A Virtual Toast

I couldn't have said it better my self...


Hello friends,

I was never able to give my toast to Heather and Rick at their wedding so I thought I would email it to you all.

When I started to think about what I wanted to say at the wedding I thought of the quote: "Life is a Journey Not a Destination". How fitting that quote became as I started to think of my own journey that led my to such a BEAUTIFUL destination wedding.

My journey started during the 2003 Team in Training marathon season. That is where I met Heather. She was this fun, super energetic girl with a smile and a laugh that was contagious. So contagious in fact, she was coined the nickname HH (Happy Heather). While I was her mentor that season, she quickly became my teammate, confidant, cheerleader, friend and sister. I started the season hoping to finish the NYC Marathon and raise money for a great cause. I came away from that season season with a network of friendships that have grown exponentially throughout the years.

It was through that network of friends, a birthday party, a dinner for 12 and a night of mojitos and dancing that brought Heather and Rick's journey to the same path. I would never have guessed that night would eventually lead me to what I consider my city family. At the heart of that family is Heather and Rick.

I feel blessed with the journey I took to Miami and I am sure many of you can relate. Heather and Rick...your wedding was a true celebration of love and friendship with family and friends. I cherish all of the laughter, tears, miles and experiences I have shared with you all and look forward to the next journey we take together.

Congratulations Heather and Rick! I am honored to have been a part of your special day.

Much love always,

Keri

Up N' Attem

This morning I did my first indoor bike ride. I have to say I was a little hesitant to pull my trainer out and set it up in my apartment. Not because I didn't want to do the workout but because my bike and fluid trainer take up a lot of space in my apartment and I don't want to impose any more than I already have on my roommate. I'm sure it's bad enough when I wake up at the crack of dawn to workout much less getting up early to do a workout in our not so spacious NYC apartment.

Last night I mentioned that I'd need to get up to ride and to my surprise she indicated that she was used to this sort of thing with me. We have lived together for 6+ years. I managed to drag my butt out of bed this morning and head for my trainer at 5:45. Today's indoor ride wasn't a long one, 30-45 minutes as we have a run workout tonight and our legs need to be as fresh as possible. Seeing that my coaches pretty much spell everything out for me the workout didn't require much thought which left me with at least a 1/2 hour to daydream and listen to my iPod.

As I road I started to think about my sleeping roommate and wonder what goes through her mind when I get up to do this crap, what she thought when I came home and told her that I signed up to do an ironman and was the sound of the trainer ungodly awful! Its not as if I'm the only person training right now for this type of event. There are plenty others that do this stuff too. But I guess for all that complete this type of event, there are far more people who don't and those people are the ones we rely on for support, motivation and encouragement when we're tired or question our aspirations.

So, here's to all that tolerate being related to, living, dating and/or knowing an endurance athlete.

First Ride of the New Year

I had every intention of keeping up with this blog since the begining of Ironman traing but life sort of got in the way for the last two - three months. Where does the time go? Any way, I'm back and going to be much better at journaling my traing experience(s) until race day.

The last couple of months were called my "training to train" phase and now that phase of IM training is over. The tough stuff starts now! Our weekly workout plans have two a day workouts "recommended" and if I don't do them I know Ross and Scott will be able to tell by just looking at me. Let's just say that I'm not a good liar.

So far today I've swam at least a mile, if not more and half of that I was pulling another teammate behind me in the pool. I felt like a mule plowing a field in front of an Amish person. Not sure why that was the visual I had in my head but it was.

I was sort of hoping that the weather was going to be cold so I could set up my trainer and ride inside but seeing that it's 33 degrees outside side, I need to take advantage of the balmy weather we're having. Thus, I must get my butt in gear and get ready to hit the road.

More to come on what I've been up to and goals/resolutions for the New Year!