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It’s go time for the sista. We leave Thursday for the Lake Placid Ironman. Besides Kona, Lake Placid is Kim’s favorite race venue. It is so her type of course. Nice fast swim course, hilly as hell bike course, and  a gruelingly hilly run.  Lake Placid is a very special race for Kim. She has had some of her best races of her career on that course. Her places have been 5, 4, and 2nd respectively. So many memories, both good and bad on that course. One of the main reasons I came here to Vermont for 5 weeks was to train with Kim and support her in this journey which I know means the world to her. She is a true test of preserverance. She is the most mentally determined athlete I know. Last year was a rough year for Kim. She had a great New Zealand Ironman finishing 2nd to Jo Lawn. She was all set up for a great Ironman Lake Placid 2007. We were both planning on racing it and it would be our first time racing an Ironman together. Five weeks prior to the Ironman, while training on the course, Kim was in a very bad bike crash and completely severed one of her shoulder ligaments. She was in a sling for weeks and almost needed surgery.  That was it. It was over for Kim. No LP. Her heart was broken. I dedicated my race in lake Placid to Kim and believe me when I say that it kept me moving through my world of pain, toward the finish line. I raced for myself, but I finished for Kim. Here we are 1 year later and what a comeback! Kim is so incredibly fit. She is ready. I am so happy that I was able to run train with Kim. Her run times are phenominal and when I see her running on the course I know I will be with her in her mind every step of the marathon, just like in training. I am so proud of her. Last year was so frustrating and she never gave up. She did what she had to do. Rest!  One of the hardest things for a professional athlete to do. Now she’s back and more determined than ever! Here is a video clip i made for Kim. Check it out here. http://gallery.me.com/kellyliljeblad#100003 Also putting a shout out for the Green Mountain Multisport gang. Good luck  guys!