I woke up from an Ironman nightmare!

It was the morning of Ironman, but not Kona. The weather was chilly and damp and I did not have the proper clothing to keep me dry and warm. The bathroom at the place I was staying was broken and looked much like a fraternity house bathroom the morning after a party. As I walked into transition for one last check, I realized I forgot bottles and all of my nutrition for the day…. GASP…. I’m awake and it’s 4:17 a.m. race countdown 2 weeks 1 day.

These little nightmares are almost funny. Granted I woke up frazzled this morning, I’m ready to jump on my trainer for 2:50, do a track workout and get in the pool for 4000 yds. I am definitely tapering- even though this may not sound much like a taper. I took yesterday off and feel rested.

The new triathlete magazine arrived yesterday and I allowed myself to only look at the pictures and not read any articles… I really don’t want to question anything I have done for the past 9 months! Yes- 9 months. I started training in January for IM CDA June 2008. I learned about Kona on April 12th. I never imagined doing two Ironmans in one season- and never banked on Kona. So shortly after returning from CDA, I started training for Kona.

I learned I won a lottery slot for the World Championships while I was at my Dad’s house in Phoenix for Ironman. It was a Saturday afternoon and Derek was racing the next day. I had just woken up from a nap and checked my phone and noticed I had several missed calls and received something like five voicemails. The first two messages were a total blur- but I specifically remember Cheryl’s message- ALOHA! CONGRATULATIONS! HOLY SHIT WOMAN YOU ARE GOING TO KONA! I had no idea they were announcing kona lottery winners during the broadcast of 70.3 championships that afternoon. It was totally off my radar. I had put my name in the lottery for the past four years and it really didn’t cross my mind that I would actually win a spot. I’m still in shock and I don’t think reality is going to hit me until I land on the big island on the 6th!