Pre-Race

Well, yesterday was incredibly successful, awesome ride, great swim.  I have gotten the ride down to between 15 and 16 mph, no great feat, but for me, I feel like this is a true accomplishment!  The swim, I jumped in the pool yesterday afternoon and  as usual, timed it perfectly that I only had 10 minutes until the age groupers' practice started, so went as far as I could in 10 minutes at a nice slightly pushed pace, ended up doing a 750yds, just short of a half mile.  The open water of course will be different, however, should be ok.

I went down and picked up my race packet, and started plotting out my race day.  My age group puts me in the first wave of the swim, which I am happy with.  Head out into open water to get my bearings before people start mowing me over :).  I can barely contain my excitement!  I am so looking forward to this race.

Last night I slept well, got up this morning and headed out for a leisurely run with my trusty companion.  Mack of course was all wound up and much more interested in birds, rabbits, squirrels, rocks skittering down the road and road grates than he was in going in, say, a straight line?! :)  However, it was a nice pace, about 10:30's for 2 miles, and my feet were sore, but not terrible.  I stretched out, walked the other dogs and then headed for the pool to stretch everything out a bit.  All in all, I was feeling pretty good.  So as long as the muscles were working, nice and warm, why not.... jump in an ice bath? Oh Dear God... what an idea.  I threw on a swim suit and several long sleeve shirts and a sweatshirt and jumped on in.

Thankfully, about 2 minutes in, my teeth chattering away, my book not quite interesting enough, and my hot apple cider not hot enough, my bestie called and distracted me the rest of the way through a good 20 minutes.  I got out, cold, but muscles feeling rejuvenated and my feet, actually feeling a bit better, I'll take it :)

Now, roasted chicken and tossed salad for an early dinner, packing my bags and the car, and off to bed for what I expect to be a fitful night of sleep.  Race starts at 630, with transition closing at 6, which means out the door at 415 or so... makes me tired thinking about it.  Tomorrow, I become a triathlete! :)