Here We Go!

AHHHHHHHHHH! 

Tomorrow I leave for Kona!  Holy cats!  Can't believe it is finally here!

As you can imagine, getting ready for a big trip (with a race involved) has left me busy!  I keep thinking of last minute items to buy or pack.  I have lists of lists everywhere!  (and I can't even begin to think of packing...if only I was as motivated to pack as I am to train!  :) 

Monday night the 6 members of our Ballou Skies team headed to Kona were treated to a send off party at the Sharp Edge downtown!

It was great to see my teammates and friends and to hear the inspiring words of Ryan and Ty Ballou.  I have truly been honored to be a part of this team and cause this year.  It has given me a greater purpose for sport!  So excited that Ryan and Ty will be in Kona this year to watch.  If you happen to also be in Kona and see the Ballou Skies uniform out on the course, please give us a cheer!  :)

Oh, and Kristen (aka: Teacher of the Year at Penn Hills) and Matty Mauclair gave us little mini pineapples.  Cutest thing ever and so thoughtful!  :)

On Tuesday I got a chance to have a (long) chat with my coach Dirk about Kona.  Whew!  I feel much better now having a game plan.  This will only be my second Ironman and although I feel confident in racing at the shorter distances, I feel inexperienced when it comes to going the full distance.  Last year my goal was simply to cross the finish line in Kona.  This year, my goals have evolved so I definitely needed some guidance as to how to achieve such goals!  Which is exactly what Dirk provided.  I think we went through every scenario possible (hence the length of the phone call... :) and I'm now feeling prepared to problem solve come race day.  I've done all the training, now it's a matter of execution! 

Speaking of training, I took some time to go through my training log on Tuesday.  There is a reason I keep such meticulous detail of each and every workout!  It's like a journal of the journey and it's fun for me to look back through and see all the highs and lows, the progress and really just the hard work that has gone into this season.  Since starting with Dirk on December 1, 2010, I've missed 2 workouts and cut 2 workouts short.  Every other workout was completed as scheduled.  Consistency is confidence for me and looking through my training log reminded me of that fact!  (Also, I noticed I rode 2500+ miles more from Jan through Sept of 2011 vs 2010.  Dirk is a fan of the bike!  :)

And finally yesterday when I got home from work and my training for the day, I got the mail.  And the mail had such wonderful things!  A package and some cards from very awesome friends who have always encouraged me to chase my dreams.  I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude to be surrounded by wonderful people in my life who always support me.  And to be healthy.  And to be happy.  And to GET to do this.

Now if only I could be as thankful about packing?  :)

Speaking of which - I best get a move on!  I must ride, run, pack and complete a long list of errands before I get on a jet plane headed for the Pacific tomorrow!  YEEE-HAW!!  :)