5 days

Because my race is five days away and I'm extremely nervous, I decided to post my list of required items for race day instead of writing about how I feel (TERRIFIED).  Also, if anyone sees any huge gaps in the list, you can help me out!

Swim:

• wetsuit
• goggles x 2
• swim cap
• race issued swim cap
• ear plugs
• watch
• tri shorts
• sports bra
• tank top
• body glide
• towel

Bike:

• bike (though it will already be there, so I shouldn't have to remember it)
• bike shoes
• socks
• helmet
• sunglasses
• race number belt
• 1 package of gu chomps
• 3 gu gels (plus 1 that I'll take as soon as I get to my transition station)
• 5 salt pills
• aero bottle filled with sports drink
• regular bottle filled with water
• extra water bottle to rinse my feet
• bike pump (a big one to pump my tires before I swim)
• co2 gun thingy
• 2 co2 cartreges
• 2 spare tubes
• tools
• sunscreen

Run:

• runners
• socks
• hat
• hydration belt with sports drink
• 2 gu gels
• body glide

Post Race:

• sports bra
• tank top
• shorts
• compression socks
• new runners
• FOOD (though I will rely on my race supporters to provide that for me!)

So most of that stuff I'll bring with me as I'm racing, though a few items will be left in transition (like body glide, sunscreen etc.)  I'm wondering if I should have two sunscreens, one for each transition, or rely on the sunscreen "station" that I've heard will be in the transitions.  Because this is a point A to B race, I won't have access to the things in my T1 bag for T2, so anything I'll need twice I'll have to have two of.  Kind of a pain, but no big deal.  Luckily there were a few body glide samples kicking around the shop, so I snagged one for my T2 so I won't need to buy another body glide (since I JUST bought a new one).  I'm bringing mainly sports drink with me since I like to have what I'm used to drinking, and I'll get my water from the aid stations along the way.  I'm really not sure how I'll do with the aid stations on the bike, but I'll try my best, and bring lots with me so if I'm too uncoordinated to use them, I won't be stuck without nutrition.

I hope that about covers it.  Definitely let me know if you see something missing!! 


AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Getting uncomfortably close

I haven't blogged in a while, one reason being I was busy, one being I didn't know what to say except I'm getting extremely scared. 

First, the half marathon.  It went well.  I came in at 1:59:4something.  I barely squeaked by and achieved my goal of coming in under 2 hours.  It was a very challenging run.  First, I had forgotten how long we had to stand around and wait for the start.  I don't like that anticipation too much, and the fact that it was pouring rain didn't help.  Secondly, IT WAS POURING RAIN.  I was soaked.  Thirdly, it was hillier than I remembered.  I hoped it would be the opposite, and that the course wouldn't be as hard as I remembered the first time I ran it, but no, it was hilly.  Just when you think you've hit the hardest hill, a harder one comes along.  And then people tell you "it's flat from here on in!!" from the sidelines, just in time for you to turn a corner and see an enormous hill.  Honestly, spectators, don't ever yell it's flat unless you are 100% positive that there are no more hills.  It's just not nice.  While we're at it, don't you dare yell "you're almost done" unless I can see the finish line.  Telling me I'm almost done with 3 miles to go is just plain false.  Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.  The fact that I was soaked mixed with the hills made the race really tough on my feet.  I have been dealing with some forefoot tenderness that I thought I had under control, but the up and down and the soaking feet and shoes full of puddles made me feel like I was running on cheese graters.  Ouch.  It was mentally tough, physically tough, but I remembered I was running for my grandma and for alzheimer's, and I pushed through to sneak in under 2 hours.  Great!  Everyone else who ran with me did amazing, and I was so happy for everyone. 

Next up, the 70.3.  Just writing that gave me butterflies.  I'm scared.  Really really scared.  I don't know what else I can say but holy freaking crap why am I doing this?!?!?!?!?!  I feel like I'm a 5 year old going in to take the SATs.  Ahhhhhhhh!

And that's that!  Sorry I've been absent!