Today is turning out to be a great day. Especially after the day I had yesterday. Yesterday was filled with a lot of self doubt. Why am I so tired? What’s wrong with me? I need a day off… last day off was 8 days ago. Am I ready for this race?

I dropped Cassidy off at the Vet yesterday for minor surgery to remove a few lumps and get a dental cleaning. She’s almost 13 and going under anesthesia is never 100% safe. All day I missed her and hoped she was ok. CJ was depressed (missing his pal) and didn’t flinch when the doorbell rang- totally out of it. Cassie being in surgery contributed to my lack of motivation.

Finally at 6:45 pm last night (still dressed in my run gear) I accepted the fact that my workouts were not going to happen today. I explained my sitch to Luis (coach) and he told me procrastinating is not an option. I have to say, this is music to my ears… I’m so good at procrastinating sometimes and that’s not going to get me to the starting line OR the finish line. Note to self, just do it!

I received a couple inspiring emails yesterday that I wanted to paste here to remind me who I am when I have doubt. I’m human and I doubt myself from time to time. Below is from Carol (graphic designer, genius and friend). I emailed her about taking off the races page from the website cause I’m slow and thought it looked silly. Below is her response.

“You want to know what I think? I think you are nuts. You are an amazing individual and I feel truly honored to get to know you, work with you, and read you and your dad’s journals. I am honestly moved by your stories. I don’t care how fast you do any of this… the fact is that you do it, you push yourself to compete in events that most people would never even consider. I suppose you will have some true pro-athletes reading your blog, but they are a small group. Athletes at your level and above really lose sight of how unreal, unbelievable, and how truly remarkable it is to do what you all do. I have only a small glimpse of competition and Ironman is something I know for a fact I could never do. I really hope you never look at your list of races as anything less than an amazing true-to-life list of accomplishments that most could only imagine.”

This is from Barb, my pal from dog rescue. I just love her and she’s an absolute angel in my life:

“Michele, You must be reading my mind or we are on that same wave length again. I was thinking of you today and wondering, how soon is the race? When is she leaving? She must be working so hard and pushing herself to be ready for this big day. And that’s exactly what you’re doing!!!

But reading your email what really struck me is that you have such balance in your life. You are training and working hard, but you are also spending time caring for your dogs, going to a wedding, and volunteering at Laguna Beach shelter, and writing nice emails to your old friend (me). That’s the secret to your success in life is to have goals and also to have balance! My dear girl, you are a young lovely strong person with a great head on your shoulders. You’re really extraordinary in so many ways, I have never met a person with such a tender heart and such a strong will all in one package. Good for you kiddo.”

That just makes me cry! I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life. Thank you Barb and Carol for your kind words and putting an end to my pity party yesterday!

So back to today. My run went well. I needed to do a sweat test for both my run and bike so I can dial in my nutrition needs moving forward and most importantly, on race day. I hate the scale and generally avoid it. During my run, a barefoot runner was in front of me- hauling ass. He actually looks homeless, but is a hardcore runner (seen him around) and was running with a couple other topless dudes. I had a good laugh and just did my thing. California is totally weird and I love that!

Gotta roll out and get on my bike.