You Can Do It

No longer the novice triathlete you once were, I figured you didn't need a wimpy little blog to get you motivated, but I couldn't resist just one final good luck post.

But, I think all I can really say is.....you can do it. You can totally do it. If there's anyone who can do it...it's you. And I think the real reason you can do it is because you're so much more than an Ironman....you are a best friend, a hard worker, a loyal employee, a no-bullshitter, a beer drinker, a TJ and TONY lover, an aspiring singer, and oh yeah, a triathlete. It's this depth and perspective that give you the strength to succeed in this often all-consuming sport. You're a damn good athlete, but you're an even better person.

Don't forget for a second that all the people you know will be thinking about you tomorrow. Good luck vibes will be coming at you from all directions. Breath them in and press on with power. You're going to turn heads.

Sending all my love from London.



P.S. Don't forget sunscreen on that small part of your low back. You don't want another tramp stamp :)

Julia Mavrodin, you are an IRONMAN!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Jules!!! 10:54 and 7th place in your first-ever Ironman!!!!! (sorry I was too excited and the pictures didn't come out so well!)

Sexy Badass

Julia,

Good luck on the ironman! Im sure you will do absolutely fantastic and make it look it easy! I'll be thinking of you and keeping an eye on the results!

Admiringly,

Donley

A couple of things to ponder during your race...

1) Did Sarah Palin really, I mean really?!?, get nominated for VP?

2) First post-race meal (though I hope you've already extensively thought about this one)?

3) Am I making a funny face right now?

4) Did I really ever claim that my nickname was "Sincerity"?

5) How cute does Tiesto look when he throws his arms up?

6) Did that 45+ year old man just pass me on the bike? Oh no he didn't...

7) If a tree falls in the woods.....?

8) How happy am I that I don't own stocks right now?

9) Did I smile in that last photo-op?

10) What's the stupidest thing I've ever done while drunk? (this could take a while...)

11) Do I really look like Kimmy Gibler?

12) How many orders of La Fonda tostones am I allowed to eat as a reward?

13) Did Drew Barrymore really have to say "Julia Gooolia"?

14) Will my "friends" from Los Loros remember me when I go back in two weeks?

15) Where do I want my Ironman tattoo?

Stay positive, stay tough and don't forget...this is what you've been waiting for!

We're all cheering/thinking/praying/wishing/believing for YOU!

Love you.
O.

Good luck!

Jules,
Best of luck tomorrow... you are such a rockstar! You are going to be so amazing, if anyone can complete an Iron Man, it's definitely you. What an inspiration you are to us all - we are all so proud of you!
Congratulations on all of your training, and you are going to be phenomenal tomorrow!
All my best,
Annie

You Got This

Good luck!

Good luck at Kona! This is going to be an incredible accomplishment for you. You're an inspiration!

It was great seeing you in Vegas. I'll hopefully see you in December.

You're going to do awesome!

Sean

Julia!

Show some puss. I am sure you will rock it. Good luck and have fun.

Kari Schneibel

A wish.

Best of luck Julia!

JULIA IS number 1!

Julia I hope you have a good run and win because you are a winner!

GO JULIA GO! We all send hugs and kisses.

Sophie, Dad, Mommy and little Pillows

Good Luck

Julia,

You are one hell of an athlete, I admire your dedication to be the best you can be. Good luck and afterward enjoy HAWAII.

Karen Katsigiannis

you can DO IT!

Julia, I'm so in awe of your training. You are such a rockstar.
During the race, just remember how much you love these sports. And remember to feel grateful that triathlons aren't like this, instead:



Good luck! -Kate Seip

GOOD LUCKA IN KONA

Jewels,

Best of luck this week! All of your friends look up to you, and you provide so much motivation to us everyday. Thanks for everything, and we are all rooting for you.

Git 'r dona in kona!

-Patrick

Good Luck

Good Luck Julia! I'm super impressed with the fact that you're doing this and know that you're going to be amazing! And what better place to do it than Kona?!? Kick ass and then enjoy some fabulous time afterwards!

Sarah

Yayyyy Juliaaa

Good luck Julia!!!! I am sure you will show Kona who's boss!

Your Girl,
Karyn Henderson

From Fabulous Las Vegas...

EAT BABIES!!

Good luck next weekend Julia! You are going to rock it.

You are one of the most determined individuals I have ever met and I know you are going to push through and do great.

And when you're mid-race, and you need a little extra motivation, just think:

We're gunna rape, kill, pillage and burn,
we're gunna rape, kill, pillage and burn.
EAT BABIES!!!


