Countdown begins

Redman is less than a month away. It is hard to believe that the days are counting down.

This weekend, I am going to Des Moines to participate in the HyVee Triathlon, an Olympic distance. It is also called a 5150, which represents the total number of meters in the event: 1500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bike, 10 kilometer run. The water temperature at Gray's Lake is still in the 80's, so it won't be wetsuit-legal. I am not concerned, though I knew when I see the course for the first time, it will be a bit freaky, as it will look like a heck of a long way. But, I know I can do it, wetsuit or not as I've done the distance many times before. I anticipate it to take me about three hours give or take to finish.

Tomorrow I will turn 50, finally catching up to the age group that I have been racing in this year. Another milestone that is hard to believe.

I still have a couple more hard weeks of training before the goal race arrives, even though mentally, I am ready for it to be over. The long rides we did in anticipation of the Eurekan, while necessary to be successful for that event, have taken their toll. I'm tired of the long bike rides, even though I know I need to continue to get the bike miles under my belt.

I hope that after this race, I will get a second wind and finish strong on this journey that has taken me so far. Regardless, the goal is in sight...I just need to keep my eye on the prize and one foot in front of the other.

The Eurekan

To keep things interesting, a group of us have signed up to do the Eurekan Sports Festival, a 3-day event in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This consists of a very short sprint tri on Friday afternoon, a century bike ride on Saturday and a 10K race Sunday morning. We have been incorporating long bike rides into our training plan to prepare for what I'm sure will be a very arduous ride on Saturday.

We did a 90-mile (I cut it short at 82) ride around Parkville, MO on Saturday, which was indeed arduous. It was extremely hard with really long climbs and warm temps. I had plenty of time to feel sorry for myself! But, at the same time, I had a great feeling of accomplishment for being able to suffer through it. I am still somewhat apprehensive about what to expect in Arkansas. Having been to that area many times, I know it will be hard...

But, it will be fun. When it's over. :)