Thursday, July 31, 2008

ALMOST TIME.

Tomorrow I leave for the Steelhead race. Bikes need to be checked, racked, and left in transition tomorrow, so I'll be heading out early afternoon.

Today was just a final last tuneup, a short run with Chiarunner this am. I don't know if she was tired or we just seem to be about the perfect pace, but it was a nice run along the river. A little humid, making breathing not so easy, but my legs felt pretty good. For me, its always good to have an easy run closer to an event, just to get the kinks out and see what might be hurting. After, I did a really short swim, again to test out the new earplugs (my old ones leaked terribly, pretty much defeating the purpose of wearing them) and get my shoulders loosened up some. They've been tighter and more sore than all summer in training from wearing the wetsuit recently, I'm sure. All those pushups have made the wetsuit fit a leetle tigher in the shoulders, so I'm sure that's what is causing some restriction.

Hopefully I'll get some decent pics to post of the race and any blogger meet-ups I happen to have. I definitely hope to meet up with Karen. This is her first half also, and she just started swimming this year, so more power to her! Hopefully, we can give each other some much needed moral support. Any others remains to be seen. There are always good intentions to have a large meet-up, but sometimes schedules don't permit. And if we don't get together before the race, I'm pretty sure they'll all be packed up and gone before I finish, so again no chance there.

Am I nervous? Of course! But I'm also getting anxious--anxious to get this thing started; anxious to see what I can do; anxious to see how I manage the swim (I do not like anyone in my personal space, so this is always my biggest challenge--it could be 50 degree water with 4 foot waves but what would bother me more than that would be someone hitting or touching me!); anxious to see how I manage the heat; anxious to see how I manage the whole thing in the heat; anxious to get this thing finished.

And of course I haven't slept much this week, so tonight will be my last hope for a decent night's sleep.

So I guess this is it for now. See you all at the finish line!

15 comments:

Sunshine said...

So trained, so prepared, so ready, so justifiably anxious...
SO AMAZING!!! You!!

Very best wishes. You deserve success and can have it.

Born To Endure said...

GAWD..i'm so sorry I can't see you finish..that would be greater than any finishes I've had...best of luck Vickie and you know I can't wait to hear all about it!!

IronWaddler said...

Looking forward to seeing you. You are ready and we both already are winners!

Black Knight said...

Thinking of you at the Steelhead race. Perhaps you are racing in this moment. A support from far Italy.

Marcy said...

Oooohhh Vivkie you are SO READY!! I'm SUPA excited for you!! ;D ;D It's going to be awesome!

And YES, the stretches have made me feel SOOOO MUCH better! I *think* if I just keep at it for a couple more days I should be good to go. Thank God! You're the best ;-)

E said...

Good luck and have fun!!!

Lily on the Road said...

Good Luck!, have a big hot chocolate and two Tylenol and you'll sleep like a baby tonight!

Have a GREAT TIME!

jahowie said...

I will be cheering you on all the way to the finish line. I'm very proud of you!! :-)

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

You've done the training, and that's the hard part. You're ready and you'll do just great!

chia said...

You're strong and respect your weaknesses - two things I admire so much about you. This is your year girl! Best of luck, you can do this :-)

Christie said...

Good luck, have fun and get some rest :)

Sherry said...

Sending SUPER wishes your way!!! Very excited for you!

Rock the clock!!!

Unknown said...

Have a great time at Steelhead, Vickie. WoooooHooooo...it's time!!!

jeanne said...

you're out there right now doing it!! i hope you are kicking butt but more importantly i hope you are having fun!

Anonymous said...

Good luck girl!!! I've been in Texas with no internet...I woulda wished you luck sooner if I coulda!

You are prepared...enjoy your day :) Can't wait to hear all about it!