Kick Ass!
~Jamie

You're a Machine Jules!!

Dearest Julia,

So I'm thinking what I can say to you as inspiration for an Ironman, when as you know I have only done half of one ;-)

Jules, just remember that you have done all the training required to get yourself over the line. There will be a time, whether it be on the bike or run, where you're going to be in the tunnel not knowing whether you're going to come out the other side. But whenever you have taken things on in the past you have come through, so why should this race be any different?

Good luck with your race Jules. I hope you enjoy every minute of it. Oh and I'll be tracking your progress all the way on Ironman Live!!

Your friend,

Budgie

CAUTION!!!

THINGS TO AVOID DURING THE IRONMAN

When swimming, if you see any of the following, get the HELL out of the water immediately...







When on the bike, if you see any of the following, please avoid...






During the run, if you see any of the following, please avoid...







If you can successfully avoid all of the things above, then you will be an...



Good luck, Julia. I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to do amazing. I have so much confidence in your abilities. Have fun, represent NYC and kick some butt!

Love you!

Nicole

GOOD LUCK!!

A lesson brought to you by Julia that can be applied to the Ironman:

Remember when you drove us to Vermont (to that house filled with fecal water and mice) and it was snowing but you were still driving really fast (even after the police officer pulled us over and told us we were going to die?)…LESSSON: Don’t be afraid to go your own speed…no matter what anyone tells you…(and if you can run/swim/bike as fast as you drive you’re in good shape!!)
GOOD LUCK!!!

- Kate

Good Luck Julia!!

While I regret that I am unable to participate in this athletic endeavor so you can kick my ass again, know I'm rooting for you and expect to see 6 minute miles on the last leg of the race.

Good Luck,
Kev

Kick Some Butt Birdy!

Dearest Jules,

Following are my own ever so helpful hints for success in the Ironman. I was going to make a video like the spectacularly talented Jilly J but as Kevy said - Steph, don't embarrass yourself. So here are my tips in print instead.

Step 1: Grab nearest competitor by arm.
Step 2: Throw nearest competitor to ground.
Step 3: Celebrate! Shout "I'm going to win"
Repeat as needed.

Seriously babe - I'm so proud of you! You're going to do awesome. Enjoy the experience, enjoy Haiwaii, and remember there are lots of us over in the continental 48 sending lots of good luck wishes your way.

All my love,
Stephy

Buena Suerte/Bonne Chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jules! Wow...........this sounds like an intense competition! Aziz and I wish you lots of luck and when you feel you can't go on, just imagine lots of hands pushing you forward;-)
Enjoy a few frilly drinks after the race!
Take care,
Ev and Aziz

Julia -

Good luck in Hawaii!! I know you are going to kick ass so have fun with it. I can't wait to celebrate when you get back - but maybe no dancing for me:( I'll hang out at the bar and keep the drinks coming. Have a great time.

Leigh

Good Luck!

Julia,
I'm so excited for you! I know you're going to do amazing. I've head about all the hard work you've been putting into this and it's going to pay off. I hope that you have a great time in Hawaii and FSSU!
Holly

YOU CAN DO IT!

My dearest Julia!

All the very best for the Kona Ironman!!! So cool that you have the willpower, courage, spiritedness and strength to go through with this. You are awesome and you know it. And you know that you can do it and that you will succeed!
All the very best and good good luck!
Hope to see you soon in NYC!

Lots of love, hugs and kisses
Nina Mallinger

Julia!

I was so impressed with you coming into Emory as a freshmen and you motivated me to work harder in all those miserable breaststroke sets... and now you're about to compete in the Ironman of all Ironmans and its motivating me to not get fat now that I'm done swimming! I've been doing cycling classes and there is one lady who has 5 little Ironman tattoos on her leg... one for each she's done... I think you should definitely get one to show off how badass you are!!
Good luck... I know you'll do awesome... and when you get tired and feel like your body is about to break down just remember all the people that are rooting for you and wishing you the best. You got this!!

Ellen Flader

Rockstar

Jules -
Good luck in the Ironman! Not only are you a ROCKSTAR, but you're my hero! You're a Business Diva by day, Party Animal by night, and somehow you manage to fit an Ironman in the mix. Unprecendented!

Love you!
Kim Rahn

Piece of advice...

Hules,

The Ironman is the real deal. I know you will do fine. From what I have been hearing you have put in the time training. Now all you have to do is enjoy it. Best of luck to you.

...Now for my piece of advice. No matter what (walking, crawling, cheating) sprint the last 300 meters. That's where you gain the most ground on people. Catch-em while they are weak.

