...Being called a "Hero"....

Hero: n. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field.

Hero is a pretty strong word.  There have been a lot of heroes in my life.  Some of them are alive today (my father, my husband, my brother in law, those who battle for their lives against cancer, those in harms way with the armed forces that secure our borders and our country) and some of them are gone (my 96 year old grandmother who was blind and lived most of her life as a widow, my Godson Christian Stafford who battle Leukemia to the bitter end, and Jessie Gay another cancer warrior who lost her life way too soon).

These people...they are heroes to me.  Every single day their lives were/are a shining example of how special life is and how lucky we are to have the honor of living in this country.

So ... with that said ... you might understand why I have a hard time telling people that, yesterday, I was called a HERO.  

I returned from my workout with Hector, sat down at my computer to work through emails from friends, clients and business associates.  There was this one email that didn't look familiar with the words: Congratulations.  Hmmm...Did I win the lottery in Kenya AGAIN...I thought to myself!!!!???!!!  Did my long lost third cousin twice removed leave me 11 million dollars in Spanish coins in Dubai!!??  Congratulations...??? For what???

And then...I opened the letter...and here is what it said:

Dear Melissa...

On behalf of Ford and North America Sports, we are pleased to announce that you have been selected as the Ford Everyday Hero for the 2008 Ford Ironman Florida.

We believe that you exemplify the Ironman competitor who not only takes on the challenge of training and competing in this arduous sport, but does so at the same time as they contribute in a positive way to a cause or community charity.  The Ford Everyday Hero Award salutes those who have a positive impact on others as part of their Ironman journey...

As the 2008 Ford Ironman Florida recipient of the Ford Everyday Hero Award you will receive a $1000 contribution from Ford and the North America Sports Community Fund to be donated to the non profit group of your choice.

We look forward to having you as a guest of Ford at the Welcome Dinner on Thursday October 30th.  During the Welcome Dinner you will be called to the stage to be presented with the Special Gift Package from Ford and North America Sports.  At this time a "Ford Everyday Hero" video created by Ironworks Productions will be shown to those attending the dinner.  This footage will also be featured in the Ford Ironman Broadcast.

Congratulations again, and welcome to a very special group of exceptional individuals in the Ironman Community.

Helen Manning 

Communications Director

NA Sports

GASP!!! I read the letter again.  The first thing to come to my mind was.....is this a joke?  Do they know that I am going to probably be one of the final finishers of the day??  Do they have ANY idea how horrible I look in spandex!!??  Holy moley.  This is incredible.

But the donation!!!  $1000.00!!!  My first call was to my husband.  My second call was to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Hey guys....more money for research...whhhoooo hoooooo!!! My next call was to Rick, Debbie,Beth and Laura..my dearest friends...because I knew they would be supportive and give me a highfive.  They are truly the best!!

In the past 24 hours, I have been contacted by a Film Director with Ironworks Productions to schedule my "shoot" (oh my god .. they ARE going to shoot me...and take me out of my misery before the pain starts!!!) They wanted background info, photos, and  asked questions.  They will be filming me in Panama City before the race...and DURING the race.  Great...photo evidence of the pain!!!

Seriously, I am very overwhelmed and humbled by this honor.  Steve and I had talked about entering my story but we never dreamed they would pick me. Rick also thought it was a good idea to submit my story.  We put together the details and sent this email not thinking anything more would come from it.  This is a dream come true not only for me..but for my charity to get a little more money for the cause.

When I told my father, he reminded me of the 11th commandment..which I promised I would adhere to:

NEVER EVER EVER BELIEVE YOU OWN PRESS!!!

So if you watch the Ironman Florida coverage on Versus in December, remember, they may call me a hero...but I just work for the real heroes in this world who are fighting cancer and keeping us safe everyday!!  They really deserve the nameplate.

Final workout with Hector before Ironman

As I arrived at my last workout with my trainer, Hector, I was kinda sad.  This has been a journey and routine that I have followed since last December.  I got into his training studio and he put me on the swim table for 30 minutes.  He played some very relaxing music and it was hard to stay focused on a hard stroke with this soothing music playing in the background. After 30 minutes, he had me lay down on the exercise mat and do some visualization of the race.

We went through each phase...the start, the "washing machine", the second lap of the swim, the run up the beach, transition, onto the bike, special needs, transition 2, the run...and of course..the finish line.

The finish line..the promise land....that glorious place where dreams are realized.  Right now, it seems so difficult to reach.  Its alot closer than last year.  I stood on the beach and watched my friend start his first Ironman and cried.  I was suppose to be in that water starting with him.  It was so hard to watch him go...

Not this year.  This IS my year.  This IS my victory lap.  All the workout deposits to the bank get withdrawn on THIS day.  Please God, let me have saved my pennies well and have enough ability to make it through.

