We had our final coached workout last night and send off for my event on June 12th, just 10 days from now. There were definitely times in the past 20 weeks of training when I wondered if I could really pull this off, but every step of the way I’ve had awesome teammates and coaches telling me I could. Their belief in me, and your support is definitely what made it possible for me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep going.

Without a doubt, I will be arriving at the starting line with a full and grateful heart. With your help, I raised $5,425 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Your donations will make such a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients and your support of my efforts has made a priceless difference in my life. I will never forget the outpouring of encouragement that has made my first triathlon experience much more than a physical endeavor. Each and every contribution and message I received buoyed my heart with waves of awe and gratitude! While the physical training is what will carry my body to the finish line, it is your love that will carry me there with a kind of strength and confidence that will stay with me for a lifetime.

I made a hat to wear on race day that has all your names and the names of my honoree's and the loved ones for whom you have asked me to race. As I swim, bike and run my way to the finish line, I will be remembering all of you and all those we have helped, blessing the love and hard work that has made this a truly amazing journey of heart, soul, body and mind.

I sincerely hope that the challenges you have taken on in your life bring you joy and fulfillment too.

YOU are awesome! Together we really have made a difference

I am taking this opportunity of a lifetime to raise as much as possible for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, for all they are doing to help so many cancer patients survive and thrive! Please join me with whatever you can afford to give. No amount is too small! Together we do make a difference!

I dedicate this training week, to my honoree's, my awesome teammates, captains and coaches and to everyone who has joined my team with their donations and everyone who has cheered me on during this journey. My experience these past 5 months has been so enriched with your amazingly gracious and generous spirit!

May 14th,

Riding trhough a Walnut Creek neighborhood, headed up to Mt. Diablo for my 2nd climb. Last time I had to walk some of the hills, today, I rode all of them. And, with a leg that is recovering from a strain. The continuing building of strength is a definite confidence booster. What a joy to ride through beautiful green pasture land with the birds singing. A magical looking jack rabbit with big ears seems to be showing teammate, Rachel and me the way to the Emerald City.

May 4, 2011

38 days and counting to race day. Writing that makes the butterflies in my tummy wake up. Fluttering about, they are excited and nervous. I am told that is a good thing. It is. Butterflies are lovely creatures who know how to make the most of a day!

I made the most of yesterday, beginning with a mile swim in the morning and a milestone bike ride in the afternoon with my teammate Monica. 27 miles and up the "Bears" hills, all three of them, Mama, Papa and Baby bear. Oh, and there were plenty of their cousins, aunts and uncle hills too. Wow! This is something I couldn't do 2 months ago. Always been intimidated by the hills but yesterday they gave me such a thrill.

May all cancer patients celebrate many more birthdays! My heart is filled with enormous gratitude for all of my friends and family and my Team in Training teammates for helping make my birthday wish come true.