Good luck and I hope you get leied in Hawaii!

Chris Press

SUPERSTAR!!

I have to admit, I was the slow person who posted the first message (got a head start with the time difference here in Australia) but forgot to sign my name. So here goes again...GOOD LUCK!!!! I'm so impressed and wish you all the best. I know you've put in a lot of hard work for this. Enjoy it!

xx Karina Maberly

good luck

Its no 50 freestyle, but I am sure its just as tough. Good luck at the Ironman--which by the way should also go by the name Ironwomen.....go get em!

David Hiller

good luck you little you know what

Julia -
Per usual you need my help in getting your butt to the finish line. OK. So it's a really long swim, bike and run. Here are some ways to pull through those difficult moments of the race:
1. Trash talk your closest opponent. You're good at that. Tell 'em you know what their mom has been doing all summer ... Also, feel free to criticize their outfits or tell them they smell bad.
2. Keep things in persepective. You've essentially been training since you were about 7 years old ... so 10 or 12 hours of this race isn't really THAT big of a deal. You've trained way more throughout the past 17 years. This race is only about 1/2000th of all your workouts. Easy schmeasy. Plus, you never have to do 10X300s descend ever again.
3. Be happy you get to swim, bike and run for that long ... not do keg stands. You'd black out and throw up for sure doing keg stands. Ironman? Nah. You can handle it.
4. Scroll through your mind a list of all the people cheering for you and pulling for you to kick some butt! That'll take ya a long time! Make sure you include Joan and I. Knock 'em dead. I won't be there in person to tell you to keep after it but i'll be thinkin' it in my head.
Ellen

Juliaaaaaaaaa

Jules, I am so excited for you! You are going to be so amazing. I wish I could be there, but I guess it is better that I cant come since if I saw you finish I would most likely start crying like I did at the NY marathon and then you would have to console me and let's be honest you will probably be really tired when you finish. Anyways, have fun in Vegas and kick ass in Kona. You inspire me!
Miss you sooooo much!
XOXOXO
Jess

Good Luck Julia! You are amazing and I know you will have a great race. I can imagine the scenery in Hawaii will beat the "near perfect conditions" we experienced at Jersey Wahoos Swim Club growing up. Have fun! Oh, and Joan and Mike wish you luck as well :)

Best,
Hoey

Don't worry, it's not really THAT long

You're our hero.

I keep telling myself I'm going to get up one of these mornings and run a few miles before work, and here you are headed off to THE Ironman. Impressed and amazed are huge understatements. My freshman year, one of the first things Jon asked me was if I was afraid of you. I wasn't, but that's mostly because I didn't know better yet! You've always been such a fierce competitor and role model. I've never seen anyone come from behind and finish a 200BR like you, and I hope your competition is scared this time around, because we all know they should be. Best of luck!

XOXO
Ali

I'm not going to lie Jules...you're attempting to cover a distance using only your body that I would now require a boat, a motorcycle, and a very large catapult to maneuver through. While I'm sure the words "lazy" and "scenic" are not on your mind right now, I'll encourage you to view this race as an easy, dare I say "lackadaisical" tour of the Hawaiian countryside...if only to trick yourself into a state of ignorance (it always seemed to work during those arduous sprint practices). You are setting upon a feat that 99% of this world would never think to attempt, and I wish you all the best...have fun, maybe take a few snapshots of Hawaii along the way (the ride is totally long enough to fit in some sightseeing), and please leave a few "E" shaped finger nail scratches on competitors' backs during the swim to remind them where you came from. Kick some ass Jules...

Kiss kiss,
Justin

Get 'er done Jules

So I am supremely confident that you will kick ass and take a few names while in Aloha land. You better because I already have a few bets placed on you. No, seriously, I know you will do fabulously well and will cross finish line faster than you ever expected. If at any point during the strenuous swim, quad killing bike, or ridiculous marathon, you think you might not make it, just think how much alcohol you will deservedly be able to drink once it is all over.
The hard work is done, so just try to enjoy the experience...I am sure it will be one that you will never forget

Good Luck, kick ass, and go fast
Tracey

Good luck!

Holly hell! An IronMan? That's effing insane/awesome! Good luck, kick ass, and enjoy yourself! Have fun in Hawaii!


Good luck Jules!

Lauren Bernstein

Hey cuz,

Your drive, hard work and determination are truly admirable, indeed, inspiring. I am absolutely convinced you will kick some major booty, as you usually do with everything you set your mind on. I will certainly keep track of you during the race, sending you all my good thoughts and lots of positive energy.

