2009...

Well, in a few days I will officially close the 2009 chapter to my book of life. 09 was a significant year in my life in many ways. I became engaged, ran my first marathon, completed my first Ironman, and battled through an extremely difficult time at work which saw some close friends and mentors leave via lay offs. One year ago I was not confident that 2009 was going to be quite this successful, or even managable, on many different levels. Was it easy, hell no. Not a single day of it. Well I take that back, the days immediately after the marathon and Ironman were amazingly easy (think lounging and beer!).

As I look to what 2010 will bring, I can't help but be optimistic! Why? Well, for starters, I'm getting married!! And to my "otter half!" I can't say enough about Meg. She has been amazing this past year. Not only putting up with my ridiculous amounts of training, but encouraging me all the way! On top of that, I'm racing Ironman Canada the week before our wedding! Totally awesome. Ironman Canada has such a special place in my heart that it's difficult to put into words. My Dad raced there five times. I was there for everyone of them. Canada is my A race this year. With his help, we plan to have a great race...we have set some lofty goals. I so cannot wait!! What a great week that is going to be! Ironman and then wedding. Awesome.

Beyond that, there are countless other adventures that we will undertake. My biggest undertaking will once again be to properly manage my time this year. Work is continually exhausting with high stress and long hours. Add wedding planning and the thought of cramming in 20 to 25 hour training weeks seems impossible. But as the commercial states....Impossible is nothing. I do believe this. Bring it on 2010! I took everything you could throw at me in 09 and came out smelling like a Rose...GO DUCKS!! Thanks for reading,

-T