeup calls on those cold winter months that mean even more. What a ride it's been! Very much looking forward to seeing where our journey takes us next.

Race day is almost here! I am fit and healthy and ready to go. And no matter what race day brings, I am so thankful for the opportunity I've been given. Here we go!!!!!!