So as the first time blogger I forgot to put up my update yesterday (thurs)....... but here is how it went...
Morning
- Got up early
- Met a Navy Seal in my elevator on my way down who told me they are here to parachute down into the race start prior to the cannon! Love it.
- Went down to the swim start to try out my new Xterra Speedsuit - works great
- Took off my new Speedsuit and ripped a little hole by the zipper - of course - oh well it'll hold up, I hope. There goes 150bucks
- GOFFY UNDERPANTS RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Met up with Karen (who I tried to meet the day before at the swim) and we did the goffy underpants run along side of Chris McCormick and that other dude who might win (I'm horrible and really bad with this whole celeb tri world). Anyway, they were super hot. Hundreds of people in their undies (or less) running down Ali'i Drive. SO FUN! AND SO HOT OUTSIDE!!!! I wore these XL men's white underwear that they were handing out - others were in everything you can imagine... we stopped for a minute at the swim start to do some stretches and the cameras came in and filmed us all being silly. I was sweating a ton just jogging down the block.... Saturday is gonna be sweaty.
- Lava Java for delish breakfast obviously
Afternoon
- Picked up my parents from the airport YAY!!!!!
- Walked down the street to get them a bite to eat... but ended up at the Newton Running Shoe tent first..... yay for parents in town to help me buy some new bright yellow shoes to take home! (Madd Marty you're not the only one with Newtons anymore... SDRI should start carrying them they are pretty awesome)
- Food
- Got on my bike for a spin around the block to make sure gears were doin well - and I got the bracket for my aerobottle because I'm nervous the winds will make it juggle around.
Evening:
CARBO LOADING PARTY - NOW I FEEL IT: I am SOOOOOOOOO Fortunate to be here - I can't tell you amazing this place is!!!!!
- The stories we heard were unbelievable - winners, repeat winners, challenged athletes etc
- All repeat Ironman Hawaii competitors stood up - then the 5yr+ kept standing - then the 10yr - then the 15yr - then the 20yrs+ were remaining - there is a guy who has competed in over 20 Ironman Hawaii Championships! Unreal.
- Then all first timers stood up - I stood up and so did almost the whole place - WOW! I'd guess about 1700 of the 1850 participants were standing with me - so that means we are all in it together.... the winds, the heat... scary thoughts in all our minds.
- We had a 10min show of how the Big Island of Hawaii is an Ironman too - how it is the FIRE and TORMENT etc etc........ AHHHHH... the video was of people passing out, falling over, puking, getting IVs in their arms, falling off their bikes, crashing into things, laying flat on the side of the road... I'm not sure if that was made to make us all aware of the dangers of this race or what but it was quite terrifying.
- Then a funny little spoof of Ironman with the "Ironman Professors" was shown to make everyone laugh and get excited again.
- The night ended with a required meeting with all the swim/bike/run directors, nutritionists, aid station directors and the head refs etc to go over rules and details on the race course
I went to bed with chills, this CRAZY place has turned into an unbelievably sacred spot - I am so, so lucky to be here amongst the top athletes from around the world - 250 germans competing, about 200 aussies, 150 japanese and on and on..... Amazing people. Amazing place. I'm ready for an amazing day. (And I'm ready for it to be OVER!)
Goal: Cross the finish line. Cross the finish line. CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
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8 comments:
Go Girl! I will so be thinking about your race! YOu are so ready. Big hugs and see you when you get home.
We haven't officially met but from everything I've heard about you I am betting big bucks that you will finish under 11 hours. Remember that many of us are very jealous of you at this moment!
Good luck Kassie. I was there the day they drew your name at Lavaman. Live it up....for many of us this is only just a dream!! Wish you all the best!!!!!!
Maybe we can take a quick collection to send Coach G out to meet you at Lulu's after the race.
Check out your pictures from Mission Bay Tri. You look like a total tri stud(ette)...oh yeah you are.
Have a great time and good luck!
Robbie
Kassssiiiee!!! For a non blogger you write a great blog. I remember just 6 months ago you were sitting on a nice cool lounge chair overlooking A'Bay, soaking up the sunset, a few days before Lavaman. Little did you know that IM Hawaii was just around the corner. Have fun, chill & soak in the sights. We'll be clicking that refresh button :) -Emily Y.
You are going to do great! Enjoy every minute of the race. You only have the 1st IM experience once, take it all in. I'll be tracking you all day and sending you thoughts of strength and endurance. Remember, take the race one aid station at a time.
Rest as much as you can and stay off your feet today!!!
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I want a picture with youuuu!!! So proud to be your lil sis... have fun and enjoy the experience. Sending happy thoughts and smiles your way!!
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