Free Falling....Apart

The last three days have been crazy. I feel like I'm falling apart, mentally and physically. I'll just give you the high/low lites of these days.

Monday: My daughters 11th birthday. Wow, in some ways it feels like forever ago that she was born, but in others just like yesterday. I remember her birthday (literally) vividly, and the next several months. Good and bad times, as all mothers/parents know and can relate. But I wouldn't change having her for ANYTHING! She is the light of my life, and she makes our entire family so much happier. I love you Peanut!

Rest day, although I did do a very easy 1000 meter swim at the outdoor pool. Just enough to move and loosen up all the 53 year old joints and bones. I was tired, but felt better after.

Met a veteran IMer at the pool, who asked me how I felt. My response was "tired, achy, cranky, just want to get this over with". He could relate. In fact, he mentioned that the way I felt was a good indication that I trained hard and that my taper was working. Yuk! He's doing IM WI the week after Kentucky, so he could definitely relate to what I was feeling. So, I guess that's another highlight!

I spent a lot of the day preparing my daughters first couple weeks of school, since the first week we leave for Louisville, and the second week, well, I'll probably not feel like doing a whole lot the week after the race. We homeschool, so it's a bit of a responsibility to get started on my part. This will be our third year, so while I don't consider myself a veteran, at least I have a little experience and feel a bit more prepared.

Tuesday: 1500 meter swim, followed by a 22 mile bike. Swam and rode relatively hard. Felt good after, at least for a while. Later in the p.m. my bad knee (has had 3 scopes) started bothering me. Now, know that through all the hard, long, hilly bike rides and runs, my knee has been great. Why does it bother me now, when I'm actually taking it easy? Well, I did do a lot of running (for me) last week. I'm hoping with the rest during the taper, it will get better. It did feel better Wednesday a.m.

Tuesday p.m. was the Freshman Family Night at the high school for my son. Let's just say I don't envy him come next Monday. It's a big high school, and it's going to be a big adjustment for him, coming from a small, private school and homeschooling. Also, we're taking him out of school for two days to travel to Louisville. I've been told that this could be a real problem. Too bad, says my husband, we'll work it out! I think I'm going to let him call the attendance office and explain why he won't be there! It scares me!

One of the reasons I haven't posted is our internet service was really messed up. In and out, finally more out and in. Comcast came and fixed it yesterday, so we're good to go. I never realized how much I relied on it, until it was gone.

Today, I had a nice bike ride with my friend. She needed to ride 2.5 hours, I only had to do 1.5. We rode together for about two hours, then I headed back. Thanks for the company, route, and fun conversation, E2! It was great riding with you!

After, I stretched out, swam really easy outside, and finally headed home. Here I sit, worried or maybe nervous is the better word about so many things pertaining to Louisville. I can't believe it's almost here. Next week will be insane crazy: packing, kids starting school, etc.

Youtube has a great post of Heather Golnick riding/running and reviewing the bike and run course. She won the race last year and is competing again this year. At first, I thought this would give me more confidence and make me feel better about the race. WRONG! I think I would have been better off not knowing some things. Oh, boy, more things to worry about.

So, just a couple more days of what I call real training. Short run tomorrow, off on Friday (and I DO plan to take the day off). 60 minute swim/3 hour bike brick on Saturday; 90 minute run on Sunday. Hopefully, my mind and body will make it through. I think I'll be more nervous the less training time I have. GOOD GRIEF, CHARLIE BROWN!

Anyway, hope everyone out there is having a great week.

Until next time--God bless!