1.5 Weeks Out

Ok now it is really freak out time. I board a plane for Houston in a week! As I was falling asleep last night I found myself freaking out about a pedal wrench. How am I going to take my pedals off?? Then I ended up at how am I going to pick up my bike? When am I going to sign in? Where will I buy CO2 cartridges? And after 15 minutes of the sleeplessness, I jst sent myself an email saying to look at race logistics tomorrow. Somehow writing down I need to think about this later let me put it out of my mind and I could fall asleep.

Another thing in the back of my mind is everyone in my life knows about this ironman now and I sure will feel like a fool if I can’t pull it off. (Of course this is my fault since I do things like post baout it on instagram and write a blog haha). I am feeling really good about my training but ANYTHING can happen the day of. Too hot, too cold, too rainy, flat tire, upset tummy, the list keeps going (and I probably add one item to it each night)! So part of my worry comes from I might not be fully prepared but the bigger concern is what happens if something outside of my control goes wrong I still won't be able to finish.

OK enough of that anxiety - now the good part. Tapering has been a dream so far. My worst week was probably 24 hours of cardio and last week was only 15. The difference is sooo much more than just 9 hours too! Sometimes after my long bike ride I sometimes end up just napping on the floor next to my bike for 45-60 minutes. After a long run, I can’t usually walk for a little bit and definitely can’t start homework for at least a few hours. Now I am fresh as a daisy after all my workouts. In fact some of my shorter workouts feel like a warm up and I am surprised when they are over. This week I drop down to 8 hours of training too!

As a result of tapering I have a ton of extra energy. I end up walking around listening to podcasts to keep myself moving but not end up hurting myself with something too strenuous. I did sneak in some tennis earlier today – it was 70 degrees outside – I couldn’t help myself!

Oh Oh Oh! Cool side story – my girlfriend is starting a new job and to try and get significant others on board they ended up paying for me to get a 30 minute massage at the Peninsula Spa Chicago. I had no idea what I was walking into – the place is basically wallpapered with $100 bills. OK maybe that is an exaggeration but not by much. After my massage I asked if I could borrow some shorts in goggles. I think the guy I asked thought I was a guest but I ended up doing my swim workout here:

I ended up staying from 9-12 and spent a good deal of time in a hot tub, steam room, and in the sun sipping pineapple or strawberry infused waters. All for a grand total of $0 – Boo ya!

The fuel

The trip (8 hours on the trainer - 

race day better not be that slow)

The aftermath