Reflections

We began our journey to Lake Placid yesterday.  We spent this night in our cabin in Old Forge and woke to see the fog lift off the waterfront. 

 As we traveled north, I reflected on what I had done to reach my goal.  Whenever I had a chance, I trained in the Adirondacks whenever we were there...crisp runs with the leaves crunching under my feet, winter snowshoe and trail runs, hours on the indoor trainer watching the snow fall, open water swims in the Old Forge channel accompanied by my kayak lifeguard Joe (and once my my sister-in-law Teresa) who kept me away from boats or swimming into docks!

And the best of all, long rides on quiet S. Shore Rd and North on Route 28 to as far as Indian Lake.  I enjoy training solo.   I enjoy the solace of watching nature, experiencing the smell of the balsam and cedar trees, the sound of a babbling brook and reflections on lakes.  I love the quiet of a trail run.  Throughout my training, I would think about mom and that would keep me going.  Whenever I would struggle, she would be there encouraging me and cheering me on.  Her favorite color was yellow.  Sometimes I would see signs; a giant clump of daisies in a field with not other flowers, or one yellow flower.  The best was a huge flock of yellow butterflies that just appeared on a trail and when I got close they gently rose in the air.  This also made me think of my friend Dave, who was sent to heaven with a lovely flock of butterflies.
As we drove north on Route 28, I thought about those rides.  I always share stories of my rides with my Joe; of how I saw baby fawns, turkeys cross the road, battled construction zones and even had a line of traffic behind me when I was chugging up a hill that only had half a lane paved!

What I felt was a great sense of accomplishment, and that no matter what the day holds, I gave it my all to get ready!
I am blessed with the awesome support of my husband.  I could not have done this without him!  He is my rock and my best half!  And my wonderful, loving children who always encourage and support their crazy mamma!.  They even surprised me with a plant garden waiting for me when I checked in at the hotel!

   And to my extended family with your love, excitement, hugs and words of encouragement!
Thanks to all of you who have supported me along this journey!