Less than four days to IM#2...

[Tri Girl]

So I swore after my first in 2006 that I would NEVER do this again... and yet here we are.
On Saturday I am attempting IM #2. It's the Redman Full Distance Triathlon. It's practically in my backyard (I can see transition from my back porch). I'm sooooo excited, but I'm WAY more nervous than I was the first time. My stomach is already doing somersaults 3 days out. My training hasn't been what I had hoped it would be, so I'm quite certain I will be pushing the 17 hour cutoff. I think the 2nd time around I knew that I could do it, so I wasn't as fearful of the distance and perhaps slacked a little more than I should have. I've also suffered a major IT issue at my hip that has kept me from running for the last 3 weeks. I'm afraid of the marathon, and am hoping for the best (which is to just finish the marathon doing as much running as I can before I'm forced to walk).

I'm super excited and super ready to race with a dozen of my closest friends. My hubs is also doing his 2nd IM that day with me. He will finish about 4-5 hours ahead of me, tho, so he'll have plenty of time to shower, eat a nice dinner and relax before I cross the line.
Anyway- just thought I'd share. I'm ready, I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm anxious, etc etc. All those emotions that you can't control. I cry at the drop of a hat and can't seem to hold much of a thought the last couple days (which has made work pretty exciting).

Let's get this thing on!!!

[kacie tri-ing]

SO exciting!!!!!!!!!!

I am thrilled for you! I always believe that making it to the starting line is the first accomplishment (and always my first goal!). Being in one piece enough to just START is incredible. You will do what you can on the marathon, and it will be hard, but SO worth it.

Is there any tracking so we can follow you???

I love that this post really feels like the week before a race! Jumping out of your skin! Go Get Em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Veronica]

Have fun and enjoy the day.

Veronica

[redrhodie]

Good luck! Do the best you can, but don't hurt yourself!

[OakLeaf]

Good luck! You will rock it.

[Bike Chick]

You are going to be great!!! Good luck!!!

[Veronica]

Wow! Two IVs! That's some determination! You've got to be pleased with the swim and bike times, significant improvement there.

I figure if you need medical attention, stopping is a really good idea.

I really like halfs and will probably never do a full IM. Although your first IM kind of inspired me to become a triathlete. You and Running Mommy and Wahine - you all made it sound so attractive.

Veronica

[Tri Girl]

Although your first IM kind of inspired me to become a triathlete. You and Running Mommy and Wahine - you all made it sound so attractive.

That's very sweet, V. Thank you for saying that.
Running Mommy and Wahine were very inspirational to me, too.
What happened to them??? I am a fan of RM's bike shop on FB and see their posts so I know the shop is doing well, but I miss hearing from her and Wahine on TE.

[winddance]

Ya'll are very inspirational to me as well, as I'll be working towards my first triathlon (a wee, baby one!) next Spring. I've never been a runner. Or a swimmer. But this is challenging me in new ways and I really appreciate your sharing your experiences.

You're amazing!

[Tri Girl]

a wee, baby one!

no such thing as a wee, baby triathlon. EVERY race, no matter how long or short is a challenge! Anytime anyone says: I'm *just* doing the half, or a sprint or olympic or whatever, I tell them to NEVER say *just*. Getting out there and doing it is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself!! Overcoming obstacles, committing to a race and following through to make it to the starting line is what it's all about.

Good luck in your training for your upcoming tri!!

[indysteel]

I am not a triathlete nor do I hope to be, but you guys amaze me nevertheless. Kudos to you for all your training and hard work. I know the race didn't go as planned, but good for you for knowing when to stop and for not beating yourself up over it. In my mind, that alone makes you a winner.

[Wahine]

That's very sweet, V. Thank you for saying that.
Running Mommy and Wahine were very inspirational to me, too.
What happened to them??? I am a fan of RM's bike shop on FB and see their posts so I know the shop is doing well, but I miss hearing from her and Wahine on TE.

Hi!

I've not been over here for a looooooong time. Life is crazy. I'm busy, in a good way and just don't have a lot of computer hang out time anymore.

Sorry to hear that IM 2 didn't go as planned. I'm glad to hear you did the smart thing. I had a similar issue on my second IM and should have stopped. I didn't and I suffered from some serious after effects related to hydration and electrolyte imbalances for weeks. So good call!!

ETA - Great finishing story!!!

[Tri Girl]

WAHINE!!!!! SOOOO glad you dropped by to say hi!!! Glad to hear that life is good! Don't be such a stranger, sweet lady!