Sometimes there are things that can overshadow the highs of an Ironman finish.
Buttercup - In Loving Memory...
Hope you've found Wesley and Shelby - and are chasing soccer balls, finding soft pillows, enjoying head rubs, eating biscuits and "roo rooing" your happiness.
The past few days have been busy.
On Monday and Tuesday, I wrapped up things at work and finished a few last minute race preparations. On both days I came home to wonderful little surprises waiting in my mailbox that left me feeling a little verklempt. A beautiful silver and turquoise bracelet from TriDi - inscribed with my 2009 word - "Hope." I've been wearing it since and letting the inspirational message soothe my race nerves. Then, the next day, SuperAnnn left me a wonderful "brick" card - and four types of "magic" candy - to boost my body and spirits on the tougher parts of Sunday's 112 mile Adirondack ride.
Tuesday night, the hubby and I joined the Barricudas for the trek to Placid. We packed the car to the rafters and had a smooth drive, with a stop in Scranton. Their Peloton SUV was nice and comfy for catching up on some sleep, too. Driving into Placid, we were psyched to see that the top rollers before the descent had been repaved - looking smooth and fast!
Wednesday we pulled into our lovely Hawthorne home (the same one we stayed in for Torturefest) around 1:00. Our next door neighbors include great training buddies and sherpas. After unloading the car, we headed to the Cottage for lunch. As our parents were arriving (with food to pack our fridge for the week), the Barricudas and I headed down to to Mirror Lake for a practice loop. The water was chilly, but not miserable. Swimming on the cable was awesome, though I reminded myself after about 10-12 minutes that I would not be able to rely on seeing it on race day, so I practiced sighting on landmarks. I even found a way to get off course on the cable swim - since the cable at the second turn goes in two directions - and - I chose the wrong one! (Real Deal, don't joke about those pink painted feet.) After the swim, I had a short run, shower - and then it was time for dinner at the Boathouse.
Walking back from dinner, my mother shared with the group that she learned our house supposedly had a ghost. Minutes later, we opened the door and walked into the living room noticing that all the furniture has been rearranged. The ghosts has a good time while they visited, leaving behind beer bottles and cheap wine - and even helping themselves to a few cookies.
Thursday started around 9:00 with a ride of the first 15-16 miles of the bike course, including the bastard climb out of town - and the descent. I was a little worried if I'd be able to handle the descent as well using Ironwoman Canada's race tires - but all went great - best downhill I've had here yet and reaching over 38 miles per hour. Blakey Blake and Karen B told me I should shoot for 40 - and if the weather is decent on race day, I am going to give it a shot! Barricuda BL also had a confidence building ride - and we were happy to end the workout with her parents picking us up in Keene. After, the Barricudas went off for a run, while I headed to do another loop of the swim course. The water felt a little chillier, but I stayed on course this time.
The Barricudas and I registered. So now I have my race band on one wrist, with hope on the other. It was fun to see the Barricudas receive their first M-Dot item.
Last night, dinner was at the Whiteface Lodge and Inn. What a gorgeous resort and restaurant! We all had amazing meals and lovely wines (in moderation, sigh). And wouldn't you know, those ghosts decided to visit again, rearranging the living furniture, leaving replacement cookies, having a few drinks, helping with a crossword puzzle - and leaving salt and pepper in interesting places.
Today - no workouts. For some odd reason, my shins feel on the verge of shin splints. We did a little stroll around Ironman Village - and may go for a little tour of the bike course later.
But don't tell the ghosts.
With today marking the "one week till race day" milestone, I've been immersed in all things Ironman and Placid, from pre-race gatherings to packing preparations.
I've also been trying to remember how it felt before IMFL. How nervous was I? How prepared? How trained?
And while this season has been almost bipolar in serveral ways, I can see some similarities. Which I hope is a good sign - because, other than a few rough spots here and there, IMFL was incredible.
Oddly, the biggest difference may be "the knowing." The week before IMFL I was winging it on faith in the unknown. I'd never done an Ironman nor been in Panama City, let alone seen the race course.
Going into IMUSA, I know I should be able to do the distance. I've experienced the swim and run loops once - and biked most the course four times - if you include last year's pre-registration ride.
Which seems to have resulted in a mixed blessing. Knowing what to expect brings familiarity - the good and the bad.
Maybe, for now, I need to let my mind forget - and my body remember.
More often than not, I've been eerily calm about the quickly approaching IMUSA date.
I am pretty sure it is some kind of denial. At best it is acceptance.
