Wow 2012 that was fantastic!

10 mins before the race start
better get that wet suit on!

Looking back over the past year I still have to pinch myself to realize that yes, this is my life.  In the past 12 months I have pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible.  I have done things that I would have never considered doing and had so many new first experiences and all of it has been amazing!  Not long ago, a friend made a comment to me that I think about from time to time.  She said that while I am still me...I am NOT the same person I was a year ago and I am so lucky that she is right!

Kris and I before my first ever Triathlon...
Can you tell by my half smile that I felt
nauseous up to the minute before the start

It was in October when I started this post and at that time it was the one year anniversary of my very first race, the Scotiabank Half Marathon.  Signing up for that race I didn't gave much thought to how this was going to change my life, I didn't know it could or would and it was during the training I saw an ironman race online.  Mike Riley was cheering on the races saying "so and so you are an IRONMAN!"   That was all I needed to see, that was all I needed to hear, and I knew that I needed to an ironman race.   It was like everything I was searching for became clear in that moment.  I ran my first race a few weeks after that day and that was the next step in my journey.

T2 during Muskoka 5150

When I first reached out to Coach Nancy, I really had no idea what I was in for nor did I have any idea that I was getting WAY MORE than a coach and a program when I joined her team.  Over the past year I have learned so much about the sport of triathlon, nutrition, training tips and techniques and about myself. I have pushed myself to do more than ever thought possible.  I have met some of the most incredible people and am so very fortunate to call these folks team-mates and my friends!  I could not have accomplished everything I have if it wasn't for being part of this team.  It was amazing hearing them cheer at races, I know I ran faster and harder every time I was passing by them.  Even when we were training, knowing I was meeting someone kept me honest and their encouragement to dig deep and finish the workout was always appreciated!  Thank you my fellow IronCanucks, thank you for your friendship, your support, your encouragement and your believing in me always! Thank you,  I really can't say that enough!!!

A few of the IC cheer squad representing at Muskoka 5150!

So what are all the "firsts" I mentioned before, well to name a few from this past year it all started with running in the winter, taking my first spin class to riding a road bike (on the road with LOTS of traffic) every Saturday morning increasing the distances week after week.  Swimming in a wetsuit, even just wearing a wetsuit was new...I had never put one of those one before and boy was that apparent with my choice of language when I tried my own suit on for the first time.  I finished a half marathon in under 3 hours and I simulated then raced in my first triathlon sprint distance race, an Olympic distance and then wrapped up the year racing in a half ironman!  

All in all, I spent the past year out of my comfort zone I loved every minute of it!  Okay, maybe there were a few minutes I was less then thrilled but you catch my drift.

The Finish line at Muskoka 70.3, I made it!

During my training I had the opportunity to go and give back a little team mate love cheering for a few of the IronCanucks as their raced in an Ironman race.  For some, they were the rookies or the first timers and for others they were already seasoned ironman veterans looking for another finish.  Being there for this race even as a spectator at this event I was overwhelmed with emotion and energy.  I was also surprised with the random acts of emotion I experienced through out the day as I was not expecting to be so affected by a race, but this is so much more than a race.  It is truly a major life experience that impacted me even as a cheerleader that day.

August 18 2013

I have been inspired and changed by this past year, so much so that even before I raced my half ironman, I signed up for the 2013 Ironman Mont Tremblant race.  Yup, that's right I am doing the full 140.6 distance next year so it looks like I am up for another year pushing myself out of my comfort zone and really, there isn't ANYWHERE else I would rather be!

As 2012 is coming to a close and I re-read this post, look at the pictures and remember all the fun I have had this year,  I sit here and feel happy and grateful.  This has been such a terrific year and I am looking forward to 2013 and all that comes with it!