I got some interesting news today that I am too embarrassed to even announce on my blog.  Don't panic.  Im not pregnant.  Im not leaving my husband for Prince William and NO..I didn't win the lottery...but for me...its just as big. When I get the guts..Ill write about it...

Watch this space for more...soon....

Taper is Tough

I now have the cleanest house on the planet....

I have replaced outdoor lighting fixtures, had things repaired around the house, cleaned out dresser drawers and taken things to Goodwill, planted flowers in my backyard, replaced outdoor patio furniture and have washed and waxed my car.

This is what an Ironman Triathlete does with those extra hours she USE to spend training...

Im going nuts...

I never in a million years thought i would say this....I miss my training.  I woke up at 5am wondering why I wasn't getting ready for a long swim workout (my swim was only 1500 yards today...I can do that in my sleep) so I went back to bed and did the workout later in the day.  This is truly a weird feeling.

Meanwhile, I am checking the water temperature at Panama City and I keep checking the weather for updates.  I have been on Beginnertriathlete.com ohhhh maybe 100 times in the last couple of days.  ANY information...ANY discussion about the race and I am all ears.  My poor husband is so tired of hearing about all this he left early for work (ok..so he had to get a flat tire fixed on his car in St. Louis...but even so....).

Ok...Im ready...bring on the DAMN RACE!!!

And visions of the finish line danced in my head..

....You would think it was Christmas...

Its 1220AM and I can't sleep.  Not so horrible, right? WRONG!  I have to be up at 500am to work at Boot Camp at 600AM.  So much for getting a lot of rest prior to my Ironman.

Every time I close my eyes, I am on the course.  I can tell you every gas station on the bike course.  I can tell you where the crappy road paving is at around mile 80 to 95.  I can see transition in my head and ...DEAR GOD...I don't even want to think about the swim start.  That just makes me shiver inside.

Sleep!! I need sleep!!  But that finish line...thats ALL I think about.  Thats my Christmas gift EARLY!!  

Dear Santa...Ive been a very good triathlete this year....

FINALLY .. 20 MILES COMPLETED .. And a big "Thank You"

Finally...I got my longest run in of my IM Training.  I am so relieved and happy!! Of the 20 miles, 18 of them were under the required time for Ironman.  My hope is that I will have the energy after 112 mile bike to push through and keep that pace.

Finally...taper sweet taper.  Time to rest, eat well....and rest some more.  My body is tired and I have been looking forward to this portion of the training.  It will be strange taking my training hours down by half but I am ready.

Hmmm....I am ready...Ready for some rest.  Ready for the race.  I'm ready to be an Ironman.

About mile 9 in today's workout, I started to cry.  I started thinking "Oh my God, I think I'm gonna really be able to do this!"  Am I kidding myself??  What keeps you motivated through 140.6 miles when your body hurts and your mind is screaming for rest?  I'm hoping that my friends that are joining me in Panama City will be a huge help.  They always are.  I have the most incredible support team that could ever be assembled for a race.  They get up at the crack of dawn, they cook, they haul ice, they meet me on training rides and runs and have put up with the insanity that is Ironman for almost a year.  So...before my life slips into travel mode for Ironman, I want to thank ALL the people who have helped me in the last year:

Beth Crepeau: my training partner, my "Coach Beth" who trained me to do my first marathon.  Beth was suppose to do this race with me but broke her shoulder during the Virginia Beach Half Marathon.  She is signing up for 2009 and I will be her crew chief at that race.  Thank you for all the great advice and the shoulder to cry on ( no pun intended there) when I was just too tired to train. Without you, I don't believe I would even have made it to this point!

Sandi Fuller: Our "Speed Racer" marathon runner who constantly offered to run with me during my training.  My fear was that she couldn't go slow enough to train with me..  She's also a great hairdresser.  Thanks for making me look Maaaaavaluous when I'm not sweating!!!

Joy Flack: Thank you for making my Ironman 70.3 Florida race one great party and making Beth's first Half Ironman a race to remember.  You are the t shirt queen and I want you to know I appreciate everything you have done at every race.  You're an amazing cheerleader.

Mike and Vi Auld: Some of my oldest friends who actually attended my first triathlon 9 years ago at Danskin.  Mike: if I'm too tired on the run course to acknowledge your advice, I hope you know it is appreciated.  Vi: Thank you for being such an inspiration to me.  Vi ran her first half marathon and full marathon in the same weekend by completing the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World.  She is incredible and I aspire!!

