Thursday, December 30, 2010

Gobsmacked - That's what I am. Part 1.

I was gobsmacked for many different reasons yesterday. Firstly because the sun was out - there was not even one sign of the previous day's clouds. Once again the meteorologists had gotten it wrong and the predicted forecast of a full weeks worth of rain and cloud had disappeared. Port Macquarie was going to give me gorgeous days to train in and I am so greatful.

Secondly, we drove around for a bit to find Matthew Flinders Drive. I have heard alot about this hill but nothing was going to prepare me for the enormity of what I was going to have to do. As we drove down it I suddenly heard a THUD, it was the sound of my jaw hitting the floor. I just looked at my husband and said "what have I gotten myself into", "I don't know if I have what it takes to tackle this". I almost felt teary and already defeated. As we turned around to take one last look I asked my husband if he could stop the car so I could get a photo. My son caught one of me taking a photo.

After a few moments of silence and regaining my composure I decided I needed alot of

I can do this.

Thirdly, I got to run again - only this time I decided to take the coastal track which led me straight out onto the Breakwall. For obvious reasons I did not run the whole lot - but, I got another taste of what I will be seeing when I am here again on the 1st May. Once again I saw a stack of people - some walking, others running and some even wearing Ironman T-shirts doing their thaing and I was a part of it.

I took this path all the way into Town Green and stopped for a little bit to take it all in. I was standing on a path that many had taken before me and I too will take before others. How exciting. Yesterdays run was all about recovery so the pace was nothing fast and kind of glad in a way as my legs were a bit sore from the previous day's run.

Fourthly as I made my way back to the resort and entered the unit I could feel the heat of my body rise to an all time high. I think I was a few shades shy of beetroot red and I was really looking forward to a beautifully cool shower and getting ready to go out to dinner for our 8th Wedding Anniversary. Stephen and I have been together for 16yrs - amazing how time flies.

We have 3 beautiful kids and a great life - and I feel blessed to have found a person who tolerates all my craziness. The kids came to dinner with us - they have pretty much shared in all our anniversary's - they were even part of the bridal party when we got married.


After heading home with a belly full of food and totally content with my life I fell asleep like a baby knowing full well I was going to be awake at 0500hrs to go for a swim with Nicole B from DailyMile. She is part of Port Macquarie Tri Club and has been so kind to let me tag along for a swim and a few bike rides. Just the loveliest person, felt like I had know her for ages.

Your hard work will be rewarded.

"The path to a dream is paved with sacrifices and lined with determination. And though it has many stumbling blocks along the way, and may go in more than one direction, it is travelled by belief and courage and conquered with a willingness to face challenges and take chances" Barbara Cage