Here we are in Louisville

A lot has changed in the last year. There has been a change in training groups, changes in coaches. Changes in focus. I have biked, swam and ran more than I have ever done before and it all comes down to Sunday. 

How do I feel? Nervous for sure, and slightly stressed but good. There is definitely a bit of pressure to get this thing done. So much support and love is coming my way right now and it s a little overwhelming.  The enormity of the race itself does not scare me so much anymore having toed the line a few times in the past but every race presents new challenges and hurdles to get over. The safety blanket of the wetsuit is taken away but my swim has gotten much stronger this year. I would have never braved the crazy conditions at Ocean City this past July if I didn't feel stronger. My time will probably not be as quick as with the wetsuit but it is to be expected. However, I don't think it will off by too much. My right shoulder has been giving me some pain while swimming but there is no limit in my range of motion and if it starts acting up I know it will be over in a little while and I won't have to worry about it once I get out of the water. In the grand scheme of things this is just a hiccup. 

I rode the bike course last month so I know exactly what to expect. Heat is a concern but I am putting that out of my head. I can't do anything about it except dump water on my head and pack ice in my shirt. Nice and steady will be the mantra of the day. Enjoy the sights and change of scenery - so sick of all the bike routes around Atlanta right now - and every mile is one less I have to do in the future. I have put in way more miles (multiple 100+ weekends) and many back to back rides and I feel good about getting this done. 

Once I get off that bike it will be the best 26 miles of my life. I am so ready to just run this thing I can't stand it. My last couple of long runs have been great and even if this is not one of them I know I have gotten through many more crappy runs than this could ever hope to be. No mud, no hills, no water crossings, no problem! The rest will be what it will be. I just have to keep drinking, keep eating and keep moving. It's that simple.