Triathlon for a cause and other events

I shouldn't write for too long because I am waking up at 5 AM!!! Rachel and I are doing a practice run of a triathlon, in training for the Tri for a Cure race in about 10 days. It should be fun as long as I actually wake up. And hopefully I can still get some work done tomorrow, I'll have to not go too hard.
I am pretty excited about this race because we are raising money for breast cancer research and support for women with breast cancer. It's nice to be doing a race that means something. I think it will be a powerful experience. There are 3,000 women participating, so it will by far be my largest triathlon. If you want to donate, visit http://www.active.com/donate/triforthecure07/atmos.

On Monday, we sent an email to some friends and family, as well as to the atmos department. Our goal was $500 and we surpassed it in 6 hours!!! I was so amazed, but I guess it just goes to show you how many people have been affected by breast cancer. My grandmother lost her battle on Sept. 13, 2001 (an unfortunately easy date to remember), about 2 years after being diagnosed. I have been and will be thinking of her a lot during the next few weeks.
Anyway ... on the brighter side I have great news! I got my model to run for a day! Results!!! Yes!!!! Well, they are not very exciting results because I ultimately want to run it for several years, but this is a big step.
And the bad news ... drugs in cycling. Three of the top 10 have now been dismissed from the Tour de France because of doping allegations. Plus my favorite before the race began, Alexander Vinokorouv. It's so disappointing because I admire these guys so much. They really capture my heart with their courage and determination, but then I feel cheated just as much as their competitors when I learn they did drugs. When I'm racing, I work my ass of to ride like I do (which isn't very good) and would never consider putting drugs or someone else's blood in my body (it just doesn't seem smart/healthy for one thing) ... why can't they do the same? I hate it. I hope the sport cleans up. This tour has been exciting but now ... grrr.

I am excited about this weekend. I am going to Georgia and Tennessee for several big events. The main reason is to see my one of my best friends, Kristi, as she makes her first profession of vows to become a nun. She is through 2 out of 7 years in the process. It is an amazing process, I can't believe she's already been there for two years. Sometimes it seems a little strange to me but I think she's very happy with her life, and I admire the commitment she has made. I just don't completely understand it, I am so happy being married, but giving your life to God can't be a bad thing (as long as you're not a freaking suicidal zealot). Oh yeah, I'm rambling ... the other things I'll be doing this weekend are: seeing my cousin, Patrick, and his two year old daughter (it's her birthday), seeing my other cousin, Crissie, and her newborn son (due today, I need to call!), attending another good friend's bridal shower, and seeing a lot of other wonderful friends and family. It will be busy, as all trips back to Georgia are, but I am excited about it.

Ok I should go to sleep now for sure. 6 hours of sleep is about the bare minimum I can get. Good night!