Two weeks. Just saying it freaks me out.

I had a mental breakthrough this weekend. Instead of feeling frightened, insecure, and under trained… I have turned a corner and feel more confident than ever that I will become an Ironman on July 31st. My change in attitude is due to many factors:

1. The continued support of Team 303. Monica, Jeremy and Kara have continued to motivate and build my confidence throughout each training workout, week after week after freaking week. I am so lucky and extremely grateful to have them continue to push me towards this goal. There is absolutely no way I’d be ready without them.
2. My performance at the Boulder Peak Triathlon. As you may have already read. I shattered all of my previous race times this year without feeling like I pushed myself to my limits. I was very surprised at my times considering I was keeping my heart rate controlled throughout. This opened my eyes and showed me that my body is more fit than ever and has been a huge confidence booster ever since.
3. I ran 10 miles on Sunday with ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN in my knee. It’s a bloody miracle! My continued fight with my right IT band since October of ‘09 has been THE most frustrating aspect of my many, many months of training. After x-rays, an MRI, months of physical therapy, huge gaps in my run training, and several complete mental breakdowns, it appears there is a light at the end of this tunnel… and just in the nick of time. As you also may have read, I recently made an appointment with a foot doctor who analyzed my running stride and built me a pair of custom orthotic insoles for my running shoes. Though they feel awkward to my feet, I have been able to run 3, 5, and now 10 miles without experiencing any of the pain I usually feel at these distances. Losing this physical limitation has been the biggest mental boost I have experienced since day one. Now knowing that there is a possibility that I can finish 26.2 miles without my knee giving out has turned my fear into confidence. As Jeremy recently wrote to me… “I’m going to make this run my bitch!”
4. Words of wisdom from an experienced Ironman. Now that I’ve reached the pinnacle of my training, my focus must switch to preparing my body for reaching threshold distances, intense heat, and extreme endurance. This means giving special attention to nutrition before and during race day. I’ve turned to my friend Tom Ryan, who coached me at my tri-infancy back in Texas. Being an experienced Ironman many times over, his wisdom on race-preparation is very valuable to me and I am following his advice as strictly as I can. I’m very thankful for the “bonus” of having him on my team.
5. Knowing that I am as fit as I am going to get. After 10 months of training, there is a certain comfort in knowing that with only two weeks left until race day, I am not going to get any faster, or be more physically prepared than I already am. My workouts have tapered and rest is now an important preparation tool. At this point, I am as ready as I am going to be for this challenge. I’m either ready, or I’m not….
6. The support of my friends. In these last few weeks, a day has not gone by where I haven’t received some words of support from my friends and family. Even when my self-confidence seems low, every little bit of support gives me strength. I am grateful to have such a strong support system both near and far. You know who you are. My goal is to carry those words with me across the finish line.