Things I need to succeed

I am never good at posting continuously. But for a few days now I have been thinking of the same one. Things I need to succeed in triathlon and for that matter life. They are big and small, loud and quiet, tuff and soft.

And so the list begins.

I need....

1. My husband, Bill, he helps me stay calm and is a great Dad when I am gone at 5am everyday.

2. My training partners. I seriously could write an entire blog about them. I don't know how anyone survives training alone. It is so much easier to succeed if you have someone to back you up on the days were feel like throwing in the towel. I could not run without Janeth. She is my running rock. And without my brother, Brian I would probably not know what it is like to laugh and pee in my pants while running at the same time. They both make it easier to get up at 4:30 and run. And Adam my swim partner. What a stud! No matter how much I really suck in the water he always does my intervals and waits for me. And every now and then I actually try to keep up with him. (ps good luck at IM FL!!!)

3. My parents and my inlaws for babysitting when I SOOOO need breaks.

4. My computrainer (I love you) and my treadmill. I think with kids and living in Chicago those are both complete necessities. I don't care if you have to trade your car in they are BOTH worth it.

5. My awesome sponsors that I had this year and next. I can't believe how lucky I am to get all of this great stuff! Yesterday I got a HUGE box from Avia with tons of GREAT running shoes and a whole new winter running wardrobe! It was like Christmas (well really Hanukkah for me).

6. My sleep. I don't think I ever really knew how important it was until I had TWO kids. I have noticed in the last 6 months or so that I can't roll out of bed at 4:30 and go for a tempo run. I need to drag my butt out and drink TONS of caffeine and even then it takes a good 30 min of running before I feel okay. I don't recover like I used to. And I can't fake no sleep. I need it no two ways about it.

7. Baked Goods. And lots of them. I don't know how anyone can give up anything completely. I am a big fan of moderation. Any thing in moderation is okay. I LOVE LOVE to bake.

8. My awesome coach. Barb keeps my workouts fun and intense. I don't think I have ever been bored during a workout. There is always something to think about. Even on easy days there are drills to be done and sprints. I love that. And I love that she always thinks of my family.

9. Did I mention Bill. I need to one more time. He had his birthday on Monday. I can't believe he is IN his 30s now. We are getting older! I guess it was bound to happen. But seriously as he gets older he becomes more supportive of my goals no matter how they may affect him. Every year he has definitely fine tuned being a better husband and father. I can't wait for more years to come. LOVE YOU:)

10. Last but definitely not least my kids. I didn't really understand how to train or push myself until they came into my life. I think kids have way of making us see what is really important in life and how to know that there is always someone there for you. Molly, Noah, and Bill are the best team I could ask for.