70.3

i made it. and i feel almost as overwhelmed as i did before the race, but in the best possible way. i had such a great time: the weather was perfect, i had no bike wipe-outs, i met all of my time goals (37 min swim, 3:34 bike, 2:29 run), and i didn't come in last place.

i learned a few especially powerful things last weekend. let me share them with you in an orderly fashion:

1. prayer is effective. i woke up on saturday morning feeling well-rested, confident, and calm: the things i had been lacking. i don't think i have ever felt so physically the impact of people praying for me. but it was truly evident and i appreciated it so much.

2. it's worth it. hard work, disicpline, tears (lots of tears -- emily can attest to this), and even spandex, lead to great accomplishments. i was the girl who pretended to be sick to get out of running the mile in gym class. this athletic stuff is not something that comes easy for me, and it's scary at times. but it's exciting when you look self-doubt in the face and say, "go away self-doubt, just go away." it's funny how often i need to be reminded of that. and i wonder what else i would do if i said it more often.

3. everyone needs a fan club. you've been in mine, cheering me on and telling me i could do it. but there was also a group that represented you in person on the course. and they were wearing orange and holding signs and making a spectacle every time i was in sight (even distant sight)...just like you would have. they made me feel great. i wouldn't have done nearly as well, or had nearly as much fun, without them. and it reminded me of the kind of person i want to be -- an encourager, an empowerer, a spectacle-maker -- on even the most average of days. the difference it makes in a person's life is immeasurable.

so thanks for being a part of this: for praying, donating, cheering, calling. i appreciate you.