Now go be great!

Corina

Best wishes from Tulsa, Oklahoma

Hi Julia,
What an exciting time for you and all of us who know you!!!
Both Margaret and I wish you all the best and we'll cheer you on, together with the rest of your friends, as you swim, bike and run in Hawaii.

Good luck,


Margaret & Andrew

Good luck!!

Hi Julia,

I just heard that you're doing Kona and I'm so excited for you (not to mention inspired)!! If there's anyone who really knows how to dig down deep and pull out something amazing, it's you. That will serve you incredibly well in Hawaii. Congrats on getting this far and I look forward to seeing the results!

Sarah Gardiner

P.S. Oh yeah...and don't forget to eat and drink, especially on the bike...has anyone said that yet? ;-)

MAVROD ISLAND!

I so wish I could be there with you to celebrate your accomplishment of qualifying for this race. Soak it all up and EAT AND DRINK ON THE BIKE!! You know I will be glued to my computer watching your progress all day.
Love you, MavRod.

Sarah

good luck

please dominate hawaii, and have fun. we know you'll do great.

-emerson and weathers

Good Luck Julia

Julia,

Good luck with the Iron Man! I am actually sitting in the WoodPec at Chris Marshalls desk, and thinking of all the hard practices we used to do. You are going to kill this race! I will be cheering you on from a far.

Best,

Suzanna

Ehh...how 'bout a few more miles? In all seriousness, the commitment and drive to push yourself in preparation for this test has been amazing. Do your thing :) and I, like many others, look forward to hearing your story. You are strong, ready and just need to get started! TAY -BJW

Hey Julia,
You put all your time and effort into getting here.
I know you got in you to do Awesome!!!
We are all proud of you and rooting you on...

Joe Pistilli

How can I be more insightful than Chris M. & Cindy F.?  No advice from me since I don't even know how to ride a bike and you are already an accomplished swimmer.  I do know Hawaii well, and feel qualified to suggest you have a fantastic time and practice your surfing once you recover from the race!  Best of luck, and have fun!!

Andrew Bate

YOU-GO-GIRL!

W-O-W...You are going to Kick Kona's ASS! I am so incredibly pscyched for you. Remember...you have done the work and the preparation....you are ready for this...your race is your celebration....enjoy each and every moment! You are one of the toughest competitors I know. You are physically and mentally strong - you can and WILL handle anything that comes your way. You are going to accomplish something so special that only a few can claim...you are living my sports fantasy. Take it one moment at a time and JUST-DO-IT! You have a huge cheering squad here in Atlanta!

Hawaii won't know what hit 'em, Hugs and High Fives- Cindy Fontana

Julia!

We just found out you are competing in the Iron Man competition! That is unbelievable. Lillian and I wish you the best of luck! We're so proud of you.

Love,
Cyrus and Lillian

good luck!

kick some ass julia, you will do great!

Best of luck on the Big Island

Julia,

Ever since I saw you cross the finish line on that 98 degree day at Eagleman, I knew I was witnessing something special. Your talents, hard work and dedication make you belong out there with the best triathletes in the world. Once that cannon sounds, all of those butterflies will go away and I have no doubt the big Island of Hawaii will not be the same once you are done with it. As I was at the beginning of your adventure, I wish I could be there to watch you run that final mile down Alii Drive. Just remember I am with you every swim stroke, pedal stroke, and step during your 140.6 mile quest.

Be strong, be safe, GO LIKE HELL!

Chris

G"luck!!

Hey Jules... pretty impressive, this iron man thing haha
good luck in Hawaii! Have a blast!
Ben

Just a few insider tips to help you win the race Hoog :) I am so so proud of you!!!!

Go get 'em mitzamao!!! :) You're going to do awesome and blow everyone away like you always do.  You never cease to amaze me. I love you!!!! ~ Jill

Julia!

I am so excited for you! I know you have been training harder than ever and now it is your time to shine! Good luck next week and enjoy!

Claire

Jules~
Best of luck on the IRONMAN!! Wow, somehow I think I knew that one day you would do something like this... pretty badass. Anyway, I know you will do incredible. You are truly an inspiration!
Erin (Dins)

To Mrphy, Oh, I mean Alvin, well Julia that is, OK?

Dear Julia;

You trained hard and long, ever since you were just a toddler, and you have it to do very, very well at the Ironman (win that is); I know you are good because I helped put you where you are.
My dear Julia, I will be there for you concentrating my share of cosmic rays to help push you through because if anyone deserves to win that's YOU.

Go, Julia, gooo!



