I think you have me mistaken for a RUNNER...

Yesterday I went to the St. Jude expo to pick up my race packet, goody bag, and the bets part of all....shop at the expo! I controlled my spending by only taking $30 in cash. I'm getting much better at this whole "ooooh shiny" complex as my sister calls it.

After gathering all my bags (you always feel like a bag lady at expo's) I walked in and out of booths, looking at all the spectacularly great deals on race clothes. I bought this nifty shirt that wicks away moisture..its not dry fit, but some soft material. Also bought some run shorts...ended up being a bit snug right now, but it gives me something to shoot for as I lose some lbs over the next few months. And most importantly...my new sticker addition after tomorrow... a "26.2" sticker to add to my car. I do the races for the stickers :)

A lot of booths had charms (to make necklaces) of runners, triathlons (swimmer biker and runner) etc. I end up at one booth, and had a little conversation that went like this:

Me: Do you have any triathlon charms?
Lady: Yes we have these. But we have a lot of runner charms, too.
Me: Oh I'm not a runner.
Lady: Which race are you doing on Saturday?
Me: The full marathon.
Lady: Oh, well you're definitely a runner then!
Me: No, you may have me mistaken as a runner but running just happens to be the last 1/3 of a triathlon.

She just kind of looked at me...confused. I get that a lot...mostly when I mention that I'm doing an IM next year. So, don't worry, Lady, you are not alone.

I'm excited for tomorrow, mostly so I can go back to being a triathlete and not just a poser...er..I mean runner. I'll write tomorrow afternoon (or most likely on Sunday) my race recap! Pray for me!!!!!

T - 2 days

In a few hours, I'll head down to the expo to pick up my race packet (and partake in some amazing deals on running clothes, hopefully). I must be honest...I didn't think I'd be that excited. I'm running 26.2 miles for pete's sake. Who would get excited about that?

But, as it draws closer, I am getting a little excited. I love racing. Competing. Anything to do with it. From packing up bags the night before (Court, remember teaching Ash all about packing, and repacking our transition bags at Halfmax???) to driving there to waiting for the gun to go off. Its so incredibly exciting! Maybe that's why I only lasted a WEEK after finishing my 17 year diving career until I joined a new team.

I also swam last night. It was only a 1500, but I really didn't want to overdo it and ruin my race taper. My body performs better with more rest, so I didn't take the chance. It was more of a "get wet" workout...just move around for 30 minutes type of deal anyway.

So, now while I should be going to turn in my thesis (for the 4578932748923rd time) I'm dreaming of Saturday wanting it to come, and then pass quickly...after all, I am running 26.2 miles!

Things I'm thankful for (post Thanksgiving)

1. That Moto is alive and kicking after a ridiculous car accident (See Moto's blog below to see pics)
2. Coffee
3. My parental units for sending me the best pre-race cookie EVER
4. Electric blankets
5. The fact that my gels WILL be here today...I was worried they were not going to make it before race day!
6. Having my athletic trainer from Jr. year on speed dial (THANK YOU DENNIS)

And so it begins....

Court warned me about this. How IM starts to take over your life. Well, I'm about 9 months out, and yes, it has begun. You can't escape it. First off, at Thanksgiving, I'm not even sure how it came up, but it did. And it was discussed for approximately 20 minutes. I felt bad...because its still 9 months away and I feel like its the center of my life already. Even on the phone last night, my dad said "are you ready for your marathon next saturday?"........a few things said.......and BAM!!! Ironman talk. I don't know how it happens. It's like it seeps out of my pores and it HAS to be brought up.

Then....Saturday night, I had an IM dream. I'd say it was my first one. I drempt that next Saturday morning is my marathon (which it is), and Saturday night was my IM!!! I woke up with so much anxiety...but in my dream, I did it anyway. I think I won both races, and then married Mr. Potato Head, but hey...a girl can dream??? (about winning, that is). So, I'm sorry to those of you who will cross my path in the next 9 months...because I suppose it only gets more intense from here...........