The reason I can keep moving forward...

There isn't a day that goes by that I am not reminded how lucky I am.  I have amazing friends, a great upbringing, a crazy but solid family and a life that I love.  But this all wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the one person that I know will  stick by me no matter what:

My husband.

I have read other blogs where women have called their husband "the saint" for putting up with their crazy training schedules, their lack of focus, their fatigue, and their mood swings.  Still others curse their husbands for not being supportive enough.  They say they just don't "get it".  Well, from the beginning, my husband has always "gotten it" eventhough he may not be a triathlete himself.  I keep a very special picture on my bulletin board in my office and not a single day goes by without me looking a remember a moment in time where I just didn't think I could go on. In 2001, I was about 260lbs and doing my third triathlon in Clermont, Fl.  It was a  hot, sunny July day and the hills on the sprint triathlon bike course had just about ruined me.  I got off my bike and transitioned to the run and got so hot that I just didn't think I could continued.  In my ears I could hear the words "Go Cutie Go!".  After over 15 years of marriage, (and to the day) my husband has always called me Cutie.  He screamed it at the top of his lungs in the transition area as I headed out on what seemed to be the longest run of my life.

By mile 2, I was down to a walk and in tears.  My feet were swollen and I was hurting.  My body was just learning what this new sport was all about and at that weight, I was having difficulty sustaining a run even in the best of conditions.  But I kept moving forward.  Finally, around the bend, less than a mile to the finish, I saw my husband.  He was waving and smiling.  He was screaming for me and it was as if his energy was pulling me forward.  I got to him and we ran together for as long as we could.  I approached the finishing chute and he peeled off.  I finished but I wouldn't have without his voice, his words, his smile..his love.

Tonight, we had alot of friends over for dinner and started talking about Ironman.  For a second, my husband, Steve, said there was a chance he couldn't be at the Ironman.  I froze.  The thought of trying to do this race without my "rock"...my constant love and support just crushed me.  Without him, I don't think I could even attempt this.  I know for a fact that I couldn't get up in the morning without his encouragement.

So honey, for all the times you have done the grocery shopping, cooked dinner, bought me flowers at the grocery store and just encouraged me to get one more mile in, I will be forever grateful.  You are truly so important in my life.  I love you.