LAX airport. It’s 6:45 am and our flight is at 9. We live so close to John Wayne Airport and are totally spoiled with cutting things close getting to the airport. But this morning we are flying out of LAX and you never know what the traffic situation is like in these parts. So up at 4 and the car picked us up at 5. United charged $250 for my bike and $125 for Derek’s- one way. I’ve flown with my bike many times and generally it’s just a charge for an over-sized item. Now they are charging extra on over-sized items if they exceed 50lbs- double whammy. I’m not really sure how my 15 lb bike got to be 80lbs! but what can I do about it now? I also learned that my roller bag weighs 44lbs… so I can only buy 6 lbs of Ironman paraphernalia in Kona! Looks like I may be shipping some things home!
I’m just over 2 hours into the flight. I have already napped and finished all three magazines I picked up at the airport. I usually get a mix… total smut; US weekly and fashion/ design; In Style and Domino. I also have two books- Dean Karnases and a new one I just started and is absolutely hilarious- “Hope They Serve Beer in Hell”… I forgot to pack Eat, Pray Love.
The airplane is packed with athletes and sponsors. Some folks cruised on the plane with shorts and compression socks. I saved my socks for when I actually sat in my seat. I absolutely love my compression socks. I have three pairs now since I wear them so much, plus tights, shorts…. I definitely believe in them. As usual, I have a widow seat- I think It’s more private. I booked Derek an aisle seat, but since the plane is packed and we are in an upgraded section, the seats are roomy so he took the middle seat. The young lady who was supposed to sit between us and is now sitting in the aisle seat, is a very large young teen and has been asleep the entire time. Derek gave me a glance a moment ago and said, “I’m totally claustrophobic!” Total comedy! I’ve had so much water, I think I’m going to have to wake this chick up really soon cause I gotta go!
John Collins (Ironman founder) once said about the Ironman, “You can quit, but no one will care and you will always know.” More than anything I look forward to this race and the cannon going off and letting my day unfold. I know I am going to be challenged in a way that I have never known and as Nicole has told me, “Things will certainly go wrong out there. That is expected. It’s how you handle the problems that will make or break your experience. My advice is to carefully assess, smile, and get on with what you were doing! The finish line is what matters, not how fast you get there.”
“It’s how you handle the problems that will make or break your experience.” Wow, that is etched in my heart. Michele, the website is an absolute knockout – love the music, and thank you so much for adding my link. I got all choked up to see you did that; it’s an honor. Did you connect with Pua? My best wishes and admiration surround you – You are my ROLE MODEL CHAMPION!! MWD