Words of Encouragement

Dear Friends and Family:

I have received so many encouraging, supportive, and funny e-mails from my friends and family over the past few weeks. It has really boosted my confidence and kept me going in my final weeks of training for the Vineman (5 days left!). I thought I'd share some of my favorites...

"Jeezzzzz Daren, you make me want another Jack and Coke…just another sh*#%y day in paradise…Good luck on the training and the triathlon. I’m very impressed. Maybe you’ll inspire me to get back on my bike. Maybe. "
-- Tom S. from VA (with his harem)

"I have to tell you, my 1st 1/2 marathon was at my 1st 1/2 ironman. Your legs are ready for the change & your heart rate is relatively low b/c your not pushing It. Just be sure to eat the entire race & you'll be fine. Run a mile for me :-( Looking forward to seeing you!"
-- Nancy S. from KC (my swim coach!)

"Just reading it gives me chest pains! Glad you are thriving."
-- Henry H. from DC

"Totally gonna ask for the flat iron from my butcher, who always gives me these totally fat boy ribeyes. Daren, you’re my hero, training so hard for your tri. Me and my work/exercise pals are still trying to squeeze one in before the end of the year, but the most attractive one is called Tinsel Triathlon (December) in lovely Hemet, CA. It features (in this order), a grueling 5k flat run, followed by a 15k flat bike ride, and ending with the dreaded 150 meter swim in a heated pool. Now that’s what I’m talking about!"
-- Adam K. from San Diego

"I think you will do much better than your target (especially on the bike). Let me know your results even if you do not finish or do as well as you like. Those distances are abusive. Too far to suffer and get by but too short to justify the long training routine. The good news for me is that I almost always did better than my target. One small improvement will jump your time significantly."
-- Tom L. from Denver

"You are a blogger!!! I've got to get with the times and reach that elusive rodeo cowboy/pr executive audience with my own blog - topics like "What's Tougher: New Biz Presentations or Drawing a Horse Named Hell Hole?"
-- Dave K. from KC

"This is awesome. I find myself getting crazier with age, but it's a good thing. Just remember, no wine the night before the race. That just might be your biggest challenge. Best of luck... I can't wait to hear about it!"
-- Janelle D. from KC

"Good luck on your triathlon. It seems that you have taken goal-setting to the extreme at this point, so I hope you still find it fun. It definitely sounds crazily challenging."
-- Tanya P. from St. Louis

"Your excitement and accomplishments were just the inspiration I needed to get up and do something extraordinary; and boy am I tired! This running this is hard work!! In all seriousness, congrats on the great RtR event, and kudos for tackling the Half-Ironman. They should feature you in an upcoming Beef commercial, chowing down for dinner, with enough energy to go the distance. Best of luck with the whole thing, and I'll be following along, for sure!"
-- Keith D. from KC

"WOW! Congratulations on your goals. I could never do it! And I can hardly believe that man in your blogsite it you! Say it isn’t so? Wishing you the best in your Vietnam California trip and tri. You go! Eating beef tonight,
-- Kerry M. from Atlanta

Thanks for all your support. I couldn't do this without my friends and family behind me.

Daren