I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart all the way to the top, for your guidance, wisdom, toughness and inspiration. You have helped me understand sooooo much about long course racing, expressed your frustration with me gracefully, kindly knocked me around, and helped me up a couple of times when I really needed it. Alyssa, you are really a miracle worker. You knew I needed to dial in my HR targets for the bike and the run. You didn’t lose that thought through my overtraining in March, bonking on my first long brick in April, and finally dialing it in at the last minute on Memorial Day weekend (‘Glorious!!’). You taught me about fuel and water. And explained it to me the way I needed, with numbers:)
My finish puts me in the top third of my age group on my first HIM when on Friday I KNEW I couldn’t do it. But you sensed my desperation, called me, bucked me up, supported me.
I just don’t know how to thank you for all you have done for me. Sunday was the most challenging physical accomplishment of my life. More than the 14,000 foot climb at age 12. More than the 2000 mile ride at age 20. More than college football or lacrosse, more than freezing in winter camps, sweating in the outback, or riding 200 miles across a desert. It was as you said. Hot and flat (but not windy). And a little boring.
I could NEVER have done it without you. Not done it at all. Never mind doing as well as I did. ~Corporate executive, father of two, athletes always seeking the next challenge
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