Texas sized nerves

Well after a short nights sleep, the alarm went off at 230 to send me into the shower and off to the airport.  One large coffee and a two hour ride later my stomach was in knots and I was thinking, "let's just turn around and go home to bed."

I didn't.  I got on the plane and tried to sleep.  Fitfully I did for an hour or so, then it was back to the nerves.  I broke out a book that I had downloaded just before leaving, and I read half of it before the trip was over.  It was perfectly timed and perfectly written for this experience.  I think it will be a book that I read over and over again during these types of moments.

The book is called 140.6 Unlikely Finisher.  He writes from a point of understanding, he's just as crazy as I am.  He talks about quitting and then starting back up again and again and again.  He talks about taking a minute long nap on the side of the bike course, and better yet, on the Porto-potty because it was so much more comfortable than his bike seat.

Most importantly he talks about the never ending mental battle, about taking it one step at a time and just moving.

I checked in, signed away my life, got my gear bags, stickers, cap, and swag.  An aside before I forget a big thank you to the incredible volunteers, without you these things simply would not run.  They made sure everything was smooth, there were so many kind smiles to ease my ever ratcheting nerves, the environment was simply joyful.  It was too early to pick up my bike, so I decided to pick up the few things I needed that I couldn't bring with me on the plane (triglide, CO2 canisters) and things I simply forgot (electrolyte tabs).

Still two hours too early to pick up my bike, so I hit walmart for the few things I needed for my special needs bags.  What am I stocking in those critical mid-bike and mid-run bags?  Orange pop, Uncrustables PB&J's and tootsie rolls.  Don't judge.  Yes I really am a five year old deep down inside :)

I checked in to the hotel to drop off my loot, went out for a late lunch and it happened.

My nerves were shot, I was ragged, I didn't know what end was up, I was frustrated with rude people (there are multitudes in Texas it seems).  My knee was very sore, my stomach was angry at too many carbs in the Italian lunch, I didn't have a plan, I didn't know what I was doing, I was spinning out of control.

And then I took a nap.

Everything was better :)

Suddenly I had a plan.  Tape knee, check.  Drink more water, check.  Drive bike course, check.  Keep head in the game- a never ending battle.

I drove the bike course from sun setting to well after, missing a few turns because it's too early to have it marked, and because it was too dark to see some of the side roads.  What a pretty ride though. Once out of town, with everything from Johnny Cash's "One Piece at a Time" to Jake Owens' "Barefoot Bluejean Night" blaring on the radio, everything just seemed right.  I didn't mind the missed turns, they helped me get the lay of the land better.

Interesting thing, while this is by no stretch a hilly course, there are a few rolling hills scattered throughout the course.  I need to remember not to take for granted the downhills, there aren't many, so appreciate them!

Also, very grateful for all of the support I know will be out there, 112 miles through the Texas country-  there are two lane backroads with speed limits of 75... And to think CT highways are 65. :). It makes me a little nervous being on the sides of these roads, don't worry I packed a terribly bright colored race top.  :) bright blue and pink, no one will miss me!

I slept well, 6.5 hours.  Not quite enough, but after a long busy day I should be able to crash early tonight without any problem and start transitioning myself over to race day wake up.

Plan for today:  breakfast- check, walk on the run course, bike pick-up and athlete info session, quick spin on the bike to run her (and me) through the paces, water temp check (looking like a wetsuit swim), athlete banquet is tonight- will try to go depending on how the day goes.  Mostly I am going to try to enjoy the weather, finish my book, lay low and drink lots of water.  This is a hell of an experience, and one I'm not going to take for granted.

Thanks for staying along for the ride guys, it's been a rocky one, but I'm here and I'm committed to keep moving until I finish or until they have to pull me from the course.