IMAZ 06, Let the party begin...

[Running Mommy]

Just got back from the open swim and race registration.
First off we were really late getting there- logistical nightmare this morning. Anyway, we only had 20 minutes to swim so I didn't go far. I wore my sleeveless and was fine. I must say though that I lost my breath when I first put my face in the water. That is not a fun feeling. Now I know how it feels to have asthma. I kind of freaked, but then reminded myself to stay calm and just SWIM. Once I got going I was fine. Gonna go down tomorrow morning- get an earlier start that's for sure! I haven't been in open water since last year so I have to get used to the sensation of not being able to see anything again. The water was a nice light moss algae color. But really was fine. I felt like I wasn't moving but when I stopped and looked back I had gone farther than I thought. Just maybe I *can* do this thing... sigh... All I know is I need your prayers BIG time between 7:00 am and 9:00 am pst. on Sunday.

Then we (had a girl from TNO w/me) went through registration. Seemed like my line was the longest. My bike guy was right in front of me so we chatted. It was a nice diversion. As I had to be weighed in front of god and everybody! And to make matters worse everyone was saying the scale weighed them a good 10 lbs heavier than they are. NICE! And yeah, it was about 8 lbs off. I couldn't help but think how useless a scale that doesn't weigh correctly is. They do it so they can judge dehydration if you bonk out... Well they are gonna think people are worse off than they really are if they were weighed wrong??!!
Anyhoo...got all my race stuff ready, got some swag, spent 200 clams at the race merchandise store... Oh yeah, I'm lovin this!
I put a couple of pics from the expo on my photo site. I'll put more on tomorrow.
ciao!
denise
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...denise69/?sc=1

[tprevost]

oooh, its getting more Exciting! heeheeheehee
T~

[Running Mommy]

I know Tracy, I can't wait to meet ya! I may still be down there when you roll into town. SO call me on my cell when you get in.
Also Sat morning I'll be there at 7:00 am for the kiddie run. Your guys can do it too if they want. It's gonna be cool. The kids get to run over the finish line and they get medals! I also plan to get in the water for a few minutes. Again, just to get really double- triple- quadruple used to the water!
Anyway, gotta go get ready to head back down there. We have a big pre race dinner planned tonight for my buddies from trinewbies online..

[Lise]

I am so excited for you! Swag! Clams spent! Posing with the M-dot! AAAAAHHHHHH! My favorite part of any race !

You look great, your bike is gorgeous, and the energy of the race will carry you through. You've trained, you've rested, you're healthy, you've got so much support--have a GREAT TIME!!!

Would you please post an estimation of when you think you'll be taking off--in T1--in T2--crossing the finish line. And then...AZ is what? Two hours behind Central time? I would hate to miss you because I goofed the time calculations, for which I am famous. Thanks.

Thinking of you much, and enjoying it vicariously! Have a blast with Tracy and Melisa, too--only wishing I could be there! Tell you what, if I deliver a baby while you're on the course, I'll insist that they name it Denise. Boy or girl. Only seems fair! L.

[btchance]

good luck, good luck, good luck. I know you'll do great. I'll be thinking of ya while I watch my friend do the Powerman duathlon the same day. Let us know how it went.

[Trekhawk]

Good luck for the weekend. We will be thinking of you.

[LucyBrown]

I'm a total newbie here, but wanted to say good luck on Sunday! You did all the training, now comes the fun part! I can't wait to read your race report.

[KSH]

These are brand new goggles. I'm having trouble w/ them fitting as well, so I may go back to my old stand bys. I got new ones because I wanted mirrored lenses sinse we are swimming into the sunrise on the outbound leg.. sigh...

Go with your old ones. The ones that fit and you are use to. Don't change what you know, now.

Plus, you won't have your head out of the water that much. When you spot, you should just glance up and keep going. The sun won't be as big of a deal as you think it will be.

You are going to do great!

[KSH]

I used to ice dive- I KNOW!!

Now... that's just nuts.

I wear a full wetsuit with a hat.. SCUBA diving in 70F water! HA!

[Running Mommy]

Yeah Nanci is nuts... And that's why I LIKE her!!!

[Nanci]

That's dumb that it's on a Sunday. Then when do they do the awards and all that, MONDAY??? Whatever...How am I supposed to stay up till 3AM watching for you now???

Nanci

KSH, I wear a drysuit and a hood in 70F water!!

[Running Mommy]

I told the class that I would stop in and show them my bib today before school dismissed.
Well when I got there they had made me two huge posters and a card! I was so touched I almost cried!!
The kids were awesome. They all came up to me individually and wished me good luck. It was cool!!
I also did a last minute talk to a second grade class. Those kids were so cute. They all bragged about their mom's and dad's accomplishments. I've found in doing this that kids love talking about things like that! So if you ever get a chance to share your tales from the road with them.... do it. It's very rewarding!
In the meantime there are a couple of more pics..

http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/tony66denise69/?