So I guess it is time to come to terms with the fact that I am doing an Ironman in 10 days. As odd as it sounds, this one kind of snuck up on me. All last weekend while in Beaumont I kept thinking "hm, I have an Ironman in two weeks, but I don't really feel like I do." I am finally starting to feel like I am doing a race soon, which is a good thing. Another good thing about the delay in any emotion whatsoever about it is also that I have not really gotten nervous yet. I am a little stressed when I think about all that I am supposed to do between now and getting on the plane, and wonder when I am going to sleep, but aside from that, all is well.
I think in some sort of sick way that Ironman training has almost become a way of life for me. This being my third time around, it did not really seem to take a huge toll on me the way it has seemed to in the past. This training "season" was the longest and most intense I have done yet, but when I look back I feel like I almost have not done anything anywhere close to Ironman training. Instead of taking this and feeling completely unprepared, I'm going to take it as I am so prepared I have not really stressed about it lately. My last big training weeks came and went without any major obstacles and really just ended up seeming like typical days in the life of Kathleen. Don't get me wrong, the century ride in Chappell Hill nearly killed me, and the 21 mile run I did in Austin could certainly be described as strong and an overall success, but it was not anything close to easy. It is just now looking back on all of it, when asked if I'm "ready", it all seems minor and uneventful, just regular old stuff, and not necessarily like I've trained for an Ironman.
I also think some of the odd attitude I have had about the race lately (I'm calling it odd for lack of better term) has to do with the fact that I have had a partner and supporter behind me this entire time. While he was not always able to participate, Jon has made this journey ten times easier than if I were to go it alone. He was there to drive 65 miles at 5am to ride on more than one occasion, was there to say "one more lap" during my open water swims, or to say "get going, don't stop too long" in the middle of my last century ride. While it was not immediately appreciated at the time, it has all been greatly appreciated in the long run. I had been hoping to get him a thank-you gift at CDA for all of his help and support, but the little eager beaver almost beat me to it so I had to get him his present early. Now he has joined the ranks of the other aero dorks out there and is the proud new owner of a Giro Advantage 2 aero helmet. He will get to use it in his race on Sunday morning. I am excited to support him for once this weekend, but even then sadly I will have to sneak away for a short ~6 mile run sometime during his race. I think I will watch him get on the bike and then start my run and I should be back in plenty of time to see the last part of his run and the finish.
More deep thoughts about the journey coming soon. I won't have any cool countdown like I did last year, but will try to post my thoughts daily between now and the race. Even if for no one else, it is great for me to be able to come back and read what I was thinking before big races, etc.
I think in some sort of sick way that Ironman training has almost become a way of life for me. This being my third time around, it did not really seem to take a huge toll on me the way it has seemed to in the past. This training "season" was the longest and most intense I have done yet, but when I look back I feel like I almost have not done anything anywhere close to Ironman training. Instead of taking this and feeling completely unprepared, I'm going to take it as I am so prepared I have not really stressed about it lately. My last big training weeks came and went without any major obstacles and really just ended up seeming like typical days in the life of Kathleen. Don't get me wrong, the century ride in Chappell Hill nearly killed me, and the 21 mile run I did in Austin could certainly be described as strong and an overall success, but it was not anything close to easy. It is just now looking back on all of it, when asked if I'm "ready", it all seems minor and uneventful, just regular old stuff, and not necessarily like I've trained for an Ironman.
I also think some of the odd attitude I have had about the race lately (I'm calling it odd for lack of better term) has to do with the fact that I have had a partner and supporter behind me this entire time. While he was not always able to participate, Jon has made this journey ten times easier than if I were to go it alone. He was there to drive 65 miles at 5am to ride on more than one occasion, was there to say "one more lap" during my open water swims, or to say "get going, don't stop too long" in the middle of my last century ride. While it was not immediately appreciated at the time, it has all been greatly appreciated in the long run. I had been hoping to get him a thank-you gift at CDA for all of his help and support, but the little eager beaver almost beat me to it so I had to get him his present early. Now he has joined the ranks of the other aero dorks out there and is the proud new owner of a Giro Advantage 2 aero helmet. He will get to use it in his race on Sunday morning. I am excited to support him for once this weekend, but even then sadly I will have to sneak away for a short ~6 mile run sometime during his race. I think I will watch him get on the bike and then start my run and I should be back in plenty of time to see the last part of his run and the finish.
More deep thoughts about the journey coming soon. I won't have any cool countdown like I did last year, but will try to post my thoughts daily between now and the race. Even if for no one else, it is great for me to be able to come back and read what I was thinking before big races, etc.
Comments
Glad to hear that you have a nice sense of calm about the approaching "very long training day".
Happy tapering!