Sorry, this is a long one. But the last one for a while...

It's taken me a full week to really digest the events of last weekend, hence the late follow-up.

Before I try to relay how everything unfolded, I want to take a moment to thank each and every person who has supported me through this whole experience. Not just those who opened up their wallets but those offered me encouragement and listened and hugged. I am truly lucky to have the worlds best support network. I am thankful everyday for the amazing people in my life. I love you all.

Mush, mush, mush.

This is how the story unfolds....

Morning of the race: I was a mess. All I could think of was how unprepared I felt for this whole thing and how completely insane it was that I was actually about to participate in a triathlon (we are leaving the "mini" aspect our here, because really ? - not relevant!). Less than an hour before the start time I gathered up the courage to go and get ready and head down to the beach. Just as I was getting up to go and get my stuff, my father presents my entire family with hand made "Team Beki" t-shirts. They were awesome; to say the least. He even made one for the dog. My Dad is truly the best. Ever. Always.

The team uniforms gave me the inspiration I needed to stop my belly aching and just get on with it.

We started with the swim...



This was more akin to water UFC. There was a lot if splashing, kicking, pulling...not much actual swimming. But I managed to stay with the pack (more or less) and completed this portion is a little over 12 minutes.

Then I ran up to the transition area, stuck my sopping feet into my sneakers, strapped on my helmet and took off on the bike ride...



If you zoom in on this picture you will see that the lady behind me is working WAY harder than me. That may have something to do with why it took me 30:03 to complete this portion.

And lastly the run. This was the part that scared me the most. And you know what?...It wasn't so bad after all.



That's me...crossing the finish line! Team Beki was there cheering me on and it felt pretty awesome to hear them announce my name as I came in. The run took me 22 minutes...but the point is: I actually ran.

All in all it took me 1:10:02 minutes to complete the race. Which, relatively speaking...is not very good. But, I really don't care because I am proud of me! And I am proud of all of you too...

Because together, we raised (drum roll please) $1000.50 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation! That is 2x my original goal. AMAZING! I would like to also thank my Uncle Shuggy for the 50 cents that helped to bump this into the next tax bracket!

So, what now? I have been asked countless times if I am going to do this again. I have decided that the answer is "yes and no". The triathlon is not for me. I can't see myself doing this again. But, I will fundraise for MJFF again. In fact, I have decided to make this an annual event and that I will try something new every year. I am open to suggestions for next year, and they don't have to be based on grueling physical activity. I am thinking...drunken bingo...any takers? Hmm...see, I really do need some suggestions.

Well, there you have it. Thank you again and I promise to hit you all up again next year.

With love and gratitude,

RH

3 days only!

I am leaving tomorrow to go up to Wasaga Beach and had all kinds of plans for this evening. I was going to ride Ara's bike over to the community centre and give my race day outfit a little spin in the pool and then ride the bike back just to make sure everything is in working order. And I realize that I really should do this, but you see...I can't. I am freaking out instead. My tummy is all funny and I'm jittery and I have a giant zit growing on the side of my nose and well...I am plain, freaking out. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing!

I have rationalized at this point that if there is something wrong with my gear, I would frankly rather not know about it.

At this point I am going to pack my bags and spend the evening lying on my couch watching crap on TV.

Well kids, I guess this is it. This is going to be my last post before the big day. Think of me at 1pm on Saturday and try not to laugh. I need as much positive energy as I can get.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far and for those procrastinators out there...it's not too late...just follow this link...

http://www.teamfox.org/c.pjJ0J8MHIoE/b.5594017/k.C005/Edit_Personal_Page/siteapps/personalpage/PageEditor.aspx

Stay tuned for the updates. I'm sure they will be entertaining if nothing else.

Best always,

5 days to go!

It's 10:30 am and I am currently sitting on my couch with my feet up, drinking a lovely cup of coffee and looking out the window at the rain pelting down and the last thing I want to do is go for a bike ride. I'll wait it out for a bit, but in all honesty I'm thinking it probably won't happen...there is still more coffee in the pot.

Just in case you aren't paying attention my race is officially in less than a week! I would be lying if i told you that I wasn't freaking out just a little bit. I think I am in pretty good shape as far as the actual events go, but the transitional logistics are what's scaring me. It has just started to dawn on me that I have no idea how everything comes together. So I've started searching online and of course there are all kinds of training clinics that teach you just that. I guess most people start worrying these things with more than 5 days to go! Oh well..too late now. I figure that there is a very slim chance that I will actually be in the lead, so theoretically there should be someone ahead of me that I can follow.

I hate to ask people for money, but I am doing this event for charity. If you are not among the group of extremely generous people who have contributed already I ask you to please visit my pledge site and consider making a small donation.

http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=pjJ0J8MHIoE&b=5594023&sid=lvK1KcPQIbIYIiMUJsF

This is a great cause and a great organization.

It is still raining....