Surrounding Yourself

Because of my situation with the kids being so small I do a lot of training alone or with one person every now and then. That leaves a LOT of time to think. This past week I have been thinking about how lucky I am that I have so many great people surrounding me. I don't know how I could train the way I do without the support of my family and friends. And also my sponsors that send me awesome stuff. I have to pinch myself when I get a big box of running shoes from Avia that I love or more fun suits from Splish. It has been so amazing to me that so many people still wanted to support me even though I was pregnant over the winter! I will forever be loyal to them. I think some of the best athletes are ones that have the best support crews around them.
When I decided to turn pro this past year I knew it would take a village to make it work. Last week I realized that it will take a freakin nation. To train like a pro is going to be a 20+ hr a week commitment that I want to follow through with. Let alone my coaching job, being a mom, and a wife. That is actually in reverse order of importance ironically. But when I have a goal I stick to it until it is done. Last week everything caught up to me. I think the lack of sleep with the baby, trying to train, work and run a house was way too much. I wanted to throw in the towel and forget the whole triathlon thing. But after talking to family I worked it out so that I can train and commit myself to this without taking away from my kids and husband. Thanks to Aunt Gail (Bill's Aunt has a home daycare) the kids will be there a few hrs every morning! So starting next week I am officially going to start training like a pro. If that means sleeping more so that I can have more quality sessions then that is what I will do. I am sooo excited about this new chapter in my life. I know my kids would understand if they were old enough. I will be a better Mom and wife if I can have more balance and accomplish goals that are important to me.
So now it is time to pick those goals! My first big pro race is Chicago Triathlon! I can't wait. I think I will be like a little kid in the transition area setting up by the people I read about. Then I am doing Nautica Malibu triathlon (I have family out there). Not sure after that for this season but I know next season will start early b/c I can't wait to kick butt!!!!