This will be my last update before Ironman Lake Placid on Sunday. I am currently packing the car and getting ready to drive to the race site for Athlete Check-In (which could technically be done Saturday, but they seem to design the schedule of events to keep you trapped in town and spending money locally all weekend).
I have all my gear and food ready. Itineraries are printed. Details are listed. Checklists are made. Everything is a "go." Now it's just a matter of getting up there and getting it done.
I feel physically prepared. Mentally, I am both excited and nervous. This will be the most challenging race I have tackled in my life, and this time I want to cross the finish line. I know that I am in the best position possible to do it this year, with an additional year of focused training under my belt.
Most importantly, I am reminding myself to have fun and enjoy the experience. I am not a fast athlete and am nowhere near winning the thing; the reason I do these sports is out of love. I love the preparation, the physical challenge, the mental battles, and the self-discovery involved in finding out whether or not you can complete the task. Training keeps me grounded and in touch with myself.
I will also remind myself of how grateful I am to have so many supportive friends and family members who have done nothing but cheer me on and help me get through the tough training hurdles. Especially those of you who did nothing but put up with my grouchy crap during the month of June. I will be thinking of you on Sunday. Please know that all your encouragement helps more than you can know.
If you would like to track me on Sunday, here is the information:
The tracking is ONLY available on race day. You can go to ironman.com and
click on "Live Coverage" at the top of the page and select the correct
race (Ironman Lake Placid). Select "Athlete Tracker" and you can search by bib number or last
name.
My Bib Number: 857
Wish me luck! Off I go!
