We leave tomorrow morning for CDA. I’m just about packed – race countdown – 5 days away.

It’s hard not to reflect on all the elements that got me here. I’m a sap- a very emotional person in general and anyone who has ever done an Ironman before can relate to the feelings you have this close to race day. Add these things together; you can only imagine where I am mentally right now.

I’m excited for the race and nervous too. I like being nervous, keeps me in check. I am also confident in saying, I have no expectations – except I hope to just finish. You have no idea what will happen race day. No matter how hard you train, you don’t know what curve balls will be thrown your way. I respect the race and want to enjoy every moment of it whether I’m in pain or not and appreciate how fortunate I am to be here. This is also my first Ironman “clean”. The first two Ironmans I did I was loaded up on antidepressants and sleep medication. I went cold turkey from three daily meds (yes, 3) on my birthday last August 30th 2007. Pure poison. The past couple of years were tough ones and the past is the past. I know how to live in the moment now. Sounds like good advice for race day.

On a happy note, I look forward to seeing Derek and Mel as well as my friends Edward and Eric on the course. Having our family in CDA to support us is also huge – Mom, John, Dad, Larry and Jan and friends Eli, Nicole, Tim and several OCTC members will be there.

Many friends have called and sent cards and other goodies to wish me luck. I am truly blessed.

Do not undermine your worth
by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different
that each of us is special.

Do not set your goals
by what other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.

Do not take for granted
the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life,
for without them, life is meaningless.

Do not let your life
slip through your fingers
by living in the past nor for the future.
By living your life one day at a time,
you live all the days of your life.

Do not give up when you still
have something to give.
Nothing is really over
until the moment you stop trying.
It is a fragile thread
that binds us to each other.

Do not be afraid to encounter risks.
It is by taking chances
that we learn how to be brave.

Do not shut love out of your life
by saying it is impossible to find.

The quickest way to receive love
is to give love;
The fastest way to lose love
is to hold it too tightly.

Do not dismiss your dreams.
To be without dreams
is to be without hope;
To be without hope
is to be without purpose.

Do not run through life
so fast that you forget
not only where you have been,
but also where you are going.

Life is not a race, but a journey
to be savored each step

By Nancye Sims