June 23, 2012

No Limits

It all comes down to this. Years of dreaming, months of training, and tomorrow I will finally take on the biggest race of my life. I remember several years ago, while training for my first marathon, I first learned what an Ironman entailed. At that time just the thought of running a marathon alone was daunting. But add on a nearly 2.5 mile swim and 100+ mile bike before that marathon, all in one day, and it seemed impossible. Of course that's exactly what landed me here. In fact, a small part of me still wonders if I can do this; fortunately a bigger part of me believes I can, but tomorrow there will be no more doubt as to whether this can be done. It will be done.

In less than 12 hours, my first Ironman will be underway. I feel confident in my training, and have come to peace with whatever race day may throw at me. I know I can handle it. A lot can happen in a race this long, and I know that a lot of it won't be in my control. No matter what happens, I plan to have a smile on my face as much as possible. As so many often say, the training is the journey, and the race is simply the victory lap. Since we've arrived in Coeur d'Alene, I've found myself reflecting on my journey here. The countless hours spent in the pool, on my bike, on the trail. The endless sweat, bottomless calories, early wake up calls. The many sacrifices required. Tomorrow, it will all be worth it.

Over the past couple days we've checked out all three courses. Each one has it's own unique challenges, but also promise beautiful scenery and great support. I'm ready and excited to conquer each one. It's been quite the journey here, and I find myself changed in many ways, both physical and psychological. The only thing left to do is trust my training and believe in myself.

As far as goals, I do have them. Ultimately, I just hope to have fun and smile as much as possible. If all goes well, I hope to finish the swim between 1:20-1:30, the bike around 7:30, and I'd love to finish the marathon under 5 hours. That would put me around 14 hours, and finishing before dark. A lot can happen over the course of 140.6 miles though, so whatever happens I will deal and keep moving forward. This is it folks!

If you'd like to follow along, you can track me here. Bib no. 144! The swim starts at 7am PST. Later in the day they should also have a live video of the finish line. For those of you who may be out on the course, I'll be in my Team One10 kit:

Thank to my friends, family, training buddies, blog friends, and coach for your support, encouragement, and good lucks! Keep the good vibes coming my way : ) I'll be thinking of you all tomorrow when the going gets tough. Here goes nothing - see you on the other side!

"This is about limits. Reaching them, exploring them, exceeding what you thought yours were. Coming to the conclusion that there aren't any limits."

5 comments:

  1. Love the Tri outfit, so flattering! You killed the swim! Keep it up!

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  2. SO SO EXCITED FOR YOU! Good luck out there and when we talk next, YOU WILL BE AN IRONMAN!

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  3. I checked you out at the Ironman site and congrats on such an amazing time! You ARE an Ironman!

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  4. I love this post! What an incredible journey it has been and you DID IT! And you achieved your goals. You have a lot to be proud of. It was so great riding with you for a bit out there and seeing you again and again. It makes the journey better with friends out there! Can't wait to read your race report!

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