My cup runneth over

I feel like a terrible blogger and an even worse blog follower. Still super busy but I WILL make time to catch up on every one's blogs next week. I'm not going to bother with a training post, there is too much I want to get out of my head before the big race. I just need to organize all these random thoughts to clear the chaos and find my focus.

First, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the tremendous amount of support I have received during my journey to the Florida 70.3. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful, thoughtful and genuinely kind people in my life. It’s not easy to find a balance between working, family, and training. I clumsily maneuvered my way through it and the Hubs and kiddos have been very patient with me. I could never have gotten through this without their support. My friends, whether near or far, athlete or not, have touched my heart with their encouragement. I have received priceless advice that will make all the difference on race day, the most incredibly thoughtful gifts and a general enthusiasm that has kept me inspired and motivated throughout my training. My heart is full and I will forever be grateful. Thank you all!

Next, I need to talk about the race. We're here on property and it's all become very real. As we drove in, I saw the barricades for the bike route and my hands immediately started sweating! LOL After we got Leland all settled in for the IronKids race tomorrow, I made my way to the expo. It's just under a mile from the hotel to the transition/expo area so I opted to make a short run out of it. I wanted to feel what it was like to run in the heat... it's not very fun. I picked up my packet and some cool swag then walked back to the hotel. That long quiet walk through the trees gave me the perfect opportunity to find my focus.

What I've done:
1. I've packed everything I thought I could possibly need... and doubled the quantity. Every scenario I can control has been accounted for.

2. Nails are clipped down to nubs. I've heard one too many horror stories of nails being kicked off during the swim. No thanks.

3. The training is done. Did I train enough? Maybe. Did I do my best? Yes. Would I do things differently? Yes. I should have scheduled more bike to run workouts. I'm finishing the run regardless but it will be a little more difficult.

4. Nutrition and hydration have been good all week.

5. Taper was much more of a taper than I had hoped for but what's done is done.

Race day plan:

Since this is my first time at this event and my first time at this distance, I have no specific time goals. I know what I don't know. Make sense? That being said, however, I also know my personality - it's all or nothing with me. I need to have a goal to keep me "on task" so here's what I've come up with:

Goal 1: After taking into account my average training times, the oppressive heat and actually doing all three events in one day, I would be very happy to come in under 6:30:00.

Goal 2: Cross the finish line upright and before the event closes. First or last, I'm still a finisher.

Swim -
I am going to start at the back and take my time. Once around the first buoy, I should feel warmed up and ready to pick up the pace a bit.

Bike -
Eat, drink, pedal, repeat.

Run -
Just keep running. It is going to be hot, miserable, dirty and long so I just want to keep moving. Every step gets me that much closer to the finish line that I have been fantasizing about for the last 6 months.

Overall, I just want to stay in the moment and enjoy what I am doing exactly when I am doing it. I do this for fun and I need to remember that.

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! I am looking forward to some exciting race reports next week!