Yep, I've panicked here or there when completing some type of race preparation, like ordering nutrition or scheduling a bike tune-up. The hardest moments have been when someone has asked me if I am ready.
And I sigh or shrug. I can't say I am or am not. I am not thrilled with what that means either way, but I do know I've worked hard, struggling through the most challenging workouts I've ever attempted.
The shoulder is still feeling good. I had an incredible opportunity to swim at Guppy AS's Lake Gaston's paradise - a "not so torturefest" few days with Ironwoman Canada and several great training buddies - helping me to believe I could have a solid swim (for me) at Placid if I can overcome the claustrophobia of 2000 plus swimmers hitting tiny Mirror Lake (and if I could bribe the Real Deal to be a bandit and let me draft of him).
While I wish I had more time to work on climbing, I also know that too many more long mountainous bike rides without a bunch more good fun ones thrown in between might break my spirit.
After beginning to stabilize on new asthma meds, running is on the upswing. It is not anywhere near where it was at its best, but it is a heck of lot better than where it was even a few weeks ago. I could kick myself for not recognizing what was going on and dealing with it sooner, but am grateful that something finally clicked in my stubborn brain.
And in this non denial moment, I've let it register that in exactly a week, I'll be in the Peloton SUV with the Barracudas and the hubby.
But I'm still plugging my ears with my fingers about the following four days after our arrival in Lake Placid.
"la, la, la, la, la, la, la..."
This week, I had my first IMUSA dream.
And like the few other race dreams I've had, this one bore no resemblance to the actual race.
I grab my bike out of transition and head down roads that look surprisingly like those around the Shady Grove Y. I am riding fairly well, though am not thrilled when I notice the asphalt has turned into cobblestones. During this stretch, there is an aid station, which happens to be a bike store. I jump off my bike and start browsing around the store, noticing very cool race tires. A few training buddies (including a few folks I wish were doing Placid with me) show up. I decide I should probably get back on the course, so I jump on the bike and head further down the cobblestone path. After a half mile, I look down and notice I am not on my bike. I curse and turn around. I drop off the bike and start looking for mine. I can't find it. Panicking, I search some more and decide to go back into the bike store. I ask a few folks if they've seen my bike and no one says they have. I go into a back room and see a pencil drawing of my bike. And then notice a bunch of parts that look familiar. I realize that someone stole my bike and dismantled it.
And then I wake up.
Please don't drop below a calendar month before IMUSA.
My shoulder loves the cortisone shot, making swimming easier and smoother (and maybe on the verge of getting faster).
Hill climbing on the bike is starting to make sense (but I have much to practice).
Running - well it is what it is (an inkling of improvement).
I am just starting to feel stronger and more confident.
I need time. To hope. And believe.
Where is Superman when you need him?
This weekend was an IMUSA training camp in Luray, planned by Coaches CD and MB, to knock off one of our long bike rides.
Friday afternoon, TRIboy MR and I drove up together on the quiet country roads behind farm vehicles and through field after field of cows and goats. We both needed to head out after Saturday's bike for separate obligations - leaving us with mixed emotions (while we looked forward to our other events, we also knew we would be missing the post workout celebration and an open water swim opportunity).
Arriving at the Luray house, we quickly unloaded the car. TRIgirls KB, SS and LD had dinner cooking as we checked out the house (nothing fancy, but comfortable and clean). It had a nice layout for large groups, from the big dining area to a game room to a unique bedroom with four (yes, four) oversized bunk beds.
We broke out the snacks, wine and beer as the lasagna boiled away in the oven, smelling quite yummy. Gathering around the dinner table, folks shared stories and memories of recent workouts - and we checked out the map and elevations for the upcoming bike ride. TRIgirl CD had comparative profiles to both the Blue Ridge and IMUSA - basically showing that the BRP had tougher climbs than IMUSA and that the Luray ride looked to be more challenging than the BRP. Thankfully, I did not see any 7-9% grade climbs - so I was hopeful that I would not have to endure another Crabtree experience.
After dinner, the boys built a nice fire in the backyard pit. We chilled outside in the mountain air before a few quick games of Foosball and Ms. Pacman. TRIgirl AM and I were making our beds in the communal bunk room when TRIboy MR noticed there was an empty bedroom. We grabbed the opportunity - and bet the boys were also relieved to be able to relax without any girls around.
TRIgirl AM and I chatted for awhile before I fell into a good sleep, waking up the next morning feeling as ready as I could be for the day's ride.
