YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Race timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! (finally! :)
My last race was 5 weeks ago. Far too long in my opinion but apparently to gain any fitness you occasionally have to train hard instead of taper, race, recover, taper, race, recover! Who knew? :) Anyway, I did the training part for the past 5 weeks and it was great. I'm feeling healthy, strong and like I'm getting read for an Ironman! And now my reward, a little break in the training for a RACE!
I'm leaving for the Poconos on Friday. Unfortunately I must travel to this race by myself because all the usual suspects (Oscar and my mom) are busy living their lives. The nerve! (of course I'm kidding!) I have been so spoiled over the years to almost never have to travel to races alone so this weekend should be interesting. If I show up at the start line in one piece with all my equipment in one piece AND on time, I'll consider the weekend a success.
There is also a matter of the drive to the race. The Poconos, although in Pennsylvania, the state I live in, are quite far away. I live in the southwest corner of PA and the Poconos happen to be in the mountains of northeast PA. And PA is a looooooooong state. Steelhead 70.3, which is in Michigan, is almost closer for us. Did I mention that I tend to fall asleep when I drive longer than 1 hour? Hmmm...like I said, if I make it to the start line in one piece I will be thrilled! :)
Kidding aside, I'm really excited for this weekend. And although I'm traveling alone, there are several Pittsburghers racing and I have a wonderful homestay family to take me in! I've already invited myself (see I told you, I'm really good at inviting myself to places!) to be a 3rd wheel for several meals with others. All is good.
Now just keep your fingers crossed it doesn't snow! It almost did last year at this race. And while I like chillier weather, 40s and raining isn't the best option when one is riding one's bike up and down mountains really fast. I'll definitely be packing the arm warmers! But it will all be worth it when I get to see stuff like this on the bike course!
Hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week and weekend! And to all those racing - yeee-haw and giddy up! :)
Good luck! have an athlete racing there this weekend too... so of course I"ll be watching- or I *would* be... you guys will prob be done by the time I wake up! That makes online spectating really easy. ;)
ReplyDeleteOooh, what a beautiful view! Good luck, you are ready to crush it! And drive safe :)
ReplyDeleteThat area is GORGEOUS for fall riding, I'm so jealous of you. HAVE FUN! (and good luck!!) My friend Caroline is racing, look for her and give her a smack on the butt for me!
ReplyDeleteHave a great race! I did poconos last year (yes, with the wet and the cold) and had a great experience. The ride is beautiful and challenging. You'll love it!
ReplyDeleteI do love this course, I did Black Bear which is part of the bike course and it is beautiful, hilly but great. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK! The Poconos are where I first learned to ski when I was 5 years old. It's so weird to think I actually spent the first 10 years of my life on the East Coast! I hope you stay warm!!
ReplyDeleteOH fun, Poconos! Sounds like a great course for you! Good luck, Beth - Have fun!! AND let's hear it for a "COLD" Half Ironman, wow, lucky!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful race Beth!!! We'll be cheering!
ReplyDeletehave a great race! that whole race just seems sooo cold! I'd need way more than arm warmers.
ReplyDeleteHooray for racing! I'll look for you on the race course and give you a cheer! I can't tell you how excited I am that it will be a good 40+ degrees cooler than my last half.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the poconos! Beautiful location for a race.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Beth!! Hopefully the weather will be nicer this year than last year. It's beautiful out in that area, though I have to admit I don't remember ANY of the scenery on the actual race course!
ReplyDeleteIf you have time to kill after the race and are hungry, there's an awesome little pizza place right on the main drag in E. Stroudsburg where the race finishes - I don't remember the name but it's within a block or two of the finish line celebration. They serve pizza by-the-slice and it HIT THE SPOT after my race!
I have the same issue with sleeping and driving, chew gum and keep the cabin cold! No dozing Beth, even though one time a police officer pulled me over for weaving on the road. He thought I was drunk but I was just falling asleep at the wheel. He made me pull over and sleep. Oh, crush it and race with no regrets.
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