16:59:59

Good morning from Seattle!

It's still raining here. But from what I am told, this is unusual and it normally just mists. That's good to know, but it's still pretty crappy outside the past 2 days! Oh well. We'll make the best of it.

I had the chance to peruse some other blogs this morning and ran across Steve's post from yesterday. If you don't follow him, you should. He's a riot and a super fast runner/triathlete and a cool dad to a cute little boy too.

Anyway, I decided to steal borrow the photo that he posted:



This is Patricia Tillotson who is 56 years young and now can call herself an Ironman. Why did this picture make me smile and give me chills?

For those who may not be familiar with Ironman, you have 17 hours to complete the entire race. You also have to make the cut off times for the swim, bike and run or they will pull you off the course and you are listed as "DNF".

As you can see, Patricia was the last finisher in this year's Ironman Arizona. She literally was spared by less than 1 second.

The people cheering her on behind her? The winner of the men's pro race, who finished 9 HOURS before her and the winner of the women's pro race, who finished 8 hours ahead. Yes, you read that right. 8 and 9 hours. Kudos to them for coming back around midnight to cheer Patricia on to make the cut off.

As scary as it is to think I will be (hopefully) crossing that finish line next year and hearing them say "Erika, you are an Ironman!" Patricia is now my inspiration. I will print this picture and post it somewhere so I can be reminded of the determination, dedication and sheer will of everyone involved to complete an Ironman.

So a pre-emptive thank you to Rob, Julia, my family and my friends who are willing to stick by me for the next 12 months during training and all the craziness until I can officially say I am an Ironman.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are surrounded by those you love most - oh and stuff yourself silly with some great food too!

Cheers!