Skyline Drive was about a half hour from the house. We pulled into Thornton's Gap and prepared for the long bike ride ahead. Literally, within minutes of getting on our bikes, I felt the first raindrops.
It was just a drizzle at first, as I found my own little spot in the group, trying to make up some ground before the descents. The first 5-6 miles of the out and back were sweet - (for whatever reason, I felt like I was flying on this section in either direction). The rain varied from light to steady during the first 26.8 miles - which included tough, long climbs - and downhills that became increasingly scary as the rain came down more heavily.
I was by myself at the turnaround at Dickey's Ridge. I took a short break and reloaded my water bottles. The second part of the out and back seemed harder - the climbs seemed longer. Not to mention the pelting rain. And the wind, thunder and lightening. The rain almost seemed like hail for a few minutes. Parts of the climbs, switchbacks and descents were in thick fog.
I was not a happy camper. As a matter of fact, I was having some interesting internal debates about whether I'd be doing a second loop if the weather conditions continued.
During the second half of the first loop, the rain lightened up. Coach MB and TRIboy RE rode by as I was about to pass some interesting looking dude walking Skyline. I was happy to have their company. Coach MB gave me some good tips to smooth out my pedal stroke while climbing.
The sun started to peek out during the last part of the first loop, giving me some hope - even if the conditions would be a bit steamy until the rain started to dry out.
Back at the parking lot, we ran into TRIboys BB and ERC who were getting ready to start their second loop (after putting in extra miles on the first loop). TRIboy MR had gotten a flat - leaving me time to catch up with different riders while waiting for him to pull into the parking lot so I could reload my bike. I literally jumped with happiness when I realized I had packed extra socks - stripping off the sopping wet ones felt so good! Coach CD and and TRIgirl SK pulled in - and they, once again, amazed me with being able to ride so strongly with major injuries.
Meanwhile, the skies seemed to be clearing - and by the time I started my second loop, I had my fingers crossed that better weather would hold out. Coach MB and TRIboy RE rode by somewhere along the first mile and told TRIboy MR and me to turn back to the parking lot as he wanted to give the rest of the group and us revised options since the course was pretty challenging. Hitting 100 miles was less important than finishing strong.
A few minutes later, I was back on the route. The sunglasses I'd put on with the sun's appearance fogged up frequently with the steamy conditions, especially during the climbs that had me dripping with sweat, instead of rain, this time around.
I chose the option to shoot for a little over 90 miles for the day on the same out and back. Coach MB passed me fairly early on - and I worked to keep him in sight on the climbs. At the turn around, we rode together for awhile. Super speedy TRIgirl KB was on the course for the full second loop - when she hadn't passed us by the top of the biggest hill, we pulled over and waited - hoping she wasn't waiting for someone at the original turn around.
After awhile, we decided I should head back in case we'd need to send out a car to check on things. The last 10 miles were fun - mostly downhill or flat, the weather was finally turning nice. My legs felt better than I expected - though I was very happy to be done with climbing for the day.
Back in the parking lot, TRIboy MR and I hopped in the car to start driving the loop just as TRIgirl KB and Coach MB pulled into the parking lot. We both decided to call it day at this point to begin the drive back home.
All in all, a great training experience - a good, long, tough ride that left me feeling challenged, but not too far outside my comfort zone.
While I probably never expected inspiration to come from a Miley Cyrus song, this one seems to work...
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
After the Crabtree debacle, I am so very thankful that I've had a few interesting and inspiring bike rides to put my spirit back on track.
The Urban Assault - Skirtboy planned a morning ride through the depths of Richmond - from the Huguenot Bridget to Forest Hill to the Nickel Bridge to the Carytown borders. At least he didn't take us through some areas he occasionally traverses that require bullet proof vests. I practiced lots of turning, stopping and riding in traffic - and almost toppled over from the dizziness of the Nickel Bridge grates.
The Ride of Many Rides - Starting with the Schnupp Loop (who is a traffic and hill connoisseur), the posse, Barricuda BL, SuperAnnn and I traveled the first segment that included Patterson Avenue and Lauderdale hills - as well as quiet, more rural stretches through West Creek and Manakin. I love the Schnupp Loop - as well as the opportunity to be with so many of my favorite bike buddies. SuperAnnn, Barricuda BL and I headed off to a second phase of the Ride of Many Rides to do a nice tour of West Creek. Then Barricuda BL and I tackled a ride through Goochland and Henrico, one we once found quite challenging, with a bit more confidence. We finished off my miles (not hers as she put in a bunch more) by looping again through West Creek, where we ran into Barricuda BN. I missed the bear sighting that everyone else noticed - but finished the Ride of Many Rides feeling stronger at the end than at the beginning.
