Gratitude

I have so much to be thankful for.  Not the least of which is a healthy body, and the ability to do this thing called triathlon.  Especially on this journey, I am grateful to so many people, and I wanted to take a few moments to thank them.

First, to my Mum and Dad, who raised me to be strong-willed and dedicated, with the belief that I can do anything I set my mind to.  That truth has definitely been borne out in this last year.   I'm so happy that my Mum is going to be here; wish Dad could too, but I know he'll be following me at home.  And thanks to all my sisters for your support too.  And my nephew Andrew.  Running a mile for you dude.  And thanks to Aunt Pat for coming to cheer as well, you've rounded out our international contingent quite nicely!

To my friend and fellow ex-pat Richard, husband to one of my greatest friends, who said a few years ago..so Kat, how about IMC 2011?  And I said, ah maybe, I dunno, not sure I can do a full.  And then followed up with the fb post that got us into this race.  Can't wait to race this with you, my friend!  IMx 2013?

To my friends at work, especially Marc, Anne, and Carol, who cheer me on and support me.  Special thanks to Marc, my lunch bud, who has had to listen to so many workout details over a Jason's sandwich...poor guy, and never complained once.  I love you guys - you are awesome!

To Tracy and Mike, current and past Masters coaches, thank you both so much for taking this wind-up water toy and turning me into something that at least resembles a swimmer, even if I am still not all that fast.  Mike got me started, and Tracy I know for sure you have made me a better, more efficient, swimmer.  Your voice will be in my head come Sunday morning...long and smooth, and 'Katrina, you are swimming flat again'.  :)

To all the Sport Factory team members who make racing triathlon so much fun, and really provide the best community there is to do this sport.  The support from all of you has been overwhelming!  I especially want to thank these guys for training with me all summer: James, Jim, Mo, Jennifer, and Kevin.  I continue to become a better cyclist because I ride with ya'll.  And Kevin, thanks for all of the really great encouragement you've given me, it has really meant a lot!

To Jen Vogel and Dr Sadri for keeping my physical body tuned up.  I'm pretty impressed that my body has held up through this training, and you guys definitely get some credit for making that so!  (Not to mention the inspiration served up by Jen.)

To Matt, for allowing me to be a mild pain in your butt, I appreciate the guidance and interest you have shown me on this journey.  Especially grateful that you paid enough attention to get me in for blood tests that might just possibly have saved my race.

To Curtis, my faithful mechanic, for keeping my ride ready to rock.  You are awesome dude!!

To David and Kira, for your support and understanding.

To all my girlfriends in Calgary, and even older friends in Ontario, thanks for your support and encouragement, and for still giving a damn what is going on in my life.

To Kayla, my girl, for just loving me, and while you tell me that I am inspiration to you, you are my inspiration.  Remember, love, you really can do whatever you set your mind to.  Having you here at the race just means so much to me.

To Chris.  Don't even have the words.  Three years leading up to this day, though at the start we didn't know this is where we'd end up...you've really brought me a long way.  Never in a million years would I have imagined myself doing this, and here I am.  And the greatest gift is this - I do know I can do it.  And a lot of that is because of you, your coaching skills, and yes, you knowing when to talk me down off the ledge.   ;)  Over the years you have also become my friend, and I've really enjoyed training more closely with you this year.  I am looking forward to a great race, a great experience, and savouring every Moment.  You are a great coach and friend.  I hope to make you proud on Sunday.  Thank you for everything.  And I'm just so thrilled that you are doing the race with me, what a perfect ending to this campaign.  And to Suzanne - thanks for letting me hang with your husband all summer!

To everyone else whose path I have crossed as I made this journey, thank you so much.  Thanks for reading this blog, sending your encouragement, and I plan to take the energy of every good wish and put it to good use on Sunday.

Happy training,
Kat