This morning I woke up without an alarm, pulled the blankets up to my chin, and informed my husband that I wasn’t getting up until there was coffee. He’s an early riser, and having slept in a bit, was happy to oblige. I laid in my warm bed for awhile, stretching out and reveling in the comfort and the tiny sliver of sunshine coming through the crack in the curtains.

My mind went, of course, to race day. We leave for Kona tomorrow and what we’ve been working so hard for the last five months is finally becoming a reality. Between my husband and I, and all of you, we have raised over $11,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I’ve met some incredible people who I absolutely adore (you know who you are). And even more importantly, I’ve challenged myself beyond what I ever though possible.

When I signed up for Team in Training I had no idea what I was doing. I’d never had a swim lesson. The last bike I’d owned was white with pink and orange splatter paint, a basket with flowers on the front and the brakes that you had to pedal backwards to stop (I was 11). Anyone who knows me knows that running is not my strong suit. And transitions? What in the world is a transition? I kept thinking, “Am I crazy? What makes me think I can do this?”

Today I think about race day, and while I’m nervous and agonizing over the silliest things, I know with confidence that I can do it. Physically I can conquer the course and cross off my bucket list item of finishing a triathlon. This wouldn’t be the case if it weren’t for Team in Training, my amazing coaches (Cathy and Karin), mentors and team captains (Joyce, Jerilee, Ande, and Jenn), teammates, and of course, my husband who was with me every step of the way. It also wouldn’t be the case if I hadn’t learned to push myself past the point I thought was possible. Past discomfort, tiredness, lack of motivation, and so on. To change my mindset from “I wish I could do that” to “I’ll do that today…and maybe a little bit more”. To go from getting through the required,  to striving for the most I can possibly do.

So I just want to say, to those of you who wonder if you can do it (whatever “it” may be), you can. You can accomplish anything you put your heart into….

and it’s not even race day yet. There will be another speech to come, I’m sure.

If you wouldn’t mind, on Sunday morning, please take a minute to think of me. Hope for no flat tire, crazy wind, sunburn, mouth full of salt water, or dehydration. Hope for sea turtle sightings, a gentle breeze, stamina, strength, and a nice Mai Tai with a finisher’s medal around my neck.

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me over the last 20 weeks. It has been one of the best experiences of my life…and it’s hard to believe the best part is still to come.

Photo from our last beach vacation in Grand Cayman