The Ironwoman Canada Ride (part of it anyway) - Ironwoman Canada has a five county ride that we've modified for a few recent, shorter outings. The route combines long descents, steep and gradual climbs, technical curves and speed flats to practice important bike skills. My most recent outing had me finishing the ride faster than previous attempts, until getting dropped at a traffic light and relying on my poor directional instincts to catch up with the group. But I did get in a few extra miles!
These recent rides have boosted my attitude - by reminding me of why I love to ride, from the thrill of the challenge, to the joy of the ride, to sharing the experience with fellow bike lovers.
Luray is on tap for this weekend - which I hope will be a ride to add to this list!
Thanks so very much to all who commented, privately or publicly, on my last post. You've helped me get through a tough week.
A week full of digging deep for positive thoughts - and making peace.
Peace with:
It is time to concentrate on reconnecting with my workouts - maybe with a little less confidence, but with a bit more realism.
Four weeks till taper.
...when I feel like I have no business doing a race like Lake Placid.
Just going to focus on building up some strength during the 5ish weeks of training coming up before the taper.
And cross my fingers to hope for the best.
...this weekend's bike ride.
After miles of what seemed like almost constant climbing, I was never so happy to see the Blue Ridge Parkway.
'Nough said.
...before a not so funny looking training weekend ahead (courtesy of a thoughtful co-worker).
for a little Blue Ridge Parkway update.
Last year, I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway three times. At best, my rides were tolerable. At worst, I was a miserable, grumpy...
Even at the better end of the spectrum, I was huffing and puffing it up the climbs and anxious during the downhills.
Saturday, TRIgirls KO, SK and I headed up to the BRP. We each had our own reasons for wanting to deal with the BRP on our own terms, before the more formal group training workouts planned over the next few weeks.
The day was picture perfect. The sun was strong, though the air was cool. The plan was to start at milepost 14, head down to 0, then back up. Take a break at the car. Up to 25 and back down.
I did not remember the first stretch very accurately in terms of what happened where, but we hit a good downhill pretty early on. By singing in my head and focusing on relaxing, I did much better than any time on the BRP last year. As we neared the bottom, two familiar faces called out to us - and we realized it was the Sponsored Athlete and his Should be Sponsored Wife. They did a u-turn to meet us, take pictures and chat - before we would all start the uphill stretch to MP 14.
The climbing was hard - but not nearly as awful as last year. And I'll give a big shout-out to Patriot Sangria's new compact crank for allowing me to finally understand what it means to "spin" up a hill. It wasn't fast - but I hardly ever felt like my lungs were going to explode.
We regrouped at MP 14 - saying goodbye to the Should be Sponsored Wife. We had 11 more miles of mostly climbing before our next turn around. TRIgirl SK (who is injured and still kicks-a**) and the Sponsored Athlete took off together and dominated those hills. TRIgirl KO and I followed at a slower, but consistent and comfortable pace. While there were times I wished the hills were over, I still wasn't experiencing the "I am going to die" feeling. And because of that, I really was able to enjoy the breathtaking BRP views so much more than any ride I've ever done up there. Finally, I could understand why people actually WANT to ride the Blue Ridge!
The Sponsored Athlete and TRIgirl SK were practically napping when we arrived at MP 25. Now it was just 11 miles, mostly downhill, before our first BRP ride of the season would be completed. TRIgirl KO and I finished the stretch together, braving some switch-back downhills that were pretty tough.
At the car, we discussed where to start the circle of happiness (food and drink) and decided we were all hungry enough for lunch. We stopped at the Ambrosia Bakery and Deli (which is a smorgasbord of Mediterranean delights) for great wraps, grape leaves and a few amazing looking sweet treats.
And from what I can tell, I think we all headed home feeling pretty good about a needed confidence building training ride.
(These Torturefest posts are taking me so long to write, I am forgetting details - and it may be race day before I finish.)
Sunday started off chillier than Saturday. The cool, brisk - and clean feeling - air - was a welcome surprise for our long run.
The goal was to run for about three hours. For some of us, that meant 20 miles, though for most of us it turned out to be around 16-17.
