I am one week out from my third Ironman. I’ve been in Boulder for a week to finish training and have some time to acclimate, as I wasn’t sure how the elevation would effect me. So far so good. After our first training day I text the hubster and said “what elevation?”  I feel so fortunate to have the ability to be here this early and fortunate enough to have my training partner-in-crime, my daughter and hubby alongside me. It’s been a long few months of training starting way back on January 6 of this year and I feel like I need to give a shoutout and some credit where credit is due.

I thought about adding up my total days of training and listing an attribute for each day but in all honesty I don’t even think that would be the icing on the cake…..

Dear Husband,

Three Ironman triathlons and you are still by far my biggest fan.  I have loved the way from day one…during training my first triathlon that you just dove in to learn about this sport that I quickly fell in love with.  You have been by my side for every hard training day, sunburn, muscle cramp, sore IT band, restless night, cry-fest (there have been a few) melt down, and blister. You have cooked countless dinners when either I wasn’t home because of training, or was just simply too tired when I got home.  You have held my hands daily praying with me and for me.  You have maintained my bike as if it were brand new; cleaning, lubing the chain and airing my tires. You have made my nutrition bottles, loaded up coolers of ice for my recovery drinks.  You have done laundry when needed, picked up prescriptions, and played the roll of dad AND mom when needed. You have played race/training support for me on miserable hot training days bringing me ice, water and towels. You’ve rubbed my feet and sore muscles nightly for MONTHS. Your support is limitless and for not only one, but multiple Ironmans! Not to mention the countless other races that happen during the year.

RAINY TRAINING RUN!

You never even bat an eye at my crazy schemes, adventures and antics and when I talk about future races, you light up and encourage me onward.  You have traveled countless hours, through innumerable states, getting me from place to place to a myriad of races. Your love, joy and dedication is present to me every day.

Dear Husband,

Count the stars and that doesn’t come close to the adoration, love and respect I have for you.  I hold you in highest esteem for your willingness to encourage me in my passions.

Dear Husband,

How would I EVER do any of this without you?

I just thank you. I thank you for the man that you are, the father that you are and the husband you are to this crazy-mighty chick.

I hope you know how much I appreciate you. How truly grateful I am and how privileged I feel to have such support from you.

You have gone so far beyond Iron-mate for me.  I have learned that racing this distance takes more than just yourself. It’s takes a household.  It takes all hands on deck. It takes communication, determination and encouragement. It takes someone on occasion to kick you in the pants to get you out the door on days when you just do not want to.

Cruisin’ around Hoi An, Vietnam

Dear Husband,

You bless me daily and I treasure you.

Dr Husband,

I cannot wait to fall into your arms after crossing the finish line on Sunday.