Another ironman medal - YEAH!!

The day was long, but I am an ironman finisher again!  I didn't tell anyone ahead of time, but my secret goal was to break 13 hours.  Unfortunately I did not achieve this goal.  But I finished and I feel great today!  I am healthy, uninjured and happy to have been blessed with the ability and wellness to be able to finish an ironman.  My official time was 13:49:25, 7 minutes faster than 2 years ago.  I finished 16th out of 48 women in my age group. 
I hope this blog has inspired someone out there that when the days ahead look questionable and you don't know if you're going to ever get better, hang in there.  You do recover and you do get to the point where you feel good again.  I'll never forget the day I found out I had breast cancer.  I was in a fog, a blur, unsure what laid in front of me.  That night, I stayed up late researching things on the internet and crying my eyes out.  But the next day, I made a vow that I would beat it and be back again running & doing triathlons.  In fact, the day after I found out I had breast cancer, I ran the Komen race for the cure 5K and did one of my best times ever.  So hang in there ... exercise (I think) is one of the best things for your mood, your immune system, and your overall well being.  It has helped me get thru some tough times and motivated me to get back in shape. 

I didn't sign up for next year's ironman, but I am not quitting this sport.  I was already talking to my husband this morning about what races I'd like to do next.  I'm hooked on this sport and it makes me feel good.  And healthy.  And younger as I get older.  So I won't be giving it up soon.