I'd like to thank my sponsors....

WOW, makes me seem like a pro.  Sorry I'm far from being 'pro' material but certainly my determination and motivation to become an IRON woMAN is growing stronger and stronger each day. I found out this week that I have been successful in gaining sponsorship through my workplace PORSE In-Home Childcare.  This just blew me away and cemented my dream into 'almost' reality.  Huge thanks to PORSE, not only for the sponsorship, but also allowing me to work part-time over the next year so that I can continue to train while my children are at school and kindergarten.  This makes the pressure of training less intensive for my family but just takes careful juggling on my part!  I now just have to continue training and eagerly await the opening day for entries for Ironman 2014.

Which swimmer do you think is me? Make it fun!!
Taken at the Rotorua Half Ironman, 1km into my 2km swim.

On the training front, I entered my first sprint triathlon last weekend.  This was a 750mtr swim, 16km bike and 5.5km run.. It was all based in Rotorua at our beautiful Blue Lake and was part of the local triathlon club- RATS that I belong to, Blue Lake Multisport Festival.  This was an utterly awesome event to enter and was super well organised.  It has the option of a sprint triathlon, 5.5km fun run, 750m & 2k lake swim or a reverse aquathon - 5.5km run followed by 800mtr swim. It is also suitable for all ages/abilities and It was FUN. I loved it!  I have had a few people comment on how I can say that training and events are 'fun'.  My simple reply - If it isn't fun - then don't do it!

On the inspirational front, I swam alongside my friend Lauren today at the Blue Lake. Lauren is training for Ironman 2013 and has less than 4 weeks to go.  I have to admit that the training she is doing sounds just insane but she is such an inspiration to me as I watch her get stronger and stronger.  Lee-Anne and I sat on the steps after completing just less than 2km and watching Lauren finish  her 3.4km swim, then get out of the water and run up and around the grass area to simulate the run to her 'transition' area... We both were quiet for a while and then almost at the same time said "That will be us this time next year!"  Eeeeek! But soooo exciting. I cannot wait.

And to finish with, I read a very emotional story from my dear friend Korrin today.  It was typed with her elbow on her new big screen I-pad she purchased to make keeping in touch with her friends/family easier.  She is on the incredibly challenging journey of learning to cope with day to day life after a perforated bowel and subsequent septicemia,  left her a bi-lateral amputee (both legs amputated from just below the knee) and also took her right hand/left fingers. This incredibly inspirational woman summed it up beautifully:
"I also want everyone who reads this to take some time to really appreciate the people and things you have, tell those who are dearest to you that you love them every day, don't sweat the little things, don't take anything for granted and mostly live your life to its absolute fullest! Don't put off those things you want to do until 'another time' do them when you can!!!"  Korrin - you are incredible and you will definitely be sitting on my shoulder as I enter the finishing chute for Ironman 2014.  You inspire and amaze me with your guts and determination everyday.