Our same group from yesterday's bike started the run together by looping around Mirror Lake. As we made a quick pit-stop in Starbucks, I checked with TRIgirl SS. The group pace seemed a bit ambitious for me. Thankfully, she was open to the idea of dropping back a bit. We headed out again and stayed within fairly close sight of the other girls for a good chunk of the rest of the lake loop, even briefly catching up before the run out and back to take a few photos in front of an "Athletes Training" street sign.
This may be shocking to a few of you - but I enjoyed the run. My legs felt good the whole time and the pace was comfortable. TRIgirl SS was great company. Sometimes we'd talk; other times we'd just run quietly together. There were a few rollers on the out and back, but nothing too daunting. It was perfect running temperature. And the prettiest run course I've ever done - from babbling brooks to great mountain views.
Sherpa Extra K met us on the run a few times - which was wonderful for removing a few layers and grabbing more gus and water.
The tough part of the course - the crazy hills into and in town - were waiting for us during the last couple of miles. They were hard - but not too, too long. My guess is I'll be walking up parts of them on race day.
But as we finished the run - and I still felt pretty darn good - I briefly wondered if this might become the first race where I will actually look forward to getting of the bike. Then I remembered, it wasn't likely to be in the 50-60s in July. Then again, maybe it will be by the time I start running!
Back at the house, eating and massages were on the rest of the afternoon's schedule. Then dinner at The View - including celebrating TRIgirl SS' upcoming 50th birthday. My dinner was yummy, but the 4-5 tiny scallops barely took up a third of the plate - not a recommended meal choice for "Athletes Training."
Saturday morning was an early rise and shine day. Ironwoman Canada formed three groups to make sure everyone would have someone looking out for them.
I had ridden the course last year when signing up for the race - but we had started in Keene vs. Lake Placid, so my orientation was a bit thrown off as to where we would be beginning.
My group, including TRIgirls KO, SS, LD and Barracuda BL headed off. The first mile or so was slow and easy as we made our way through town. But soon, we were huffing it up one rather significant climb. Just like most of the climbs on the course, some parts were steeper than others, but it was mostly uphill for a good 7-8 miles. What a way to start the course - on a long hill that hadn't even earned a name! TRIgirl SS took care of that detail, by christening it the "Bastard" (the "Bastard" would soon become part of the famous trio - the Bastard, the Bitch and the Wench). While these nicknames may never be spray painted on the roads, they'll bring me some comic relief on race day.
After the last few rolls of the Bastard, the first steep hill traffic sign came into view:
I knew what that meant.
The descent.
(Ask Barracuda BN how many of these signs there were on the descent - and he'll tell you 2. I thought there were 6-7 - but turns out there were over 10!).
TRIgirl SS had shown us a few key tips for surviving the 9ish miles. It was time to try those out, plus see if some of the work I'd done since last year would make a difference in my confidence.
TRIgirl SS headed off first. I took a deep breath and tried to keep her in my sights as we flew down the hill. Having her ahead of me helped me gauge how to tackle the downhill. I sang songs in my head, trying to spend time in aero and refrain from using the breaks. Overall, it was a big improvement. I was more relaxed than last year - and even had moments of enjoying the exhilaration of gaining momentum down the mountain.
We gathered at the bottom, for one of the many SAG stops. Sherpa Extra K was waiting for us - and we were able to strip off layers. The day was warming up and we had some serious climbing ahead.
First though, was the lovely, relatively flat stretch. My favorite part of the course, where you can gain a little (non-downhill) speed and enjoy the pretty scenery. Unfortunately, it probably lasts less than 10 miles
I remembered the left turn from last year - the one that signified the start of the climbs. The Bitch is one of the steeper uphills. We climbed the Bitch. For most of the rest of the loop, even when the climbs leveled off, the course was still slightly uphill. We skipped the Haselton out and backs for this ride.
As we finished the first loop of about 43-44 miles, we rode through town again, including a few very short, but very steep downhills. On race day, one of these downhills actually is lined with haystacks to cushion out of control crashing riders.
We started the climb up the Bastard again. My legs felt strong and I was happy with how the first loop had went.
This time, dark clouds, rain and wind decided to meet us just as we were approaching the descent.
Creating one of the scariest bike experiences of my life.
The rain was cold and the wind was unpredictable. I felt my bike being pushed one way or the other across the road. Sometimes the wind gust direction seemed to change within seconds. Needless to say, I braked more this time down - and was much more tense. I still tried to force myself to maintain a fairly fast speed - and felt a sense of comfort when TRIgirl SS passed me and I could focus on her vs. the rest of the hill. It was hard to believe this was the same descent from a few hours ago - it seemed much, much longer.