Oh, you mean you don't know who this is? It's me, Daddy, who loves you

If you are going thru hell, keep going!  Winston Churchill

Julia, 

We wish you the best of luck in Hawaii.  Stay strong and have fun! 

With love,

The Littlefield Family

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, JULES!

Outrun the Light!!

Dearest Pumpkin,

I wish you from my heart to achieve all your goals in the Ironman. I know you'll do very well; just get the same determined look in those beautiful blue eyes of yours like when you learnt to walk.

With much love, pride and admiration,

Mom

KICK ASS JULIA!!

Good luck in the Ironman Julia! I have no doubts that you are going to DESTROY it! You always had more of that 'I do what I want' awesomeness than anyone I knew at Emory - and I'm sure if you've been training hardcore for the past 4 months (eesh), then you must have even more of what it takes now. I am beyond impressed to hear how well prepared and motivated you are to do such a tough race (event?). I wish I could see you in action... but the whole 'getting to Kona' thing gets in the way ; ) Know that all of us will be cheering for you from our respective locations across the country!
Best,
Sam (Maima) White

GO OSS!

Jules, you can do it! You have the strength in you to kick some serious ass – we all know it, we're supporting you all the way, cheering you on and wishing you lots of luck. I LOVE YOU. Ca

GOOD LUCK!

Hi Jules!

Have fun in Hawaii and good luck in the race! You are so kick ass for doing this...I am very impressed. I told my parents you are doing this and my dad said that he wasn't surprised at all, since you are such a "badass". That is a direct quote. My dad loves you.

I hope the bday cake was worth missing me earlier this month! I guess that just means you need to get your butt down south asap.

Good luck!
Hillary

First Full Moon in October

Julia.....

Not many people will get a chance to attempt this race (needless to say I'm jealous), so when you finish this race, you be one of the elite amongst the few. From my ironman races, I'll tell you to be patient. Let the day happen..... try to enjoy the moments, the small things that go on during the hours you are out there to sink in. Have a good swim, don't panic in the beginning when the trashing starts, give as much as you take, get out fast and find open water. On the bike, be careful for the winds, eat and drink on schedule (even if you aren't thristy or hungry). You will need the calories as you won't get them when you are swimming or when you are running. It is better to slow down or even stop to eat than to miss your chance to get calories! On the run/walk, keep moving forward. As bad or as crappy as you might feel, every step forward is one closer to the end. You will have lots of "alone" time. Cherish the struggles it took to get there and rejoice in your accomplishment!!

Best of Luck

Chris Marshall

Good Luck Julia

Hey Julia,
I don't think that I have spoken to you a whole lot if at all since you graduated but I know that all of us thought about all of you upperclassmen even after you were gone. You were an inspiration to me as a freshman and now you are an inspiration again with what you are about to do! Good luck. I will be thinking about you.

-Michelle Faurot

Kick Ass Julia! Please post a race report afterward.

Steve Brandt

GOOD LUUUUCK!

Hey there - GOOD LUCK in Kona...I know you're going to kick some Hawaiin okole!! Hope you also get to enjoy some good hawaiin weather and beach...we'll be thinking about you!!

xoxo

The Most Amazing Thing You'll Ever Do!

Jules,
This is really an inspiration. I wish you all the best in your quest for the finish line. You're one of the most determined and hardworking athletes I've ever had the pleasure to train with. I wish I could be there to see your success, but in my absence, know that I'm behind you all the way. Good luck and ENJOY it! See you in Atlanta...
Burley

Julesmav....GOOD LUCK on your TRI.

Julia,
Good luck with your race. I am sure you have put so much time and emotion into preparing for this. It is amazing that you can accomplish such a task. Not many people could do what you do. Its going to be an amazing feeling once you are finished. Never forget it. I cant wait to hear all about it.

Erin

good luck!

good luck jules. let that nose cut the wind!
--sutter

Good Luck, Jules!!

I'm cheering for you!! :)

-Lindsay Davis-

Kick its ass.

COL

Good luck Julia! I know you will do awesome. And you get to go to Hawaii! Use this opportunity to have a great time and appreciate the fact that you were awesome enough to qualify because its something so few people are able to do. Kick everyone's ass on the swim! ;)
love, Kelly

Good luck!

Wow, Julia, you really are a superstar. Good Luck in KONA!!!!!

Good Luck #1

With love from Little Sarahfield and Olivs.

Bib #1759

Jules is bib # 1759. You can set up athlete alerts to track her on the day of the event and they even have a live webcast of the finish line. Check it out here: http://ironman.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship

You WILL Do This