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May 31, 2008
We Are Here!
Although I'm still not sure where "here" is. Perhaps it's called Middle of Nowhere? Or maybe just Small Town, USA? Either way we are in amongst the Pocono Mountains and it's beautiful! And it's hilly! And I'm thinking I justttt might break my top speed PR on my bike - coming down one of those big hills with race wheels and an aerohelmet? I'm thinking 40 mph is finally mine!!
O and I arrived last night and then this morning got busy! We drove out to the course (we are actually staying quite a ways away because there really isn't anything too close!) and started to check things out. I got a ride in on the course while O was busy running the run course. Turns out the run course is all on a dirt path/trails/grass so there is no "driving the run course"!
After I got back, I ran on the course (again with O) and he showed me the ropes. I'm pretty excited - I felt like it was cross country season all over again! I will definitely need to use my off road running skills that I used for years in high school and college cross country. Truthfully, most of the run is on dirt so it's not too bad but there is a big grassy hill to climb too!
Next up was a swim in the lake. O wanted to try some open water swimming so believe it or not, he got in the cold water without a wetsuit! I couldn't believe he was in there swimming around. I mean I was pretty cold in my wetsuit! But he did great and didn't freak out at all. :) The water is very clear and clean (compared to much of the water I swim in) so that was nice.
Finally, we drove the whole bike course (it's either up or down - no flat!) and picked up my packet and all this was done by noon. On the way back to the hotel it was a stop for some vittles (Subway) and then lots of time for resting up, organizing all my junk, icing, stretching, relaxing and watching tv! :)
It has occured to me that tomorrow, the day of the race, marks the 1 year anniversary of my cycling accident. Hard to believe it's been that long. I don't have anything remarkable or introspective to say about it all other than I'm glad it's behind me! And that I plan on making June 1, 2008 a MUCH better day than June 1, 2007. :)
Good night all!
Posted by beth at May 31, 2008 6:26 PM
Comments
Brrrrrrr!!!! That water sure was cold at first.
At least I now have my first open water swimming experience under my belt. I think one of the reasons I didn't "freak out" was because I was swimming in the 4-5ft water so I knew I could stop at any time and put my feet on solid ground. I'll have to graduate up to truly swimming in open water.
Posted by: O at May 31, 2008 7:02 PM
Good luck tomorrow!
-Danielle
Posted by: Danielle at May 31, 2008 8:46 PM