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August 20, 2007
The Scoop
Um yeah...I AM LEAVING FOR GERMANY IN 7 DAYS!!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!
Whew! I think it's starting to set in. In fact I just looked up my number and wave start time on the ITU webpage. Yep, it's for real. I will be there on the starting line ready to roll Sept 2! (and I can only hope and pray that Scotty the bike will be with me... :)
So the real question is - what are YOU doing at 3:30 am EST on Sunday, Sept 2? If you answered that you would be following along during the live coverage of my race you are VERY correct! I suspect you'll all be setting your alarms so you won't miss a beat. :) Ya right! Although my night owl sister really might still be up then and my early morning father may be eating breakfast by that time... :)
I think I am ready for the trip! Passport and all other important documents are in my possession. We have Euros. We have calling cards. We have credit cards (do you really need anything else?). I did take 5 years of German in high school but don't remember a single thing. I'm banking some Germans speak English (and I'm really not trying to sound like the arrogant American that expects everyone to speak their language but more like the uncultured American that never really learned another language and is hoping someone will take pity on me).
The bad news is that O can't go!! I will definitely be lost without my #1 equipment manager! But it's the first full week of school for him with the kids coming back and since teachers only have 3 personal days for the whole year it would be a bit much to ask him to squander all 3 in the first week. This is the only time it stinks to be a teacher.
The good news is though that I have an incredibly supportive family and my mom is going instead! I am thrilled to have her accompany me and share in this awesome experience. (and thankful too that she is willing to part with precious vacation time)
I'm really unsure of what I'm most excited about. The actual race itself is obviously way up there, especially give the fact that I feel like USAT Nationals was such a subpar race coming off my cycling accident. I feel like I want to prove myself a little better than that performance. (I can feel my heart rate rising as I type this...)
But I'm also really looking forward to the trip. To seeing a different country. To seeing athletes from all around the world. To seeing the best in the world compete! The elites (as in the pros that will be in the Olympics, etc...) will be competing in Hamburg as well, albeit on a different course, but right along with us! I'm excited for the Parade of Nations. To wear a USA uniform. I'm excited to meet other triathletes from this country and make new friends (Pittsburgh isn't exactly the hot bed of triathlon so I don't really know too many other triathletes for real - as in not on the internet... :) Heck, I'll just be excited to ride in an airplane again!
Anyway, that's the scoop for the day. No training today. Good thing because it was 60 degrees, pouring down rain and looked like night pretty much all day today. When I got home from work I didn't mind one bit curling up in bed with Roxy and reading a magazine instead of training... :)
Posted by beth at August 20, 2007 7:53 PM
Comments
As a guess, I would bet that at 3:30 AM EDT on 9/2, I will be finishing my writeups from the Women's Marathon and anticipating the last evening session of finals. But since I'm between sessions, maybe I'll be able to check in.
I totally sympathize with the excitement and anticipation. It's a huge step and worth the excitement.
Posted by: pjm at August 20, 2007 8:55 PM
as always praying for you and O especially since you will be apart... you should enjoy Germany and yes a lot of Germans do know english... my family was stationed there (my dad is in the military) for 6 years...
Posted by: Kranky C Dale at August 21, 2007 9:14 AM
I had no idea that this was so soon! Competing at the equivalent of 3:30 a.m. won't be a shock to your body, even if you don't get used to the time difference, since you do so much of your training at the crack of dawn.
I have to get up early that a.m. to head to the USA 20k Championships, so maybe I'll just get up extra early and watch you first! It's a holiday after all, so most of us can just take a nap later.
That's awesome that your mom is filling in for O. Good luck and have a great time!
Posted by: Alison at August 21, 2007 1:55 PM
September 2 at 3:30 am I'll be sleeping in Hilton Head. Speaking of Hilton Head, do you know of any good places to run while I'm there? Have a great time and great race in Germany!
Posted by: brian at August 21, 2007 3:50 PM
HIIIIIIiiiiii!
I'm headed off for my own, slightly more local!, adventure shortly (Great River Relay in the midwest) so I wanted to make sure I wished you luck before we're both off the internet (or maybe you won't be?) Regardless, GOOD LUCK! Make the US proud. No pressure :) Enjoy!
Posted by: Audrey at August 21, 2007 4:46 PM
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at August 21, 2007 5:55 PM
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at August 21, 2007 5:56 PM
Beth,
Like Alison, I had no idea that this was coming up so quickly! What an experience you are going to have! Best, best, best of luck! And enjoy traveling with your mother! I'll be routing for you (But I may not be awake at that time since I'll probably be unconsciously recovering from my 50 mile race.)
Meghan
Posted by: Meghan at August 21, 2007 9:51 PM