And just like that, it’s over. If I could rewind the clock and do it all over again today, I
would in a heart beat. This was by far, the most incredible, most memorable day
of my life. Here’s how it went down…
I was originally scheduled to fly out on Wednesday but with Hurricane Sandy heading up the east coast, I made the decision on Saturday morning to hop in the car with my parents and head down on Sunday. My parents were already driving my gear and bike down but moved up their departure day due to the storm. I was so stressed on Saturday but arriving in Panama City on Monday worked out for the best. I was able to lay out my stuff as soon as we arrived and then spend the rest of the week trying to relax as much as possible.
When we arrived early in the week the ocean was rough! Like big waves and white caps rough. There was no one in the water practicing and the condition of the water had me worried. I was hoping to get my first practice swim in on Wednesday but due to the conditions, I pushed it off a day in hopes it would calm down a bit. Instead I headed right to athlete check-in at 9am and left with my blue wrist band that made it all official!!
On Thursday morning I headed over to swim and you would have thought it was race day. I was so scared!! My stomach was a mess and I was on the verge of tears. The water had calmed down only a little bit and you had to get past some pretty good breakers and strong current before there was any swimming to be done. But within seconds of being in the water, I felt good. I only did a short swim but I knew if I could handle those conditions, and it was only suppose to get better, that I would be ok on race day. I felt great after this and really started getting excited.
On Friday morning I headed over to drop off my bike and gear bags and to scope out the lay out of the transition area. Andy, my Dad, and I set up a plan so I knew exactly where I would see everyone on race day. Once we left the race site, it set in just how real this was and back at the condo, I curled up in bed to collect my thoughts. While Andy was gone picking up my sisters at the airport, I had a little break down. My mind was racing and fear was definitely setting in.
After setting FOUR alarm clocks, it was lights out at 9pm. Surprisingly; I got a good night sleep and woke up Saturday morning feeling well rested. At the condo, my nerves were at bay. I went through all my “race day” lists making sure I had everything and Andy and I headed to the start around 5:15am. It was crowded and dark but there was a quiet energy I can’t really explain. We dropped off my special need bags, I got marked and then we headed to bike transition so I could fill my bottles and pump my tires. I checked my bike over, said a quick prayer that it wouldn't fall apart on the ride, and headed to the boardwalk to start to suit up.
So far everything was calm and methodical. I was going through the motions, staying focused and just in awe of what was going on around me. So many people, racers and spectators, signs, team shirts, smiles, tears…it was amazing. And I was a part of it. Crazy.
After I got my wet suit on, we headed to the beach and found my family. This is where the “oh shit, what am I doing?” hit me. I’m not sure what I was feeling at this moment but I just started crying. I said my good byes, hugs and kisses, and headed over to the swim start. Everyone seemed calm, me included, but eyes were filled with tears. I was in a sea of green swim caps with very few pink caps around me. I didn’t know if I was in a good position or not because a lot of racers were starting in the water and not on the beach. I knew I wanted to be in the top third, right behind the first quarter, and found myself moving up towards the front a little bit more. I knew I could handle the swim and didn’t want to get stuck behind people that would hinder me. I'd rather take a few hits than spend my time trying to navigate around people. I barely had time to think about anything more and the gun went off...
I was originally scheduled to fly out on Wednesday but with Hurricane Sandy heading up the east coast, I made the decision on Saturday morning to hop in the car with my parents and head down on Sunday. My parents were already driving my gear and bike down but moved up their departure day due to the storm. I was so stressed on Saturday but arriving in Panama City on Monday worked out for the best. I was able to lay out my stuff as soon as we arrived and then spend the rest of the week trying to relax as much as possible.
When we arrived early in the week the ocean was rough! Like big waves and white caps rough. There was no one in the water practicing and the condition of the water had me worried. I was hoping to get my first practice swim in on Wednesday but due to the conditions, I pushed it off a day in hopes it would calm down a bit. Instead I headed right to athlete check-in at 9am and left with my blue wrist band that made it all official!!
On Thursday morning I headed over to swim and you would have thought it was race day. I was so scared!! My stomach was a mess and I was on the verge of tears. The water had calmed down only a little bit and you had to get past some pretty good breakers and strong current before there was any swimming to be done. But within seconds of being in the water, I felt good. I only did a short swim but I knew if I could handle those conditions, and it was only suppose to get better, that I would be ok on race day. I felt great after this and really started getting excited.
On Friday morning I headed over to drop off my bike and gear bags and to scope out the lay out of the transition area. Andy, my Dad, and I set up a plan so I knew exactly where I would see everyone on race day. Once we left the race site, it set in just how real this was and back at the condo, I curled up in bed to collect my thoughts. While Andy was gone picking up my sisters at the airport, I had a little break down. My mind was racing and fear was definitely setting in.
After setting FOUR alarm clocks, it was lights out at 9pm. Surprisingly; I got a good night sleep and woke up Saturday morning feeling well rested. At the condo, my nerves were at bay. I went through all my “race day” lists making sure I had everything and Andy and I headed to the start around 5:15am. It was crowded and dark but there was a quiet energy I can’t really explain. We dropped off my special need bags, I got marked and then we headed to bike transition so I could fill my bottles and pump my tires. I checked my bike over, said a quick prayer that it wouldn't fall apart on the ride, and headed to the boardwalk to start to suit up.
So far everything was calm and methodical. I was going through the motions, staying focused and just in awe of what was going on around me. So many people, racers and spectators, signs, team shirts, smiles, tears…it was amazing. And I was a part of it. Crazy.
After I got my wet suit on, we headed to the beach and found my family. This is where the “oh shit, what am I doing?” hit me. I’m not sure what I was feeling at this moment but I just started crying. I said my good byes, hugs and kisses, and headed over to the swim start. Everyone seemed calm, me included, but eyes were filled with tears. I was in a sea of green swim caps with very few pink caps around me. I didn’t know if I was in a good position or not because a lot of racers were starting in the water and not on the beach. I knew I wanted to be in the top third, right behind the first quarter, and found myself moving up towards the front a little bit more. I knew I could handle the swim and didn’t want to get stuck behind people that would hinder me. I'd rather take a few hits than spend my time trying to navigate around people. I barely had time to think about anything more and the gun went off...
1 comment:
I can't begin to imagine how you were feeling! So many hours and weeks and month and it all comes down to this. You captured the moment well.
I am so amped up just reading this!
I woke up just before you were set to start and thought of you immediately. It followed along all day as closely as I could and I loved the updates from your Mom/sister.
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