If this Sister can do it - then these sisters can do it!

Going to listen to Sister Madonna Buder last night was exactly what I needed.  On Saturday I went for a ride and I must say - it was one of the worst rides I've had in a long time-my riding partner bailed, it was cold, I was tired, and it was WINDY.  While I was riding I started crying and blaming Hallie for my miserable ride- because lets be honest - I wouldn't be doing this Ironman if it wasn't for her.   
But, my attitude has completely changed after last night.  Last night my sister and I went to listen to Sister Madonna Buder speak at St. Mary's.  Talk about an inspiration - Sister has competed in over 320 triathlons 40 of which were ironman races.  Her story was unlike any other- considering she didn't even start running until she was in her 50's.  She reminded me a lot of Hallie - (Hallie-I'm not just saying that because I refer to you as Sister Mary Hallie.)  Sister Madonna Buder said she needed a reason to run - a goal - which if any of you don't know Hallie - that's exactly what she needs.  Hallie is the type of person that once she sets her goal their is no stopping her.  She also has to keep find more and more demanding/challanging goals.  (She tells me after this ironman she will be done trying to exceed her previous goals)  Sister has also gone into races with very little if any training leading up to the event - which Hallie has been known to do on occassions. :-)

But Sister's message was very simple - with God there is nothing we can't do.  That is basically how she has managed to finish the last couple of races - calling on God to get her to the finish.  I have always said that God will never give us more than we can handle - so I know the next nine months are going to physically, emotionally, and spiritually challanging, but God will never give us more than we can handle.  With God by our side - there is nothing we can't do. 

I'm extremely excited because I will be eating dinner with Sister Madonna Buder following our run around the loop this evening.  I can't wait to learn more about her training for her ironman races and gaining as much knowledge and insight from her as possible.