nice hair cut

So, I got my hair cut (pretty short) after school last Wednesday before leaving for Idaho on Thursday. When I returned to work yesterday, everybody was eager to hear about my race. I would tell them the bad news, and after the usual and well meaning "oh, that's too bad," "you should be proud for trying," type of comments, almost everybody ended with, "I like your hair" or "your hair looks cute." At least I got that going for me.

Two Thirds

Well, my day did not go quite as I had planned .... my first DNF (did not finish). Except for a bruised ego, I'm fine. My stomach was doing flips for most of the bike ride, and I just couldn't take in enough nutrition. I didn't quit, even though I did think about it. At about mile 80, I knew it was going to be close, but I pushed and rode as hard as I could. I thought I had made it, handed my bike off to a volunteer, and was heading towards the change tent. That's when a man asked for my timing chip. I asked what time it was, he said he was sorry but that I had missed it by a minute or two. He never did tell me what time it was.

I am disappointed and sad. It was a tough ride home today -- the plane was filled with athletes in their finisher's t-shirts. But Horizon Air has free beer. That helped :)

Thanks for your support and concern. I'll write more later.

Ready, Set, Go!

I know I need to write more, but I've got lots to do before my flight tomorrow morning at 9:30. Besides packing, I have to get my hair cut -- gotta look good for that finish line photo :) Yes, I'll have a hat on, but lately I've been sprouting wings.

Anyway, I took antibiotics a couple of weeks ago and have been feeling pretty good. My biggest worry now is the swim. The water in Lake Coeur d'Alene has been very cold. Last week it was 52* but today the temp was up to 56*. Last year I think it was in the low 60s. I bought a new wet suit after Wildflower, and last week I picked up some booties and a neoprene skull cup and bigger goggles, all in hopes that I don't freeze to death.

Last year I finished in 16:40. This year my goal is 15:45. My number is 2212. On race day, look for a link to Athlete Tracker under the "coverage" tab of the event on Ironman.com.

Oh No!

18 days until Ironman #2, and I'm feeling sick. Yesterday I was fine. I went to work, I did 40 minutes easy on the trainer, and did laundry. This morning I woke up at 5:00 and did my easy 40 minute run before work. Everything was as usual. At some point at work I noticed that I was feeling a bit achey. I thought it might be a good idea to get a massage after my swim this evening. After my usual lunch of PB & J, carrots, and an orange, my throat started hurting, and I started coughing. At 4:30 I decided to skip the swim (and the massage) and head home to rest. I took my vitamins, drank lots of water, and went straight to the couch. I am hoping that I'll wake up tomorrow, and this cough will be a distant memory. I hate missing a workout, but an extended illness at this point would be much worse. I am hoping I can nip this in the bud!