Friday, July 27, 2007

Hour 14


Hour 14: Was spent hugging my Kathi’s Best Cheer Squad. Soaking up all their amazing Congratulations and words of affirmation!

Again this was better than any pain medication I have ever experienced.

This was a Life Changing Journey for me and I feel so fortunate to have so many amazing friends in my life that were not only interested in my journey but also willing to sacrifice a very long day to share my 1st Ironman experience with me.
My heart is full to over flowing with gratitude and thankfulness. I feel extremely honored by the love and support that was generously and unselfishly given to me!

I love you all and want you to know that you were instrumental in making my 1st Ironman Race a Success. I could not have done it without you! And wouldn’t have wanted to!!!
P.S. I did sign up for my 2nd Ironman race!
I hope to see you in Coeur d’ Alene on June 22, 2008!

8 comments:

LisaDuvall said...

I just finished reading your Ironman by the hour and oh man - it made me cry. What an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations!!!!

jessithompson said...

There aren't words to tell you how proud of you I am and to explain what it has been like to share this journey with you over the last few years. And it's very rare that I am left speechless... but that's the best part about our friendship. Without saying, I know you "get it"- completely.

You are amazing and entirely inspirational. While crossing the finish line, you not only saw the light at the end of the tunnel but you became that light for others.

I love that we share the Ironman bond together!

Thank you for all the support you gave me in the midst of your own race preparation. You are such a special friend and a gift to my life! I love you beyond words, GG!

Kim Herring said...

Wow! I really think that's the only word to describe you as well as this amazing race report. I know that it was a huge task that you wanted to accomplish and I'm proud of you for getting it done. The day as well as this race report is a gift to all of us who were there with you. Thank you for sharing how you felt during the race.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for having the courage to compete in this dream, complete it and then, best of all, write it all down for us to experience each stroke with you. It has been an incredible journey for you and us as your friends, and we are all much better friends because of you. May your cup of love be filled forever.
Love, Rachael and Mike

Anonymous said...

You have an amazing gift for giving the perfect visual for what you are discribing, in this case your pain! You made something monumental look like a walk in the park (even though it wasn't). Kathi, you were such an inspiration to watch. I look forward to watching you and cheering for you and the other Tri Fusion members again next year.
I'm so proud of you and love you tons!

Hugs!
Patti

Linda Seppa Salisbury said...

Kathi- It was such a gift to my spirit and heart to support you in achieving this dream! Every time I saw you during the race I found myself screaming your name and jumping up and down! I am proud of you for having the guts to get to the glory, for your determination and perseverance, and for the raw courage this took to move beyond your fears! Thanks for your re-cap of this amazing event in these pictures and in telling your "Ironman Story!" Love You! Linda

Tiffany said...

Wow! I finally had the time to sit down and read this. Amazing! I love how you broke it down hour by hour. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. It has been incredible. I was honored to cheer for you that day. You talk about the fatigue you felt and the pain you were in, but in all of your pictures, you still managed to smile! Watching you compete in and finish your first Ironman was such an inspiration to me and countless others! Congratulations! I'm SO happy for you! I've already started the countdown to June 22nd!

Anonymous said...

Well nothing like a 2am cry when you can't sleep! What an amazing post and breakdown of YOU and what you were experiencing. I'll cheer you on any day! You are an IRon Man I'm so proud of you Kathi!!

Loves to you,
Team Thompson Cheer Squad---Kim M.