This is fun...

I know that I am new to all of this, and that I will have ups and downs during my journey, that being said I am loving the bike. Stacy and I went out both Saturday and Sunday, Saturday we rode the tri course in reverse. We rode in reverse because I was concerned about the 13 block climb from 41st to 54th South on 6400 West, and rightfully so, we were on the brakes the whole way down. The problem was we forgot about the hill on 111, while the hill wasn't was long, it was much steeper. It was a 10 mile or so loop, very little wind, it felt great and I had a lot left in the tank.

Sunday, the weather was a little cooler (ok cold and windy), we went south down 48th to New Bingham to 111 to 54th and home, about 17 miles. That was the plan, we had a head wind for the first third of the ride. Once we hit 111, tailwind downhill, at one point I hit 38 mph, very fun.

Now while Stacy and I left the house together, that was about the last time we saw each other. I am not bragging when I say this, but she could not hang in there with me, and I know how frustrating that can be and my heart goes out to her. I waited for her at the 54th turn and decided that I was going to extend my ride, I wanted to ride to 41st and up 56th West.

I had that great tailwind on 111, which turned into a cross wind on 41st and a full headwind on 56th. On 41st I felt like I was riding at a 45 degree angle fighting the wind, making the turn on 56th I wasn't sure I made the right decision. The ride up 56th is going to be very similar to the climb on race day (hopefully without the wind). The while way up 56th I just kept listening to my spin instructors yelling at me to keep moving, that and a few primal screams I made it and frankly felt I could keep going. It was a 25 mile circuit, but I don't want to get to cocky about how I am feeling, because I know that is a recipe for a let down. So, I am going to accept my victory for what it is, a part of my journey not the end of it.

Now as for the swim, I am resigned to the fact it will take me as long as it takes me and I can't do anything about it. It will be 8 lengths in the 50 meter pool, I will start towards the end so I don't get run over and I will rest when I have to, and I will take it slow. This is my first event, I'm in it to complete, not compete. I feel if I can get out of the water with some energy left, I will be able to complete the bike and run. I drove the run today, and while it has a few hills it is most a gentle downhill grade, with the last 400 meters on the Olympic Oval running track to the finish. I can see the finish in my head and I get goose bumps.

9 days and counting....