The Build Up

Tuesday of race week. I flew out on Halloween. It seemed fitting. I'm not sure why, it just did. While everyone else was partying it up, disguising who they were, I was on my way to get myself beat up to the Nth degree and see just who I truly was. The "irony" was not lost on me. The flights, from O'Hare to Atlanta and then Atlanta to Panama City Beach, were uneventful and delightful. I wore a mask, because sickness paranoia!, and no one spoke to me. Perfection! My cousin finally arrived and off to our condo we went. We didn't end up arriving until well after dark, but the next morning, we awoke to a stunning view:

*drools*

It was great to wake up, open our door, and listen to the waves. There was something utterly magical and therapeutic about it. It was as good as we could get to therapy to soothe the pre-race jitters. And the best part? We were a 5 minute walk to Ironman Village and the start line! We could not have found a better condo if we had tried. So far, race week was off to a wonderful start. 

Wednesday of race week. An open water swim was on the agenda to start the day. Yes! My favorite! The water was warm, for what I'm used to, but the salt water is not something you get used to coming from Lake Michigan. Water isn't normally dehydrating, so it's always a fun experience when you exit the water and have salt all over your lips. Another interesting development? I could see the bottom! And I did not enjoy it. Seeing the manta rays swimming beneath me got my anxiety jacked and my heart racing. Definitely not good for prepping for a 2.4 mile swim. But I managed to get it under control and did just about a half mile. Arms felt strong and I decided I wanted to test the legs with a quick transition run. I flew! 8:25/mile pace! What?! I never run that fast. And the best part was that I didn't even feel out of breathe. My confidence was skyrocketing! Then it was time to check in.

Easily one of my favorite pictures. Ever.

It was a truly great experience. All of it was so surreal (it still is as I type, days later). The volunteers were so helpful and patient with me as my adrenaline, nerves, and overall extroverted nature made me overly loud and obnoxious. They laughed and smiled and encouraged me all the way through check-in and into the Ironman Store. Don't worry, I spent way too much money. And I did later too. (People are joking that the part of them that hurts most is the wallet and it's not, not true...). The evening was spent with a new, long lost sister who graciously hosted us for dinner to distract my cousin and I. And I was able to meet yet another long, lost sister! 2 new sisters in 1 day! Just what I needed!

Thursday of race week. We had our bikes back! Oh my beautiful baby, Aragorn. He was back! I'm pretty sure the TriBike Transport gents thought I was crazy to be so excited to see him again, but I don't even care. I had missed him. Actually had gotten them the previous day, so we were able to get up and go for a nice easy spin. Just under an hour, just over 17 miles. Awesome. I wanted to do another run, so I went for it. 8:25/mile pace again! Confidence, somehow, got even higher! My new sister came and joined us, again, for another round of distractions and drinks. Seriously, she's the greatest. 

Friday of race week. It was time. Bike and gear bag drop off. There was no going back now. It was actually very nice to have tasks to occupy the mind. Previously, it had just been me and my thoughts. My thoughts are not very nice to me. Lots of doubts and demons creeping up, testing me, making me question everything I was doing. But with organizing 5 bags worth of gear, last minute prep of bike, walking around trying to visualize the process on race day, my mind had focus and purpose. I love when I have purpose. I was surprisingly calm during the day. And very, very happy to be there.

Race Ready!

My parents were due to arrive around 1630, so there were a few hours to kill. To the beach! Finally, we had some down time to go play in the sand and sun. The cooler water temps were delightful on the legs and just as with listening to the waves, laying in them and feeling them washing over me had a therapeutic effect. I was calm. I was at peace. And I was ready. Pre-race dinner with my cousin and parents was just what I needed. More people equals more distractions. All of the distractions! But alas, bed was waiting. Eventually, we would have to go our separate ways and I would have to attempt sleep. Ironman Florida was calling and I was ready to answer that call.