"The only pace, is suicide pace, and today seems like a good day to die" -Steve Prefontaine
I know the above phrase, seems, a bit out of place for this holiday season, but I hope what follows sheds some light on why I chose it. Yesterday, was Thanksgiving, and as I sat in my place, I reflected, for the first time in months, how much I did have to thankful for. I finished my season, with another Mideast DU Series title; the first athlete to ever win the title twice, let alone, back to back, and in the process broke the points record. And I finished it all in one piece, and for that I was extremely thankful.
Although we compete in an individual sport, where it appears as though it is just one person, fighting time, the elements, and other individual athletes, very, very few of us get to that start line alone. And for so many of us, we couldn't even imagine the finish line, if not for the ones who love and support us along our journey, no matter if its one race, or a season full of races. Parents, kids, husbands, wives, girlfirends, boyfriends, friends, coaches, all of them help us, in thier own way to get us to be the best, to get to the finish line with a smile, no matter how much we struggle during the race, or how much it hurts. Because at that moment, just before you cross the line, you see thier faces, the ones you love, smiling, big proud smiles, and instantly, that pain goes away. Its replaced with relief and accomplishment, and pride.
That's why, I want to say thanks, to those who got me to the finish line, and let them know I am thankful for them. To my coach, Jen, who, with her crazy workouts and absolute faith, gave me courage to dig deeper, to face the pain, and to embrace it, and know, truly know, that there is more inside of me than I realize. I expect 2009 to be even greater with your guidance.
To my family, who, although not completely understanding what I do, or why I do what I do, still, is there for me, backing me up, and making sure I stay safe. Two people in particular, my niece and my grandmother, who both can make me smile no matter my mood, and who never cease to amaze me with thier energy and absolute and unconditional love. I am thankful for that strength they provide, it carries me daily.
To my friends, Greg, Sheila, Robyn, Whitney, Batman, Rich D., Sweet Cheeks, Trixie, Boy Wonder, all of you, everyone on Mideast Team Elite - all you guys, you inspire me daily, on top of making me laugh. You have no idea how great that feels, and I can't thank you enough for it.
Amidst all this, I have to thank someone who recently came into my life, Dr. Paul Jones. With the help of cousin, Dr. Guy Petruzzelli, he helped save my life, and my racing career. The chronic sinus infection that plaqued me for 5 years, had set so deeply into my sinus cavity, that it had eaten away at the walls of my sinuses. The infection spread to my right ear canal, and was approaching my brain. In 6 months, I would have suffered irreversible brain damage, and hearing loss. Finally, after years of suffering, of alway going too hard, and getting the "quick fix" antibiotics, I stopped, and had surgery to remove the infection, and to save my life. I am eternally grateful for my cousin, and Dr. Jones, for ensuring the surgery was a success, and ensured that my breathing, and my health would be extremly solid, forever.
So, today, I am thankful, for, my life. For the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Realizing what could have happened when we don't slow down, just for a second, well, its scary. I have always been known as having 2 speeds - full on, and sleeping. I don't know any other way. The opening quote, sits on my fridge as a daily reminder, to live life to the fullest, but maybe, just maybe, stop, along the way, to give a lift and a kiss to those who live that same life with us, even if its for brief periods. I won't ever slow down, especially now with a clean bill of health, but, I realized, that if not for the love of others around me, I never would have found out what was really wrong with me. I hope that all of you realize that in your own lives, and that you stop, and savor the moments and the people around you. Don't stop, but, don't leave them behind. Because they are ones who truly have your back, trust me.
