The question is "Will you still race this weekend?" The answer is yes. I mentioned before that I didn't choose the Ironman, it chose me. I can still hear it calling. What is life without challenges and goals, as selfish as they may be. I'm unsure of the reasoning for my choice to race. It may be momentum or habit after thousands of miles of training for nearly a year. There is comfort in routine. Maybe it's just the distraction I need. Or it may be part of some larger plan beyond our comprehension.

Sanity can only remain if a trust in fate is unyielding. I will try to surrender to what will be. I can only have an impact on what is now, not yesterday nor tomorrow. The universe (a.k.a: god, Buddha, Allah) is choosing the path. However, I ask only for Marni's happiness and peace in whatever form it may come.

Many of you have posted the information about Marni and for that, I'm grateful. I'm also grateful to see so many faces that I haven't seen in years come forward to help. Every new Facebook friend request I get from an old friend is another drop in the bucket of positive energy and a reminder of how wonderful human kind can be.

2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run..... no radio.... only my thoughts. That scares me. No longer does the physical pain or suffering intimidate me, the 13 hours alone in my head terrifies me. I will try to focus on positive thoughts but there will be times throughout the race that I will be covered in a blanket of negativity.

It's race day.... I've just raced 2.4 miles of swimming and have already been racing on the bike for 3 hours. The sweat is dripping into my eyes, it stings. I'm getting tired, my back is hurting and I ask myself "Is it worth it?", "Why am I doing this?". "I'm not even 1/3 done with this race!" There are also the unmentionable thoughts that I dare not even speak or write. I could use some positive energy now, what would you tell me?

Now I've been racing for 10 hours, I've seen the sun rise and now it's beginning to reach the other horizon. I've been running for about 3 hours after being on the bike for 6 and swimming over 1. My shoulders hurt, my fingers are numb, my feet are throbbing and I'm feeling amazing pain from my shins. Sweat is dripping from my finger tips and the end of my visor. My shorts are covered in a white layer of salt from my sweat. I'm tired, I have nothing left. Once again, my thoughts turn toward my sister. Only 2 or 3 more hours to go? What would you tell me now?

I don't know what I'll be thinking out there. I've never gone this far, this long and under circumstances such as these. If you could tell me something, anything to help me along, what would it be? Tell me via Facebook reply to this post or email. I'll compile this list, and take it with me on the bike and run. When things get tough, I'll read it. The words will help, I'm sure, but not as much as reading the name next to it, yours. Having a reminder of the positivity of friends and family will do wonders, I'm sure.

Thank you to all my friends and family for your continued support and love, it means everything to me. A special thank you to my fiancee, Sylvia, who's unrelenting love has now become a pillar in my life.