The last 7 days have been a big training week. From Monday June 16-Saturday June 21, I logged about 15 hours of training, my biggest week to date. It started last Monday with a wake-up call of 5:00 a.m. I swam 1.4 miles at 7:00 a.m. Beginning at 9:30 am, I biked 65 miles and finished with an 8 mile run at 4:30 p.m. The idea was to get up at the time I would for race day, eat something, and begin each leg at about the time I’d be doing them on race day. I didn’t do the distances for the race, so there was a little rest time in between. As I was trying to fall asleep, I was a little nervous and anxious. I was having many doubts and second thoughts. Finally, I got out of my head and focused on one step at a time. When I’m on the bike, I have the most time to think and reflect…when I’m not eating, drinking or navigating.
Here is what went through my mind: the training is challenging, but it’s a great privilege that I am able to do this. The weather was ideal and instead of sitting in an office working, I was riding my bike. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing and I was smiling. I am so lucky to have the time and opportunity to test myself in this race. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s exhausting. But, right now, there is nothing else I’d rather be doing. I have less than 2 months to go before race day. Yes, I am a bit anxious about whether or not I can complete it. Yes, I am a bit nervous about how I will feel during the race. But, I made this choice and my family has allowed me to have this time to accomplish this goal. For that…I am truly grateful.