A Message from the Triathlete...
Thank you all so much for the support that you gave me on my first triathlon. I could not have done it without you and I want you all to know how grateful I am to know you and have your friendship. I am truly blessed. It started out as a dream. Then I thought, maybe I could do this. Definitely out of my comfort zone in so many ways. But I have the time, I have the desire. Why not try. I read some books, joined a tri club, met other tri athletes... working purposefully and persistently through the challenge of training I found myself growing stronger and more capable. It felt really good. I felt really good. All throughout, the support I received was tremendous. I don't think I would have been able to do it without family, friends (many new ones), coaching and a very good physical therapist who believed in me, even more, at times, than I believed in myself. On the morning of the triathlon I asked myself over and over what I was doing there. I felt a little sick to my stomach and was really nervous. When we got in the water and all the splashing started and the buoys looked so far away... there was a moment there! But then I saw a big orange neon sign with "you cruizin susan" on it and I knew I had to go for it. Around the second buoy when she was about to quit I was able to encourage another triathlete in the water. I got a good chuckle out of that one. After I got out of the water I knew that I would make it and my fans where incredible. So much support. People who didn't even know me were calling me by name and cheering for me. It couldn't have had anything to do with all my friends screaming for me, could it? The bike ride was beautiful and the transition from the swim to the bike was very welcome. The temperature was perfect and I love hills and wind. See me soar!!!! I did feel my legs again on the run after I got over the first hill. And I must admit that I was really happy to see the turn around for the run and head back to the finish. Right near the end I had a few more fans pull over and cheer me on. I felt really good. I knew I was almost there. I was so excited when I crossed the finish line that I cried. What a great feeling of satisfaction. What a remarkable body God has given us. My eyes have been opened to possibilities that I would never have considered in the past. I think I will do another one. Anyone care to join me? Thank you again. You helped more than you know.

Susan

Sharing her gold medal with new friend Carrie

Big hugs from her #1 fan!