Countdown to White Lake

Little by little, the stars are aligning for incredible race conditions this weekend.
I drove down with TRIgirls SJG and BL Wednesday afternoon. After remembering some of the "rustic" accommodation choices we saw on the web, our first bit of luck occurred when unlocking the door to the nicely decorated, waterfront, comfy condo TRIgirl BL secured for us.

The weather forecast has changed for the better - from scattered thunderstorms - to partly cloudy, high of 81 degrees and winds up to 11 mph during the race.
We squeezed in a short workout after our arrival and checked out the run course. A flat two-loop out and back with sections that traverse an upscale lakefront neighborhood.

Chatting with a few locals, everyone seemed excited about the race, whether volunteering or spectating. They shared recommendations for a nice Italian restaurant - Giorgios - in Elizabethtown, which we hit up on Wednesday night for kicking-off our carbo loading.

Speaking of food, TRIgirls BL and SJG are taking great care of me - they've covered purchasing lots of nutritious pre-race food and meals.

Yesterday morning, we drove the bike course. I think it may be the flattest route I've ever ridden. The biggest obstacle - fighting to keep my bike on the course instead of visiting a few of the vineyards we'll be passing.

Ah - and about the Lake - it is beautiful! After our bike course excursion, we lounged around for a couple hours on our own personal pier, surrounded by breathtaking cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss.

Then we headed out for a test swim. Walking past a very fit woman who must have been intimated by our stark competitive stares and amazing wetsuit donning abilities, we heard the pro call out, "I am not going to save you if you drown, maybe your friends will." Sigh, I guess some people will look to get rid of their competition anyway they can.

But the water was beautiful. A little burst of coldness at first. After a few strokes our bodies adjusted and we were able to appreciate the crystal clear water which was like swimming through liquid glass. We swam for about a half hour, catching up here and there to practice TRIgirl BL's helpful sighting and drafting tips. BTW - Ask Ms. SJG for her whale and Little Mermaid impersonations some time...

More resting and eating followed as TRIgirls BL and SJG's husbands arrived in time for TRIgirl SJG's yummy lasagna.

Yes, White Lake is looking very promising - now if only I can knock the allergies/cold that have been lurking around in the back of my sinuses...