A patient wife...

If there is one thing that is required beyond all else when training to become an elite Ironman competitor...more than desire, work ethic, pain tolerance, etc...is the love and support of your family and friends. In particular, your partner in life. I'm lucky enough to have the best little lady around! We were recently watching Modern Family and there was this part where the older father is yelling at his wife and son as they are late to a birthday party, "Let's go, let's go, let's go!!!" I was instantly told that this was me! It's true, I'm always in a hurry. Seriously, always. You might think I'm impatient, but you would be wrong - in my opinion :)

Here is the deal. I have a lot to balance. We all do, I know. But for me, I wake up every morning with a fair amount of work and training staring me in the face...on top of domestic responsibilities. You should watch me post work, pre dinner. I'm a machine when it comes to my training routine and dinner prep. But in all honesty, if I'm not then a minute here or there turns into 15-30 and all of a sudden I have even less time to spend simply sitting and talking/hanging out with my wife and or friends. Also, you can say I have a "hungry monster" so we are always avoiding blood sugar crashes around the Yates' house. Let's just say Meg makes me travel with snacks!

So, in conclusion...I might be slightly impatient, but I feel like I'm extremely organized :) Right, wrong, or other, I have the most supportive wife in the world who loves me for who I am. When I'm out there training late at night or early on a weekend and want to cut a workout short or simply skip one altogether, I think of this woman and her dedication to my pursuit to chase my dreams. I hope you are all happy and healthy. I would also like to congratulate Trevor D on becoming an Ironman at Arizona the other week! I have yet to meet you in person bud, but it's been fun following you along on your journey. Congratulations on a great race, you should be proud.

-T

In Oregon, you can cut your own tree down!! $5 and a fun filled day :)