Thursday, October 1, 2009

OCTOBER!

October is an exciting month around here... First Ironman, then Moana's Birthday!

I cannot believe it is October already.

I distinctly remember last October... feeling super fat... big like a house... 9 months pregnant sitting at this computer watching Ironman online and all depressed that I wasn't there and thinking about the distinct possibility that I never would be there again... I swear, I NEVER would have guessed that this year I'd be racing there. NEVER.

But alas, in 9 days I'll take off at the sound of the cannon with all those other nervous athletes and I promise you, I will enjoy every stinkin' minute of it. :)

So lately I've been getting the same questions over and over again... From those who maybe don't know me very well or haven't seen me in a while I get, "Are you ready?" To which I answer confidently, "Yes." I am ready. There's no doubt about that. I've done every workout assigned to me, and I nailed all the key ones. I think I worked hard enough, but I don't think it was too hard. I think I did enough, but I don't think I was ever overtrained. I am ready.

The next question I get is, "Are you excited?" To that one, I answer, "Not quite yet." To be totally honest, I haven't thought a lot about the race itself. Every time I start to imagine it, I get images of how incredibly overwhelmed I was last time as I was quietly looking around me and taking it all in as I was getting in the water to wait for that crazy swim to start. It makes my heart palpitate a bit too much so I just put it away and stop thinking about it. That being said, if I can change my focus to thinking about being at the finish line and having my picture taken with Scott and Moana, I get excited. :) I am also excited about being there in Kona and meeting a bunch of my blogger friends... And there will be a ton of people there who I actually already know- my friend Kathy is coming all the way from Chicago, and a whole bunch of athlete friends from here will be there watching and cheering (and some racing of course too!) so the whole weekend will be quite social. I'm excited about that!

The last question I've been getting is, "Are you nervous?" My answer? "No." I don't feel I have anything to be nervous about. I mean, I'm not trying to qualify for anything. I don't have delusional ambitions about winning. There's no one in particular that I'm trying to beat. I'm sure my body has the ability to go the distance. So once again, I find myself feeling more curious than anything. Curious about how fast I can go... Curious about how long I can hold off those gazelle runner girls before they pass me... Curious about how I'm going to feel while running that marathon... just curious. I have nothing to be nervous about?

So there you go. October is here. Sweet. What a fun month this is going to be!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah Michelle! I am so happy for you and I love your confidence. I am learning this is key, especially when I see so many other people letting their nerves take hold and questioning everything. YOU ARE READY and I hope you enjoy your day. I'll be there cheering you on! Go! go! go! :)))

H said...

I can't tell you how excited we are and that's just to watch the race unfold on-line!! I really, really, really wish we were there even just to spectate so I'll be cheering super loud from my computer at home. Have the most amazing race, you deserve a fantastic day after all of your hard work and whatever the outcome Scott & Moana have one fit mama :)
H x

Rebecca DeWire said...

It has been so fun to follow your blog this last year. Kona is such a special race and I can't wait to follow you online. Enjoy the rest of your taper and I wait to see that finish line pic :)

GetBackJoJo said...

I willing be watching on the live feed! Make sure you're smiling! I know you will be.
Congrats on the journey you made. Motherhood gives so much--but it can take away too if you don't fight a bit. I'm glad you fought and you're at the starting line.

Allison Chapple said...

I am so pumped for you. Can't wait to track you on race day and cheer you on in spirit.

X-Country2 said...

I'm so excited for you. You really have come a long way in a year. :o)

Big Daddy Diesel said...

October rocks. I love your confidence

Kathy Nelson said...

I cannot wait to see you, Scott and meet Moana!!!!!! leave in 24 hours:)

cherelli said...

Oh boy, 9 days hey? Bet you almost wish it were tomorrow it's so close. I remember stumbling across your blog around this time last year - boy what a year, it is so neat you get to see your year old daughter and husband at the finish line, congratulations on all the training you have done to make this happen! Have a fantastic day at the biggest Ironman event in the world :)

RunningMama said...

I remember this time last year so fondly, too...and remember being so jealous that you had Moana first! You are one amazing lady for making it to Kona before Moana is even 1!

Katie A. said...

Your confidence is a real inspriation. You have come a long way this year and I am soooo excited for you! I would love to watch the race unfold on-line, too! Can you tell me where I can go to watch it?
Enjoy the weekend and the upcoming week - you deserve it! :)

Kathy said...

What an awesome attitude. Have a great time in the race.

Angela and David said...

Woo hoo! It's finally October. I have enjoyed reading about your journey so much! Can't wait to cheer you on over the computer - wish I could be there in person.

Kate Parker said...

Sounds like you have a perfect attitude for the race. So excited to be rooting you all day!

Clare said...

love the calm attitude. i never have delusions of winning anything, yet i am also never calm before a race!

Charisa said...

I agree - I am curious too. Have a safe trip over - I'll look out for you, it's going to be so FUN! :) Glad you get to race this year and that you don't feel like a HOUSE right now! (That made me laugh!!)

Natalie D said...

so exciting, you're such an inspiration!