Finals Week...One Long Exam
Well, here we are. The last week before the race. I knew this time would come...but I can't believe it is here.
Last weekend was the last long ride. Len and I drove up to Wilmot, WI for a nice century ride, which turned into a 107 mile ride because we got lost....so be it. [It] was a beautiful day with perfect weather. Lots of cows and barns, farmers in overalls, motorcycle rallies and people in spandex. Len, who had not ridden in 5 weeks due to injury, rode 75 miles...which is absolutely amazing!!As for this week, its hard to get used to the taper. You totally feel like a slacker! You still can't go out and party but you seem to have so much more time on your hands! Makes me think how much of a different person I will be when this is over!
Sent my bike out on Monday to be shipped out to the netherlands of the West Coast!! Oh Boy!! Of course, the spring on my tri bars broke as I was finishing the ride last Sunday but a little late in the game to get new bars....so we just strapped them down. I can't wait to get out there and see all these crazy high tech bikes that weigh 8oz next to mine, with chicken wire holding down one tri bar...hehehehe. Oh Well.
Getting a little nervous I do have to admit. Its a good nervous though. Haven't done an open water swim, but I can't think about it. Hope to get in the water out there next weekend, before the race. The weather looks like it should be nice...not too hot...let's hope this is true!
I was thinking how cool it would have been to rig up a video camera on my bike so anyone [who wanted] could watch as I made the long bike ride. Maybe next time...hehehe. My body is feeling good overall and my spirits are up! A big thanks ahead of time for all your support and encouragement. You have no idea how important that is to me. I will keep you all posted!!
Here are a few things I can't wait to do when this is all over:
- Stay out late
- Not schedule my entire week/life around my workouts
- Eat/drink whatever I want
- Take a salsa dance class
- Read a book
- Take a road trip
- Plan my wedding (PS: Congrats Cathy!!!)
- Sleep in without an alarm
- Catch up with friends
- Have a freaking life!!
Visualize It: Stone Cold Chillin'(Replace Water Bottle with Beer)
Katie MacGuyver
I've got to hand out some kudos to Katie for MacGuyvering up her aerobars, as the spring in her flip up armrest fell out during our ride in Wilmot. However, unlike Katie, you need not revert to using chicken wire (except in MacGuyver-like conditions, ie. where stopping a madman's plan to blow up the world is somehow dependent upon fixing your aerobar). With the great amount of flexibility to adjust aerobars, they can likewise be broken down or separated out into individual pieces. Although the spring isn't easily replaced, you can replace the entire flip up bracket (see inset).A good rule of thumb about bike parts: no matter how miniscule or seemingly insignificant a part may be, like the sponge or straw for your aero water bottle, someone somewhere has probably broken it off, lost it, or mangled it before you, so instead of replacing the whole bike, derailleur, etc. you can probably find a replacement part and/or get it fixed.
Well Wishes
Before I pass along some final words of wisdom, I wanted to send out my well wishes to all those heading out to Idaho on the Katie Karavan. As you can see, the caravan is undergoing some final touches and we're still awaiting the final shipment of cowbells.We all know that Katie's got a fever, and the only prescription is "MORE COWBELL!" So feel free to explore the space Katie, explore the space.
To the girl who understands that life is about moments (whether its getting lost in Kenosha, mooing at cows along the way, or getting splattered by road-kill opossum juice), enjoy every mile because they'll be as fleeting as your feet on the run - Len
Way to go K8T! What an accomplishment to complete the training. I'm so proud of you! - Love, Michelle S.
I wish you well. Don't worry about the lack of an open water swim...you probably avoided coming down w/ open water bateriaitis sickness that way! - Amy
GOOD luck Katie!!! I'll be thinking about you!! I know you'll do great! - Love, Emily
Oh KTTM (Katie To The Max) - we are so-o-o proud of you.
- we have LOVED your updates on your progress (note to self - don't mention the pain);
- we have forwarded them on to perfect strangers who now cheer you on as we do;
- we are amazed at your strength and endurance:
- we laugh when you laugh at the things that have gone awry
- we winced when your cycle failed you;
- we cheered when you were undaunted;
- we will never mention the 'incident' in your spandex;
- we can't wait - like you - when your 'life after IronWoman' allows you to once again hang out with us.
YOU GO GIRL !!!!!!!!!!!! - maf
Congrats on coming this far! Your dedication will pay off. I still remember what an old man told me the day before IM Florida (he had completed 24 ironmans). He said, "Don't just savor the finish line. Savor every minute." Savor every minute Katie! I'll be thinking of you! - Erin K
KT: What can I say? I got you totally roped into this crazy race and then back out (and you thought it was an injury…!). I am so proud that you continued to plug along without me and will be lining up to jump in Lake Coeur D’Alene before sunrise on Sunday morning. What is a 2.4 mile swim anyway? NO problem!! You know how we always laugh that once you get out of the water, the hard part is over!!! At least you can’t sink or drown on the bike or the run. And you are a whiz at changing a flat now. To think that a year ago, you and I were hanging out along the side of the road in BFE with a flat wondering what the H-E-double hockey sticks we were going to do. You have come full circle, my friend. So I will think of you jumping on the bike (messed up tri bars and all) singing songs and enjoying every minute of that ride.
Remember – you are out there to have fun and you are one of the lucky ones that as the ability to participate. When people ask why you are doing it? Because you CAN!!! And during the rough spots, remember that if it was easy, everyone would do it. And just visualize what it will feel like to cross that finish line and hear those fabulous words…” Katie…YOU are an IRONMAN!!!!!”
Okay, I am now welling up with tears and wishing I was there next to you --- but, I will be there all damn day long in spirit. I love you tons and cannot wait to hear all of the glorious details! YOU ROCK!!! - Stacie
Congrats on coming this far! Your dedication will pay off. I still remember what an old man told me the day before IM Florida (he had completed 24 ironmans). He said, "Don't just savor the finish line. Savor every minute." Savor every minute Katie! I'll be thinking of you! - Erin K
KT: What can I say? I got you totally roped into this crazy race and then back out (and you thought it was an injury…!). I am so proud that you continued to plug along without me and will be lining up to jump in Lake Coeur D’Alene before sunrise on Sunday morning. What is a 2.4 mile swim anyway? NO problem!! You know how we always laugh that once you get out of the water, the hard part is over!!! At least you can’t sink or drown on the bike or the run. And you are a whiz at changing a flat now. To think that a year ago, you and I were hanging out along the side of the road in BFE with a flat wondering what the H-E-double hockey sticks we were going to do. You have come full circle, my friend. So I will think of you jumping on the bike (messed up tri bars and all) singing songs and enjoying every minute of that ride.
Remember – you are out there to have fun and you are one of the lucky ones that as the ability to participate. When people ask why you are doing it? Because you CAN!!! And during the rough spots, remember that if it was easy, everyone would do it. And just visualize what it will feel like to cross that finish line and hear those fabulous words…” Katie…YOU are an IRONMAN!!!!!”
Okay, I am now welling up with tears and wishing I was there next to you --- but, I will be there all damn day long in spirit. I love you tons and cannot wait to hear all of the glorious details! YOU ROCK!!! - Stacie
1 comment:
Kate, It seems generic to say how proud we all are of you, but we all truly are. And I think deep down most of us are jealous that your body allows you to do the things you do. The rest of us watch TV. So much good luck coming your way this weekend! We will be thinking about you every step of the way!
Post a Comment