IMWI Race Morning

The alarm went off at 4:15am. The plan was to leave for the race site at 5:10 or so. I had my usual morning, the same as I had all summer training for this race: coffee, banana, Lara Bar, Powerbar, email, water, bathroom, get dressed.

Only this morning, right after coffee I put on my timing chip. No chip, no time. I filled my water bottles and mixed my energy drinks.

I wasn't nervous. I wasn't anxious. But I was electric. There was a buzz in my blood. An energy that had me razor sharp on all race matters but oblivious to all else. I moved moment to moment.

Double checked gear bags #1, 3, and 5 again, then headed out the door. It was still dark on the drive, the sun was only barely peeking over the horizon. I was suddenly quiet in the car. But not nervous.

Parked the car, grabbed the bags. #3 and #5 had to be dropped off on State St. #3 would be trucked out to the bike course, #5 would be lined up for access on State St during the run. #1 came with me to the swim start.

I was in a goofy mood, posing for pictures and joking around. I felt kinda like I do before I leave for a long trip. Tears in my eyes, heart skipping beats. For some reason I dreaded leaving Rich, because once I did it meant I was on my own for the rest of the day. I wanted him near as long as possible. We found the bike and dropped of the water bottles, GPS device, and nutrition. Then body marking, where the volunteer asked if I wanted a "V" with my number, to indicate Iron Virgin. No, thank you. Then a porta-potty. The atmosphere was similar to most races--nervous atheletes, lost spectators, music, sun rising, orderly chaos. This I was familiar with, I could handle this. As big a day as everyone was facing, everyone was supportive, helpful, nice and smiling. The energy was undescribable.

Now down to the lake. I had my first view of the real race buoys as we walked down the helix from the bikes. They weren't so bad, not so far out as I feared. Once less thing to worry about.

It was crowded by the lake, and now there were fences set up to separate athletes from non-athletes. Rich was ready to let me go, I wasn't ready. I clung for a bit, during which I found a friend from St Louis waiting with his brother (also racing today) and his family. A short good luck to them. Then Rich was pushing me off again. More tears, a hug, and I thanked him for everything. All the last year, all the past week, and for everything to come today.

Then I was off. Time to get ready to swim!