Final Countdown

2 days to go.

I was doing good until about 3 pm. Then the panic set in.

I keep asking myself, what is the worst that could happen? I may not finish. 6 months of training not to finish would suck. What's the best that could happen? I could finish. Funny how that works. I'm not a person who thinks that the glass is half full. That's not working to my advantage right now.

I have laid out all my race items on the bed. I have double checked them. I have packed them up in my new transition bag. All set, I thought. Brought the kids over to my Dad's so my sister could make signs with them. After looking at my father's pile of goodies I realized I missed about 4 things. Crap. How could I forget a towel? My transition mat? Extra goggles?

Came home unpacked and packed again. This time a little different. I have Ziploc bags for each event. This will make it easier to set up transition. Plus I'm able to keep my nutrition needs separate so I don't have to think about how many Gu's, beans, or Luna bars I need where. Missing just one thing could really hinder your race when it's as long as an iron man distance.

Ya know the feeling when you have to go to the dentist, or get a shot, or have to do something that really scares you to no end? Usually the worst part of it, is the waiting, the anticipation, the anxiety it causes. The event itself really isn't the worst part. After the event is over you look back and think that wasn't so bad. That's exactly how I feel right now. With each hour that passes it will only get worse. By tomorrow night I will be a mess. Not knowing what to do with myself.

Come race day, I'm focused, scared, tired from no sleep, anxious and I'm sure wondering if I can stay calm this time in the water. I'm determined to get it right. Determined to take all this training and knowledge to have a great race. I'm also determined to not be too serious. I want to enjoy the day. 7 hours of unenjoyable racing just doesn't sound appealing. Since I've never tackled this distance before I have no time to beat. That's a very good feeling. Hopefully a few of those 7 hours won't be miserable. I hope to not be cursing and yelling at myself for even thinking about doing this race. I hope to not keep reiterating that I will not ever do this again. ( I have done that at all 4 marathons )


We leave first thing in the morning. Drop off dog, pick up father. 3 hour drive to Sherwood, WI. Packet pickup, a tour of the lake, a course talk, check of the camp grounds, hopefully a very good dinner, and early to bed. Race starts at 7 am. Wake up call will be 4:30 am.

I wonder if by tonight I will unpack and pack my bag once more........