Inspiring Success Blog

To my family, friends, and amazing people in my life:

Hi everyone,

Just a note to send some photos and let you know how this week in Kona has been! It's been an extraordinary adventure this week, from having the plane turn back to Seattle, turning the 5 hour flight to Hawaii into an 11 hour journey to attending a training camp for tri-athletes to help prepare for the race! Fate does seem to have a way of working out...as I met up with a few coaches from LIFESPORT on the plane (when we sat on the tarmac for several hours in Seattle) and they told me about their training camp. I had seen the promo for it but thought that I would be the only one who was "average" compared to the elite racers that are here, so I was too scared to attend. As usual, there are angels watching over me.... b/c I attended the course for three days and it was the best thing I could have ever done! I learned so much and made a bunch of new friends. We rode part of the bike course, swam every day and ran together. It was fantastic! Today is the first day I've had off and I found the best little coffee shop in Kona, called Lava Java (fitting name) that has wireless and great coffee and smoothies! It's also overlooking the ocean, so it's a pretty great place to write this email to you! I wish you were here!!

I'm feeling pretty good, in spite of some serious nervousness! Special thanks to all of you who have written emails and called! I'll think of you on the course and want you to know that you are, and always will be the wind beneath my wings! Most importantly, to you, family and friends, I'm so grateful for all your thoughts and positive energy! Thank you for thinking of me and for sending some good "vibes" on Saturday! I appreciate it more than you know! I just found out that my family is going to do 14 hours of consecutive exercise on Saturday! Wow - this is amazing!!! I am totally excited and in awe of this!! Thank you! I know it's going to help me get through the race! Thank you! I love you very much!!! I don't know what I would do without you! My sister, Gwen, arrives on Thursday and I'm really looking forward to sharing this experience with her! Gwen, I can't wait for you to arrive!!! See you soon, Sissy!

I hope you enjoy the attached photos! I've had a bit of fun the past few days trying to get a few photos that give you an idea of what it's like here.

I'll write again after the race. My goal is to finish - smiling. The race starts at 7am Hawaiian time and finished by midnight. You can check out www.ironman.com and watch live race coverage if you like.

FYI: my race # is 182.

A very BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have donated to Room To Read, www.roomotoread.com and checked out my website at www.inspiredtogivenow.com I am grateful beyond words for your generosity and support! Together, with your incredible support, you have raised well over $200,000 for Room To Read, which will help literally thousands of kids receive scholarships and have access to libraries, schools, education and a bright future!! John Wood says that "World change starts with educated children" and I want you
to know how much I appreciate all that you have done to make a difference for many children in the world. Thank you for the difference you have made in my world as well, with your presence in my life, with your inspiration, with your support and just for being YOU!

Once again, thank you to all of you, and in particular to my amazing family and friends! I love you very much!!!!! I don't know what I would do without you!

I'll write again after the Ironman with news of the race and day! See you at the finish line smiling and dancing!

Love Crystal

PS

Thank you so much for your positive energy and thoughts. Please hold a great vision of me reaching the finish line (smiling...and maybe dancing a little) in your minds with a nice calm race day Saturday! Thank you!!! The
power of intention is real and I am grateful for you - in helping me get through this amazing race! Thank you! I love you!!!!!