Thankful as the Sun Sets

As the sun sets here in Tempe, I wanted to take the time to think about how thankful I am...During the race on Sunday, there will be times where I will start to loose focus, and everything will hurt. That's when it is important to refocus my mental strength on things that are important to me..things I am thankful for. Here are just a few that I'd like to share:

1. I am thankful for God for providing me with all the many gifts and talents.
2. I am thankful for my amazing wife Stacy who I miss so much and wish she was here.
3. I am thankful for my perfect little girl Finley, who I miss
4. I am thankful for a great circle of friends and family who I know are thinking about me and praying for me this week.

Overall, the travels today were pain free. Once I got to Tempe, I picked up the rental car and came on over to the condo. I found a grocery store and picked up some breakfast and lunch items for the rest of the week. The condo is perfect as it's right by the campus of ASU. I am only 1/2 mile away from the lake that we will be swimming in. As I drove from the airport over to the condo, I crossed the bridge and could see the massive Ironman structure.

You can "feel" the buzz in the air for sure. As Coach Gerry told me, there will be those crazy folks riding for hours and doing all sorts of crazy things. Boy was he right. As I pulled into the condo, there were a few guys already decked out in race gear going out for a long ride. Seriously? Oh well, I am here to run my race and I will remain focused on that.

Brian will start his chemo tomorrow, and I will start the process of checking in for IMAZ. I am praying for his fast recovery and I know he and others are praying for me to have a strong day on Sunday....