In Madison

Well, I am finally here in Madison. And it is all the sudden - real.

It took a bit longer than expected for my dad and I go get here: pot holes and stupid people - never a good combination. But after talking to Roxanne, she said I should still be able to swim, even if the Gatorade sponsored stuff was over. So, after finding parking, we rushed to Lake Monona. I get on my wet suit and hop in the lake. Now, in all this rushing there was no time to stop at a bathroom. And I have never been able to "go" in a wet suit. Well, this weekend is a first time for many things. I will leave it at that.

My swim was okay. I am pulling to the right when I breath on my left side, but it did get better on the way back. When I finished up, Dad was waiting (holding my stuff) and we ran into Tony and Jeff. It was so good to see a familiar friendly face. We chatted for a bit and moved on to what we each had scheduled next. Mine was long registration lines. At the end I received my official bracelet and everything seemed more - well, real.

And the hotel - SOOO nice!!!

My Parents are SOOO Great!!

I knew they had something planned, I just didn't know what. They finally revealed the shirts they had made for everyone.
Front and back. So, anyone who sees these on Sunday, you know they are with me!

AND - there is more. My mom makes Chex mix that I think she mixes with a sprinkle of crack. It is extremely addicting and when she makes it, I don't often share. However, everyone has had a taste and requested some for Sunday. Mom and Dad, going above and beyond, didn't just make a bag, they made a bag for everyone, in a little hand decorated tote bag. How cute!!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Who Knew Gustav Would Affect My Workouts in Milwaukee!?!?!

Seriously!?!
I am so glad the hurricane was not as bad as expected and everyone seems to be okay. But being in Wisconsin, I shouldn't have to worry about a hurricane. Who knew?!?!

When I woke up, this is what was on the radar. Nothing but green. Boo!! But, I had enough time to get in a 30 minute jog before the rain got too bad. So, no biking today. Blain is not going in the rain unless he must.

Rest of the day is just resting, picking up last minute stuff and trying not to freak out.

Back Home!!

Marcus is great. He did such a good job with such a long drive. And Blain was very happy in the back of the car instead of on the bike rack, especially the last 20 miles in Ohio. It went from bright, sunny, with the temperature reading 96 to dark, 70 and down pouring in about 1o minutes. Dang!! There was some hydroplaning, couldn't see the semi's in front/behind me - not the best for about 30 minutes. But it passed, or I drove through it, and the rest of the drive was pretty uneventful.

I do have to say, I am pretty surprised I haven't received a recording contract and a Grammy. My singing in the car is SOOO GOOD! Really, it is. AND, I dance. Sitting of course, but my shoulder, head and arm movements - flawless.

It's Still Summer

Even if it's after Labor Day, the end of summer, you aren't supposed to wear white shoes, it's still hot. Something I momentarily forgot, especially as I went out for my 'easy' 30 minute run. I started off feeling great; thinking how much I love a taper. Then I hit the Mall, in the sun, no breeze and start sweating like a... a.... well, a lot. After the turn around I check out my HRM, 180!!! Oops! Remember me just last week commenting on how nice it was to not have to worry about my HR any more... Oh well. Just a gentle reminder that weather plays a huge part on I am feeling during a workout. I was very spoiled by August and forgot what it feels like to run in 90 degree heat.

Tomorrow, the long drive home. Plenty of time to think.
Overall, I would say about 90% of the time, I am fine.
But 5% of the time I am scared $hitless, freaking out, wondering what in the world I signed up for and have been doing the past year.
The last 5% of the time, I am super excited and can't wait to for the cannon to go off.

That is my take on how I am - those around me might have a different breakdown

Now This is a Taper!!

I got my last week of workouts from Coach. In addition to telling what workouts to get done, there was a lot of information on what to do race day, and the days leading up while I am in Madison. Tips to keep in mind, no tear jerkers this time - Okay, I did shed a tear but it was more because, this is actually happening. I am actually going to attempt this Ironman. Everyday it gets closer, something else makes it more real. I have all my clothes laid out. Clothing options based on weather. All my random stuff laid out. The piles and piles make things a bit more real.

Anyway, back to my taper. This morning was my ride. A nice easy 60 minutes at Beach drive. And, I pulled into the parking lot to see Diane just finishing up her ride. It is always inspiring to see others up on a day off, doing what you are doing - it makes me feel slightly less crazy for the goals we all set.

The rest of the week is a few runs, 30 minutes. A swim (or 2) in Lake Monona. 1-2 more rides, 60 minutes, one in Madison. And a lot of rest, saving energy for Sunday. So today, I took a 2 hour nap.

5 days. I can't help but laugh. There really isn't much else to do.

A Good Day Off

I loved this picture!Happy Labor Day and I hope you all have the day off!!
And my heart and thoughts to out to those in New Orleans and the surrounding are. Kristin, Scott and the girls, Brian, I am thinking of you all. Please stay safe.

Good Ride, Good Brunch

Is there any other way to spend a Sunday morning?? I don't think so.

I met up with Brooke and Diane (formally known as D - but she said I could use her name). Nice and early at 7, but it was an amazingly beautiful morning. We get started, I look down to not hit a pot hole, but also ride over something that was dead. GROSS!! I make a squealing noise and Brooke and Diane weren't sure how to react. When I try to explain I rode over something dead, gray-ish and gross, they just kind of laugh at me, and thankful they didn't see it (but Brooke did on the way back). Anyway, it was a nice, easy casual ride. Since I am tapering, I didn't want to push to hard, or do too many hills. That's my reasoning anyway.

After we headed to brunch and I had the great french toast/egg debate. Eggs won. But it was nice to just enjoy the day (we sat on the outside patio) chat about non-tri stuff, and talk about the Ironman in 6 days. Just a really good morning.

Now I am off to pack. I am bringing a TON of stuff. Be prepared - I know how Wisconsin weather can change last minute, especially in September. Right now weather dot com says 72, partly cloudy and 20% chance of precipitation. Perfect - I really hope it stays that way!!

Typical August Day in DC

Today was a good day.

This morning started with a swim clinic. I figured some last minute pointers would do me some good before the 2.4 mile swim. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I could see where it was beneficial for others. I think I have just been swimming for so long, when I hear things I shouldn't do, but they work for me (breathing out my nose vs. mouth) - I will just stick with what I know. I will take the fact that he didn't comment directly on my stroke - that I am perfect.

I got home, changed and headed out for a run. I saw Jess on the way and met up with Kristin and Lauren at the end. I remember back in the day were we would all run together and K would look for the most uncoordinated outfits - just to get me to blog about her. Anyway, we all headed to Dean and Deluca for lunch, took it to go and headed to a park by the Potomac.

What a perfect afternoon. 3 great friends, tasty lunch, beautiful day (in the shade where the heat/humidity didn't bother us too much), and 2 workouts. After about an hour, we were just laying in the grass watching the people and super cute puppies.

1975

My new lucky number!! I knew the numbers were being assigned today, but for some reason, that makes this all seem so real. I have been counting down for so long, 1 year, 6 month, 90 days, 15 days, 8 days. But when you get a number - it changes everything. This is actually happening. I am actually going to participate in an Ironman... Wow!

Today we also got a message from NA Sports - which had a lot of similar information as the athletes guide.My favorite line is in the running section
"No form of locomotion other than running, walking or crawling is allowed."
Good to know crawling is allowed.