At the bottom, Sherpa Extra K and TRIgirl SS were there. I got off the bike and was shivering and quivering, not only from the cold and wet conditions, but also from a major surge of adrenalin - a fight AND flight response to make it down the hill. I put layers back on as we waited for the other riders - but I still had goosebumps and was shaking like a leaf.
The downhill seemed to scare most of us to some degree. But we all agreed it, in a way, it was a good experience - we'd be better prepared to deal with tough conditions on race day if needed. We were not thrilled with the rain that was still coming down - and decided we'd check in after the flat stretch to determine if we'd finish the entire ride.
The rest of the second loop seemed much harder - though we did it all. Maybe because it was the second loop, maybe because of the weather and maybe because my energy had been sapped a bit by the descent. We plugged through the rest of the ride, ticking off the climbs.
While I would have happily skipped the 20 minute transition run at the end of the bike - Ironwoman Canada would have none of it. So I put my sneakers on and headed out for about 2 miles of running in the rain.
After the run, it felt awesome to walk about into the house - and smell the delicious aromas of appetizers and dinner awaiting - thanks to the efforts to TRIgirl DL and her BF.
It was time for refueling. The next day would be another major workout - and my longest run since the stress fracture.
I've thought about how to start this post series even while in Lake Placid when my brain was fairly delirious from the hardest training I've ever done within a few days.
There is much to write about - so I'm going with the multi-post approach, taking it by the day.
I left Virginia on Thursday night with Ironwoman Canada and Sherpa Extraordinaire K. It was a fun road trip, though I actually had to drive for a good chunk (my traveling companions risked my tendency to fall asleep in the car after even a ten minute ride). We shared many hilarious stories and discovered Ironwoman Canada's penchant for army songs - including those that involved stabbing someone with a knife. We survived the impromptu karaoke, as well as pea soup fog and even boardroom negotiations for a reasonable rate at an Hotel 8.
Friday morning, we pulled up to our base camp, a beautiful home called the Hawthorne, practically on Mirror Lake. TRIgirls KB and SS were already there - we unpacked our bags and headed into town for lunch. Our caravan had survived the previous 20 hours on pretzels, gum and cheerios - we were desperate for some real food.
By the time we walked back to the Hawthorne, everyone else had arrived. We were a little off schedule, but had just enough time to fit in a short bike including a few miles around the lake and one out and back of the run course. It was an easy, fun ride enabling us to make sure our bikes were in order for the next day's workout. We couldn't fit in the short open water swim in Mirror Lake (and as things turned out - this probably would have been the best day to brave the cold waters).
We headed out for a group dinner at the quaint Brown Dog Cafe and Wine Bar. All the dog themed prints left me missing Buttercup and Fezzy, but the food was delicious - and the wine selection was impressive. We celebrated Barricuda BL's birthday with a gluten free and yummy carrot cake. I impressively sucked the creamy icing off every ounce of cake on my plate justifying the calories as carb loading.
After dinner, Ironwoman Canada, Sherpa Extra K and I headed to our room with three squeaky twin beds. They both fell asleep fairly quickly - though it took me a little longer to settle down. The next day's workout had me a bit freaked out. We'd be riding two loops of the IMUSA bike course, minus the Haselton out and backs.
For the first time in almost a year, I was worried about what was in store for Patriot Sangria and me.
I've been remembering and rereading blog posts from IMFL training.
So many workouts were wondrous, groundbreaking events.
The first 2, 2.5 and 3 mile swims. The beautiful Chesdin Classic.
The first 60, 75, 80, 100 mile bike rides. The amazing century Eastern Shore Ride.
The first 15, 18 and 20 mile runs. The gruelling BB&T trail fiasco.
And some freakishly long bricks. The memorable Crackhead Invitational.
The uncertainty, anxiety, soreness - as well as the comedy, thrill and sense of accomplishment.
The mega long workouts are just starting for IMUSA. And this time, there is more familiarity.
Like this past Saturday, I knew the Cap to Cap century would be a long day - but I also knew I'd finish it - while enjoying watching two friends achieve (actually, they rocked) a new distance.
But, I am also quivering a bit in the corner; there are still new challenges.
Like this upcoming weekend, when eight training friends and I will be trekking up to Lake Placid for "Torturefest - and you thought Ironman was hard."
I expect to have my butt kicked big time!
And wouldn't mind a little wonderment thrown in for good measure.
