10 Days Until…THE St. George 70.3 IRONMAN

It’s hard to believe it’s 10 days until my 70.3 Ironman. It’s really setting in. I’m anxious to just go do it!!

We took a day trip to St. George to try out the wet suits and get in the water on Saturday.  Sand Hollow reservoir was 58 degrees. It was chilly, but not as chilly as I would have thought. The hardest part was the water taking your breath away when you put your face in to swim. My toes got a little numb too. Swimming in a lake is so much harder than a pool. Swimming with a wet suit has its own set of challenges as well. The one thing I didn’t expect – to feel nauseous and sick. Apparently the waves and cold can make you sick in open water. I had NO IDEA! WOW. I started to read on some tri forums about this issue. It’s pretty common. It’s time to get some ear plugs for the race, remain calm and just swim. It’s only 1.2 miles right?

I felt amazingly strong on the bike. I really do love riding my bike. The hills that kicked my trash in January felt easy and I cruised right up them on Saturday. 15 miles into our ride, my dear friend, Mark, was hit by a car.  That is the worst part about bike riding- stupid drivers. Luckily, Mark is okay. He’s amazing. Even after being hit, he still ran. His bike is jacked (hopefully he can get it fixed) and has some other minor injuries and bruises. He’s going to feel like he got hit by a car.

We ran a few miles following the bike and it was relaxing. Wait … what? Did I say running was relaxing? Yep, I did. Blisters continue to rule my feet, but I am not letting them take me down.

Today, I am stiff. I am not sure if it’s from stress, training or what. I think it’s stress. I carry it in my neck and tummy. It’s hard to hide when you are swimming and your coach says “What is up with your stroke?” A very tight back and neck. I need to relax. Lots of baths and closing my eyes visualizing me crossing that finish line.

Awe, the plights of a triathlete. Actually, anyone pushing their bodies to do more. Aches and pains, soreness and RESULTS! That’s what it’s all about.

I am overwhelmed with emotions and lots of thoughts. In 10 days, I am doing something I NEVER thought I could do or would do.

It’s hard to explain how I feel. I really am at a loss for words. Lots of inner reflection today about how far I’ve come and what is next after the big race.

Overall, I am excited. I have trained hard and earned this. I can’t wait to put it all together and see what I can do. As I taper to the race next week, I have way too much time on my hands, and so my mind wanders.

• I still worry about the things I can’t control: flat tires, weather, how my body will react, tummy issues, etc. I know I can’t control them, just have to prep in case.
• I am fearful of the unknown. Even though I’ve done the course, I am still like WOW!
• Mental toughness – it’s easy for people to say “you’ve got this” “you can do this” – But you actually have to believe it within yourself. I do believe it. Well, somedays are easier to believe it than others. It’s easier to remember that other people have suffered more to do what you are about to do. Suck it up.
• I am grateful for the opportunity to train for this event. It’s taken thousands of hours away from my work and family to prepare for this.
• I love my team mates. What inspiring people I have the honor of training with. I can’t wait to celebrate their success next week as well.
• I wonder – what’s next after this?
• I am excited to keep pushing my body to be even better after this.

P.S. Putting on the wetsuit should be part of the Ironman event. Let me demonstrate how NOT to do it. Or you can try the crotch grab like Mark does! :) Our team has WAY to much fun for our own good!