Debbie Lewis: Debbie is the finest bike training coordinator anyone could ever hope for.  On two occasions, she traveled to Panama City Beach and ran drinks and gels to us on the course during our 112 mile bike workouts.  She is a pro at finding free ice at hotels after races and generally gives everyone around her an upbeat feeling.  She is a great cheerleader and if you ever get the chance to meet her, ask her how her "bootilicious booty" is doing that she likes to display on Highway 20 in Panama City Beach :) (Trust me, the story is worth a giggle or two)

Laura Stiles:  The protector.  If you ever wanted someone to fight for your cause, this is the woman you want on your side.  Laura has always watched out for me and spoken up when I have been too afraid to say a word.  Thank you Laura for always having my back!!

Rick Stafford: My ORIGINAL triathlon trainer, my business partner and dearest friend.  Who would have ever thought that the 3 mile runs we use to do around Deltona for the Danskin would lead to an Ironman 9 years later.  Thank you for riding with me, for running with me, for taking my &*^%$ when I'm tired and pissed on a long workout.  Thank you for calming my fears about finishing and thank you for kicking my ass when I needed it!!!

Hector Torres: Ironman Trainer extraordinaire.  Thank you for riding along side me during the Tri America Triathlon and caring enough to lend a hand.  Thank you for constantly believing in my ability to complete an Ironman.  Thank you for holding my hand during the rough parts of training and not taking "no" for an answer when I tried to get out of a workout.  You are a blessing to so many people and an inspiration to me.  Words can not express what your time and talent has meant in my life.

And finally and most importantly: My husband, Steve who has put up with so much in the last year.  He has done so much that it is literally impossible for me to make a list.  After 23 years of marriage, he puts up with my crazy ideas and I adore and love him more today than I ever have before.  Thank you my darling for allowing me to follow my dream.

You will notice that my family isn't on this list.  My brothers and parents really do not understand this sport nor do they care to.  They will not be attending the race (its Georgia Florida football weekend) but I know that they will be proud of me *IF* I finish.  IF I don't, all Ill hear is :I told you so.  Well...I love them but I don't agree with them.  I believe that I will do this race.  I believe I will finish and I believe in the power of my dreams.  

To all my friends...to all those that have left me messages on my blog: my warmest and most heartfelt thank you.  You have made my year.  From your words I have gained alot of strength. Hopefully, I will draw on that strength on race day.

Hoping to complete the journey from Obesity to Ironman in 14 more days........

Meet Triathlete

2443

......And now it is very very real....

Holy crap...Ive got a bib number for Ironman Florida.  This is no longer "a couple of months down the road".  This is NOW!! Right here...RIGHT NOW!!  Do I admit to you that this brought tears to my eyes.  Im going to be an Ironman.

Im still struggling on my run workouts but this is nothing new.  The third time should be the charm as I attempt to complete 20 miles.  I was doing well on Thursday when i got an urgent business call that made me stop at 10 miles.  **Heavy Sigh**  So Saturday is the day....REALLY THIS TIME.  Saturday is the day!!

NUMBER 2443!  Thats me!!  Look for me as we now have 14 days until Ironman!!!

Remember...its suppose to be fun...

Triathletes are very serious!! "A" type personalities driven to achieve a goal.  That doesn't make them bad...that just makes them...well..driven.

I have spent the last few weeks wringing my hands...worrying about cut off times, nutrition, bike parts, MY parts, what to wear, if Ill get kicked in the swim, if Ill make it at all....

...and then...I got this email .. from a Beginner Triathlete.com member...

"I know that you're likely going to be flirting with some of the cutoffs on race day so one of the important things to set out now is to prepare your mind.  Remember what it was about the Ironman that made you want to do it.  Don't think about how you feel now, think about how you felt when you signed up.  Think about how you felt when you first got the idea to dip your toe into the Ironman pool.  Even go back to how you felt when you were finishing your first triathlon.  See the imagery? Remember that excitement? Remember the nervousness you felt the first time you stood on a beach before a race.  Those are the feelings that you want to stow away and bring out on race day.  Those are the mental pictures that will get you through 140.6 miles. They say "Never expose yourself to the race too early"  "Don't let your emotions overpower you before the race."  Emotions require energy and you'll need every ounce of energy you can muster on race day.

Melissa: Relax. Breathe. Be calm.  You've only got a few more weeks to go..and Ill see you in PCB.

WOW!!  Someone took the time to write that to me.  They took the time to calm my fears and remind me this is suppose to be FUN!! Remember?? Its a hobby.  Its not life or death.  They aren't going to take my house if I don't finish.  

Breathe...Melissa....Breathe.  

As for my other update: I only made it 12 miles in my run.  All under cut off time (which makes me happy) but I will be attempting another 20 mile run on Thursday.  For now, my hubby is home from work (he is an airline pilot) so I am going to enjoy some much needed time with him until he leaves on Wednesday night!!

In with the good air...out with the nervous air!!!