The Lord has opened up so many opportunities for me in this area, it feels like a dream that I couldn't have ever thought up that I'm actually living in reality! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
I'm confident that the Lord has given me every good & perfect thing I have (James 1:17), starting with an amazing husband who supports me, and also our families! ...other key components that the Lord has provided include a wonderful coach, the talents & abilities I was born with, workout opportunities over the past 20 years, health, and love of the sport, as well as people who have come alongside me to help me in so many ways....speaking of, I'm so excited to tell you about my sponsors! You can directly link to their websites on the left of this page.
1. Retirement Planning Services: Needless to say, my dad's biz has been foundational in providing the spark (and means) to be a pro triathlete...obviously, financially, but he has also been an encouragement providing guidance (especially this past year) in training and even racing! (Although he hasn't ever raced a triathlon before - haha - his running competition background definitely transfered to the triathlon realm.) His wisdom is unmatched in Retirement Planning. You should definitely check out his new website (that will go "live" soon!). I'll post the link when it is finished.
2. Schlegel Bicycles: Although I'm not related to Steve Schlegel, he believes in me like we're kin! This has been encouraging during the past year as I have spent the majority of my training time developing as a cyclist. Steve has always seen potential in me as a cyclist (my weakest of the 3 disciplines), and this has been an immense help and source of encouragement.
His expertise, as well as providing me with top equipment, has proven to drastically improve my biking splits! Sometimes people joke about how everyone's so concerned with having the best bike, wheels, etc...when they really need to improve the motor that rides on it...well, I agree mostly...but it sure has been helpful to get great equipment! Although I won the Best of the US competition by 2 minutes, if Steve hadn't have loaned me a fast TT bike + wheels, it probably would have been more like a sprint at the finish!
PS: It's not surprising that his bike shop has been in the top 100 nation-wide retailers for the past 3 years since the entire staff is top-notch in skills, knowledge & friendliness!
3. Dr. Seyoung Kim: I initially met Dr. Kim on a group bike ride, and later he offered to sponsor me. I was thrilled, and he's already helped my body immensely! Recently, I went to him when my foot hurt so much that I couldn't properly walk on the ball, much less push off. After about 10 seconds of assessing the problem, he found the root cause (a huge knot in my quad!) and I was running 2 days later! It was amazing, and I'm so thankful for his help to keep me healthy. He definitely has my highest recommendation.
4. Gu: Gu is my favorite for energy/nutrition, so I'm excited to be sponsored by them this year!
...stay tuned for a couple more sponsors that I'm very excited about - one that is giving me a new stealth bike! Hint: If it's speedy enough for the winner of the 2009 Kona Iron(wo)man, I think it'll suffice for me! ;o)
love you!
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