Your Thoughts

A special thank you to everyone who is reading this blog, and thanks for forwarding the link to your friends around the world.

I love reading your mail, so keep it coming - send your thoughts, stories and reflections to: mthrower@triathletemag.com

Here are a few of the e-mails I've received in the past two weeks about the blog:

(And I'm going to keep blogging about Ironman, triathlon and life for the next year - so stay tuned, and stay in touch!)
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From: Guido Geis
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 7:48 AM
To: mthrower@triathletemag.comSubject: IM blog

Mitch,
Holy *&%$$! – I always got goose bumps reading your blog the last two weeks.
Well, I don´t know what to say, but to be honest: THIS IS IT!
Originally I didn't want to mail you because I thought there were too many others writing; just another crappy mail. But after all, I'm really psyched about the different viewing angles of your blog.
The pics are the most exotic – who wants to see any more pictures of Faris or Welchy! This is what´s really going on in most of the hearts of people who inhaled the spirit.
Keep blogging – you are THE MAN!
A big MAHALO from Germany
GG
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Hey Mitch,
Congrats on your race. Made it out on Friday to see my friend's race and the funny thing was that it was easier to know what was going on in Kona town each day by just going back to the hotel and paying the extra 10 bucks to log on to your site to read up on all the happenings.
You did an amazing job and I just wanted to say thanks for allowing me to sit poolside at the Sheraton and read up on all the happenings each night.
You have given me the desire to go back to Hawaii again and race. The last time I did the race I said never again but thanks to you I plan to get back into it and make it to Kona again to join the real party.
Thanks for your inspiration!
Talk to you soon.

Tom Hodge
President Recovox
www.recovox.net









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From: Kelley Brandon
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 9:53 AM
To: mthrower@triathletemag.com
Subject: Greatest Training Songs?

Hey Mitch,
First off I just want to say thanks for the great reports from Hawaii. This is actually my first year of tris and I'm completely addicted. I'm even starting to daydream about one day making it to the big show, IM Hawaii.
I'd love to get a list of your greatest training songs. I do the same thing you do--pick a song for every race that keeps me motivated.

-Kelley
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From: keith borg
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 7:09 AM
To: mthrower@triathletemag.com
Subject: ipod list

Would love to hear your list for training. I use my ipod regularly and the new nano is even better. You could also put in your playlist at apple or even have monthly playlists there as an idea. Really have enjoyed your blog. Raced in '98 in kona and part of my soul still wanders the lava. Not sure I want it back but it would be nice to reconnect with it occasionally and still leave it there...

Take care,
Keith Borg MD, PhD
Asst. Professor of Emergency Medicine
Emory University


Thanks Again.
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From: *Thom Klingman (812)
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 6:08 AM
To: mthrower@triathletemag.com
Subject: Hawaii Blog

First, let me say thank you for your time and thoughts about this year's race. It's the first thing I have read when getting to work for the past couple of weeks. It's nice to hear someone else's perspective.

Would you consider keeping up with this site? Just as the new movie "What it Takes" is going to feature a year of training for a handful of pros, I think everyone would enjoy seeing another "age grouper's" perspective of training. I had a cocktail party last night for a friend of mine "Steve Riddle" (9:28 on Saturday), and we all agreed that this blog has been extremely motivating. I'm even considering putting up a blog for my friends and family as Lake Placid approaches. Just a thought.

I would enjoy seeing your list of training songs. As the winter approaches I can hear the hum of my trainer in the basement and know that I'll need some distractions.

Congratulations on a great race.

Thom Klingman
Klingman Williams
Charlotte, NC 28202

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Remember...

Hawaii is waiting for you.

You now have less than a year to train.

-MT

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Reflections and Letters

Went for an early bike and a run today at Hualalai, then had some meetings to attend, including the pre-race meeting. Heading to the Ironman sponsor reception now...

Thanks so much for your letters of encouragement about the blog and the race! Here are a few of my favorites, answers/photos to come soon...

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Mitch: Thanks for the great updates from Kona. As an Ironman back-of-the-packer it may be the closest I ever get. Maybe someday the lottery will punch my ticket. As for now, IM China will have to do in April of 2006. What wonderful choices we have in the world of triathlon. As for questions regarding Kona this week, I have two: 1. How about another picture of your support crew? That's what I call traveling in style! 2. I have not seen any news, in the usual Kona pre-race coverage of the women's race, on one of my favorite Ironman athletes, the ever consistent Fernanda Keller (Thanks for the parade photo). Do you think she has another top ten in her this year? Thanks again for the coverage you are providing and the ever insightful Starting Lines in Triathlete. It is one of my favorite sections of the magazine. As a matter of fact, I am still trying to figure out what my lifetime Ironman is (and I don't mean getting to Kona). I believe that was from the Starting Lines in one of Triathlete's special editions for women about four or five years ago. Good luck saturday, and when you see Fernanda again give her a "Rock On" for me.

Enjoy the journey,
Jim IRON CPA Roeder
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Hi Mitch,Thanks so much for the Big Island Blog. It makes not being there less depressing! Fantastic updates and I love the photos. Make sure my man stays in line. There's no telling what a crazy Irishman will do at the finish line in Kona! And...may you experience more of that "something much bigger" on race day.

Stay safe,
Rose Reilly
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Hey Mitch,Great reports! I'm on my why out to Kona on Friday but wanted to let you know I feel like I'm there already with your ongoing updates. I hope everyone is enjoying them as much as I am.Talk to you soon.

Tom Hodge, President Recovoxtom@recovox.net http://www.blogger.com/www.recovox.net

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