17 days to go!

Had an interesting experience this weekend. I travelled with some of the local Tri4Him crew up to Austin for the Ironman Texas 70.3. I wasn't racing, but many from our team were, several of them competing in and finishing their first half-ironman. Quite a change of perspective watching from the sidelines as close friends and teammates push themselves to their limits. The Austin race was my first long event and last year many new friends were there to support and encourage me in the same way. I can remember being so grateful and encouraged to have them there and wondered why in the world these people I'd just met would travel 3hrs to watch me compete and struggle through such an event. This year, there I was, doing the same thing. Trying my best to get them through the day. Things have come full circle.

The experience was a good reminder of what's most important. It drew my focus away from Ironman Florida, 11/6/2010, and redirected it to the real payoff. The journey and the transformation that has shaped life for the last year. The preparations and the volume of training put in over the past several weeks have made it difficult to think about much besides the big race. Travel plans, am I ready, do I have all the stuff I need, equipment checks, rest, nutrition, blah, blah, blah. There's lots there to think about, but when I'm able to take a step back and consider all that's transpired over the past year, I can't help but be amazed at what God's done in my life. Sure, this race is a big deal to me, I'm excited, and it will be the exclamation point. But the real payoff has been the journey.

This weekend I'll have my final race rehearsals. Friday afternoon I'm headed down to Galveston to do the swim and Saturday I'll have another long ride followed by a run. For the most part, the hard work has already been put in. I won't see any major gains in fitness over the next two weeks, just fine tuning and troubleshooting to avoid surprises on race day. After this weekend, I'll have a two week "taper" period leading up to the race. During this time the number of workouts won't change much, but their duration will be much less and the intensity will be dialed down a notch. I won't lie, I'm really looking forward to the extra rest!

As always, thanks for your encouraging words and for all of the support. We're almost there. I only ask for two things. That you'd keep me in your thoughts and prayers as the big day approaches and that you'd consider contributing to our fundraising efforts. Thus far, thanks to your generous giving, we've raised nearly $4000 for Wears Valley Ranch. Awesome. I would love nothing more than to see that number keep climbing right up until I cross that finish line. Just click the "firstgiving" link on your right and you'll be directed to a secure website where you can enter your information.

Dress Rehearsals

Just wanted to give a little update on what life's been looking like lately. Things are going well and I'm still in one piece, thankfully. The past few weeks have been big in terms of mileage and hours, but soon the training will shift to focus more on rest, recovery, and maintenance of the gains that have been made. This week I'll have my first of two "race rehearsals." Friday I'll swim 2.4 miles in the pool. Saturday I'll ride 117 miles and follow it up with a one hour run. The goal is to match everything as close to race-day conditions as possible. Down to what I'll be eating this week. The primary focus will be on pacing and my nutrition during the race so that when I get to Florida there won't be any surprises. I'm looking forward to these dress rehearsals, but honestly, a little nervous too.

Others warned me about the mental side of this. I was told to be ready for the battle that begins as ironman nears. Although I hoped that I'd be different...turns out I'm not! My biggest challenges, at this point, are not the physical demands but the demands centered above the neck. Doubt, mental fatigue, even fear at times. All natural, I think, when we take risks or overreach. But you can't let it paralyze you. So I'll walk the tight rope. Recognizing the risk and knowing where I'm vulnerable but also trusting. My training, my support, and most of all, my God, who got me here and continues to amaze me with His plan.

Thank you again, for all of the support, interest, and well-wishes. It means a great deal to me and often fuels me when I'm having "one of those days." And don't forget, there's still plenty of time to donate to this year's cause. Just click the "firstgiving" link on your right. We've already raised over $3000, but are a loooong way from the goal. Surprise me!

Have a great week.