Thankful and Blessed

This past weekend, I was in Hanover, IN. See I went to school at Hanover College for my undergrad from 2004-2008. These four years were the best four years for a few reasons. I learned more about myself, I learned about my limitations, and my desire to be challenged, and I developed a lasting friendship with wonderful people.

Meredith, Lauren, Rachel, and I all email to our work accounts during the day. It makes the work day go a little faster, and gives me something to look forward to. I am unable to check my email at work frequently, and when I do, I instantly smile. Although I will say it is a little overwhelming to see 20+ emails in your inbox.

Back in November, we were all missing each other, and decided via email that we would head back to campus to reunite. The coordination and planning begun. Now normally, we don't plan, but we had to make some plans for this trip to work. I called around to find out the room rates for hotels in the area. Luckily, the Campus Center's hotel rooms were the cheapest. We were not only able to head back to the school where our friendships formed, but we were able to stay in the Campus Center hotel room. Cheesy, I know.

So this weekend we accomplished so much in such a little amount of time. The funny this is, however, the stuff we did revolved around eating. We were able to visit Thomas Family Winery, The Red Pepper, Johnnie Reb's (twice), Shipley's, Tiffany's mural, Horst's Bakery Haus, and The Horner Center.

I think the best thing that came from this weekend, was realizing how blessed I truly am. I was writing this blog entry on my way home from Rachel's house in my head. I was thinking about how wonderful my friends are. I am so thankful to have them in my life. They were not only such a big part of the transformation that took place personally while at Hanover, they were and are such a strong support system. I love them, and would do anything for them. Not everyone is as lucky as I am. Not everyone has a good of friends as I do.

So to all my friends out there, who were able to come to Hanover, and who were there in spirit, I love you, and thank you for teaching me, and helping me grow.

And so it Begins...

So Sarah and I finally decided which half ironman we are going to do. We decided to do the White Lake, NC Half Ironman on May 8, 2010. The swim will be warm, in a clear lake, with a depth of 9 feet, and sandy bottoms. The run and bike are on a relatively flat shady course. Here is the link, check it out and feel free to join me if you so choose.

http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1400

From Monday, I will have 16 weeks to prepare. My training program that I am using is from Matt Fitzgerald, Triathlete Magazine: Essential Week-By-Week Training Guide. There are 10 levels to choose from. I have decided to choose a level that allows me to work hard, but to just complete the Half Ironman. Although I love competing, and not to brag but did well last season in my Sprint Triathlons, I don't think I am trying to break any records. Secretly, in the back of my head, I know I am going to push it, and hope for something great. Here is a link to the book on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Triathlete-Magazines-Essential-Training-ebook/dp/B002SRL39U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262753506&sr=8-2

Now that everything is set, except for the payment, I am nervous. I never thought I would be doing this. I just continue to push myself to do things I never thought in a million years I would do. I am nervous about training, about competing, and about the actual race. I should be filled with excitement, but I am just nervous now. I am worried I won't be able to do it. I am nervous of failing.

I am scared of failing. I don't know what actually defines failing in this sense, but I am scared that if I don't go through with this race, I will be a failure. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been worried of failing. Talk to my 5th grade teacher, I think she helped to strengthen this fear of failure.

Fears aside, I know I will do great with the triathlon. If I do not complete the race, I will at least be in better shape than I am currently, and learn a little something more about myself. Up to this point I have succeeded greatly in every challenge I have put myself up to. I am actually quite overwhelmed with how much I accomplished in 2009. I am sure in a few weeks, the fear will subside, and the anticipation and excitement will settle in.

Here's to my biggest challenge in 2010!!!