Take Time Tuesday: Ironman 70.3 Racine Edition

This weekend really reminded me how much I have to be thankful for. First, let's talk about Amanda, who split the costs of a questionable motel with me and made it possible for me to sleep in that hole because at least we were together. Then, Lauren and her husband for helping me to navigate the utterly overwhelming nature of this process. Lauren even helped me put on my swim cap, and her husband held on to some of the seemingly endless crap triathlons require. Thanks, guys!

As always, big kudos to my work for being understanding of this whole athletic pursuit, along with my inability to discuss anything other than the Ironman 70.3 Racine.

Big shout out to my parents, sister and Tim, who drove to Racine and sat in the sun for more than six hours while I traveled around. My mom bought me a super sweet finisher's gift and also brought me an ice cold beer. Tim snapped pictures of me throughout, too.

I owe a big thanks to Jenny, who set her alarm Sunday to track me online. She updated my Facebook friends regularly with my progress and might be the only person on the planet more proud of me than myself. She also made me the sweet decals for my trisuit, which came in handy on the course.

Thank you to Katie, who made me a little care package of fuel.

Thank you to my sister, Mandy, who made this awesome poster of me.

Thank you to all you Internet friends who have sent me heartfelt messages of congratulations. It has meant the world to me to read your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and blog comments, along with all the texts I've received in the past few days. It renews my zest for blogging.

Thank you to CrossFit for building a fitter me. I went back to working out this morning and have no lasting effects of the weekend's expedition.

Thank you to Finisher's Pix for taking decent photos of me, which is a refreshing break from the troll-like pictures I usually get from races.

Thank you to this little body of mine. It might not be cut or toned or flawless, but it carried me 70+ miles without hesitation or protest. And for that, I am truly grateful.

What are you thankful for this week?