Steeling Myself

So, it's 3 days before Ironman Austria and things should be very different. I should be in a wild panic, feeling sick to the pit of my stomach and trying desperately to pack all my kit before heading out tomorrow. Instead, I feel sick to the pit of my stomach about what could have been and what was wrenched away from me on the morning of 8 May.

However, I started this race part of the blog with the words "challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes it meaningful".

And so, I'm going to try to take some positives out of the whole experience of the last 8 weeks. Before entering this race, I really had decided I wanted (and needed) to do an Ironman just once in my life. But having the opportunity taken away from me has made me want it all the more and to come back better and stronger than ever before. I also have learned to appreciate my health and marvel at how incredible the human body is. 24 days ago, someone cut into my body and inserted a 2 inch piece of titanium and 4 screws. Today, I'm a heartbeat away from throwing caution to the wind and just starting the race anyway. But, I know my body isn't quite ready and that starting the race might undo the progress I've made.

So, I'm gearing up to support 3 dear friends to have one of the most challenging/testing but also one of the best/most rewarding days of their lives. All the luck in the world Jona, Paul and Alice.
xxxxx