Testing 1,2,3

This past week I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to help out with a great cause. I joined a group of other professional athletes in helping to record a song to raise awareness of the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. ALS is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no cure for the disease. The record, which is meant to honor its founder (Jon Blais, the only person diagnosed with ALS to complete an ironman), will be available on iTunes, Napster, etc. around Christmas and all proceeds from the song will go directly to the Blazeman Foundation. For more information on ALS, click here

The thought of racing with a disease such as ALS is no doubt an inspiration to all. Next weekend, after nearly 4 months off of racing and rehabbing a partially torn posterior tibialis tendon, I will be making my comeback to racing at the USA Triathlon Elite Nationals in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Although this race is being held at the same venue, on the same course, and at the same time as Elite Nationals in 2009, it definitely has a different feel to it. For the first time in about a decade, I will go into the race knowing that of the 3 disciplines, my running will not be my strongest suit. So is it the swim or the bike? I'll never tell...but I will tell you this, just to cross that finish line again will make me one happy girl!