Thankful

  Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers. I thought it fitting to post about all the things I have to be grateful for. I am thankful that I have an outlet like triathlon to go to in time of joy, sadness, frustration, elation et cetera. I turn to triathlon often, and plain and simply it is a healthy way to deal with everyday life. Mostly I don't like exercise, but through swimming, biking, and running I'm able to take away stresses that nothing else seems to suffice. The thought of daily exercise is something that I struggle with like any other person. The difference is that I choose to try to stick with it without thinking too much about it. I know how great the feeling is when I'm done working out so I try not to think of the work ahead and the pain that is involved. Don't think, just do. I'm human and I go through phases with triathlon. Some days I'm all in and some days I'm not. I like sharing that because it shows anyone can do this. I'm a mom, a wife, a part time employee. I'm not famous. I'm not a pro-athlete. I am a very dedicated age group female that is living the lifestyle, and for that I'm truly thankful.
   My family is something else that I'm so thankful for. I have a great husband, two boys, two brothers, and two sets of parents that are my rock. I have friends too that I know I can count on and vent to in time of need. Life is so busy, but I know the friends and family that I have will always be there for me, and that is a real comfort and something that no price tag could cover.
     I'm thankful that my husband Mark has always supported my triathlon and running endeavors. It hasn't always been easy fitting in all the workouts to prepare for events. When my boys were little Mark was always there to help out with the boys so I could get my training done. He has been my biggest cheerleader over the years and has attended almost every single event I have done. He doesn't realize how much it means to me to see his face at the beginning, middle, and end of a triathlon. It is huge and gives me something to look forward to in between transitions. I don't think I could have gotten through an entire event without him being at the finish line.
     My mom is another huge supporter of mine, always cheering me on. The fact that I know how proud she and my step dad are helps get me through some very tough training and events. My mom can always pull me out of rut, too. No matter what I might be going through with training, work, or life she is there with solid advice and I'm so grateful for her wisdom.
     I'm thankful for my dad who is a huge athlete himself. A former basketball star, runner, and now tennis player my dad has always encouraged my athleticism. I learned early in life from him the importance of staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle. He taught my brothers and I how to swim, ride our bikes, play basketball and football. Some of my fondest memories growing up are the football games at the park that we played.
     I have an opportunity to touch lives everyday as a Masters Swim Coach and Substitute teacher. I am so thankful for those jobs as I can share my passion with others and help them achieve their goals. The last couple of years I have had several students complete an Ironman event with my swimming help. The feeling of giving back to something that is so near and dear to myself is like no other.  As long as I can coach, I could actually give up triathlon if I had to.
     My boys are a special light in my life and without them I can not imagine what I might be doing. My sons have helped keep me grounded in life and triathlon realizing what is most important-their well being. It's quite simple really as long as they are cared for, healthy and happy, not much else in my world matters. My purpose in life is to make sure their life is better than my own. I love sharing my love of sports with them and now they are old enough to participate in some 5k's with me and we can run together as a family. It has come full circle since the days that I pushed them in a running stroller around the lake nearby. My love of triathlon has shown my boys that I'm more than just a mom ,and that anyone can have goals and achieve them.
     Last, but not least, I'm thankful for health and to still be able to participate in triathlon and running events.  I never take for granted the health God has granted me. Health is a gift and I'll keep swimming, running, and biking until I can't physically do it.

Happy Thanksgiving and Tri On,
Kelly