up to Muskoka today

Hello Everyone,

It is hard to believe but the time has come to put the hard work and practice races into practice.  Yesterday was my last small run and now its rest until Sunday.  I'm heading up to Muskoka today with my friend and training partner Jeff, his wife Erin and their son Jeff Junior.   I can't thank Jeff and Erin enough for driving me up to the lake and to different places for training.  Although I don't mind driving I much prefer to be a passenger and supplying the coffee and treats.  

I'll be taking the PC and will try to blog each day with an update.  Today we register, receive our race packs and I'm sure we'll be heading to the Ironman tent to purchase something cool.  Tomorrow we put our bikes into transition and then Sunday its race day.  On Sunday my wave starts at 8:30am and then the fun begins.  During Sunday although my coach will be out on his motorbike as a referee I think he will be blogging at some point - http://ironmotivation.blogspot.ca/ - or you can track us at http://ironmanmuskoka.com/ - the link is at the top right for IronmanLive.  They have a live option or a track the athlete option. I'll know my race number later today.

Over the past weeks I have been reading Chrissie Wellingtons' autobiography on her success as a pro triathlete.  It has been inspiring and a huge thank you to Tara, my other training buddy, for lending it to me.  It is hard to believe what these pros put their bodies through everyday and how much pain becomes a way of life.  What I appreciate the most though was the numerous times Chrisse mentioned the age groupers and how she respected us for doing what we do.  She recognizes the devotion each and everyone of us have for this sport as we balance family, work, life and training while the pros have the privilege of having the sport be their work.  It was a fascinating read.  Rumor has it her boyfriend Tom is racing Muskoka. 

I'll be back !
Liz