Thank You, Good Luck and See You Sunday!!

Ironman Wisconsin 2007 is now less than 2 days away and my excitement continues to grow! I am truthfully at a loss for words when trying to express how I feel about this journey. I think I'll do a better job of summing it all up once I have crossed the finish line (so stay tuned). For now though, I'm going to thank all the people who got me where I am today.

Thank you to all the coaches who have directed, encouraged and pushed me throughout the last two years.

To Dave, Adam, Dan, Cindi and Kevin: you all turned me into a swimmer. When I signed up for Ironman, the swim was my biggest fear and concern. Thanks to all your encouragement and effort, I am confident that I will complete the swim with flying colors. I'm already looking forward to getting back in the pool!

To Cindi: thank you for the great endurance sessions this winter/spring. Without a doubt, you pushed me to get through workouts when I felt like not working very hard or calling it a day.

To Jason: You have really gone the extra mile to ensure that I had a successful season and was well prepared for Ironman. The balanced approach you took to my training, the support and the friendship have meant the world to me. I know that when I cross that finish line, I owe a lot of it to you.

Thank you to all my training partners - whether or not you are doing Ironman, you pushed me, endured tough workouts, shared in my successes and along the way developed some great friendships.

To Ed: You are truly an inspiration and a great friend. Your fighting spirit, caring words and friendship have pushed me every step of the way this summer. I'm so fortunate to have you on the sidelines.

To the Ironman Video Posse (Donovan, Katie, Jesse, Jessica, Pete, Matt, Ed, Becca): It's great to be at the starting line of this event with all of you and to be part of the video. These past months and coming days/months will leave me with many great memories like stopping off at Wollersheim Winery on a training ride after losing the map or looking out for the giant snapping turtle in the quarry. I can't wait to see you all out on the course and cheer you on.

To Darla: You have been my rock. No matter what has happened in my life - training related or otherwise - you've been there to support me. I couldn't have gotten where I am without that support. And of course, it's always been fun swimming, biking and running together. I look forward to more of it come.

To Petra, Amanda, Dotty, Charlie, Karen and Mary: I'll not forget my Madison Multisport days and all our Masters Swim classes together. Each of you has added to this experience in ways that I can't even begin to explain.

To Peter: You are probably one of the big reasons I'm doing this event. Last year you planted it in my head that I was capable of completing this journey. Somehow, I ended up registered and you were always there to endure the training, the girl talk and my many demands. I look forward to celebrating this journey and wish you all the luck in the world on Sunday.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me throughout this journey, even when they didn't necessarily understand why I'm so crazy to do this!

To my parents, my grandpa Dick and grandma Sue, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Mike and cousin Amelia: Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to be there to support me. You don't know how much it means to have you there on Sunday. Just seeing your faces during the race will mean so much. You have no idea! All your support throughout the year has also meant the world to me. Thank you! I love you all!

To my brothers - Allan and Mike: I wish you guys could be here! I promise to call you when I'm done. I can't wait to see you guys in November. Thanks for always supporting me!

To Jim, Dana, Sean, Jess, John, James, Cory, Sonia, Nanda: Each of you has listened to me for countless hours talk about this day and all my training even though you yourselves aren't involved in this sport. I can't wait to see you out on the course and to share the experience with you once it's over. For those of you who can't be here - Sean, Jess, Sonia and Nanda - I'll miss seeing you out there, but I'll know you are cheering me on from afar!

Sunday is a big day and I couldn't get there without everyone I've mentioned and many that I didn't. They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes a village to make an Ironman :) Thank You from the bottom of my heart!

My Dad (Dale) is going to be the point man on Sunday. So feel free to call him for updates. His cell phone number is (262) 893-6933. I think someone will have my cell also, so feel free to call it or leave a message. I'll return the call after the race. My mom (Ellen) will also have her cell - (414) 915-9511. See you out on the course - I have a journey to complete.

Love,
Andrea
Bib #2072
www.ironmanlive.com