Sunday, October 4, 2009

Race Week

Some random musings for a Sunday night....

Not that this will come as a huge surprise, but I'm not a big fan of tapering. My energy levels are returning to normal which is cool I guess. I actually stayed awake through a *whole* movie last night and that hasn't happened in, um, a long time. But I find myself antsy most of the time... tapping my fingers or toes and just wanting time to pass faster than it is. And I'm not feeling super stellar in my workouts right now. I don't feel bad, per say, but I guess you'd just think that with all this rest I'd be getting faster and feeling better while training but that's just not the case so far. I have been assured that this is normal so I'm not freaking out about it or anything, but I am looking forward to feeling really strong or something. Instead, I just kind of feel blah. It's weird- like I need a big training week to get myself pumped up. Hopefully I snap out of this and my sassy self comes to visit in a few days. If I were a betting woman, I'd say I'm gonna be fine before Saturday.

I finally started packing. I made a detailed list yesterday and it is two pages long. The second page is all the stuff I need to bring for Moana. Traveling to an Ironman with a toddler* is going to be different than traveling to an Ironman by myself. So much to think about, especially given that she eats mostly homemade food that I make for her... but without a kitchen this weekend I'm not going to be able to do that so I'll be improvising. I was out running this morning trying to figure out my race nutrition, but the whole time I couldn't even think about my race- instead I was trying to figure out what Moana was going to eat all day and what kind of instructions I'm going to have to provide for Scott to ensure her survival on Saturday. 'Race Day Nutrition Strategy' takes on a whole new meaning when you can't think about anyone but your almost one year old daughter.

So I'll probably be the last competing athlete to arrive in Kona this year. Seems like everyone is there already**... I'm getting updates via facebook from so many athletes about what's going on over there and I feel so left out! It's my choice, I know, not to go until Wednesday afternoon. In the end it's no big deal because it's not like I have to acclimate to the climate or time zone, and I've been there before so I know the course and the water and all that... but it is fun to take part in all the race week activities and soak up all the energy. I just figured that 5 days would be quite enough for Moana so we're not going too early. I'm flying over with Moana on Wednesday afternoon, and then Scott is going to come join us on Thursday after work. So I'll have my hands full traveling with a bike and a baby by myself. Yeah. Wish me luck on that one. And I don't know what I was thinking, scheduling our flight right during Moana's afternoon nap time. Hello?? Earth to Michelle??? Flights go from Honolulu to Kona every hour all day long and I picked her nap time? Ugh. I must have had a major brain fart that day I bought our tickets.

Anyway, in good news, when we get to Kona we'll be staying right in town near the start/finish. I'll be able to walk to the pier on Saturday morning rather than needing Scott to pack up Moana and try to drive me down. Yep, another decision that was based around Moana's needs. I figured that way Scott could walk down as well when they were ready to watch the swim, and then easily get back to the room so she could nap while I'm out on the bike (and then again while I'm running). So we're not staying in the nicest place in Kona (an understatement) but the location is good so that's what's important for us. Watching an Ironman is hard work so I want to make it as easy as possible for Scott and Moana. Mama wants a smiling family for the photo at the finish line. :)

*Yes, Moana is officially a toddler. She's walking all over the place, expressing her desires in no uncertain terms, and even throwing a token tantrum now and then. I can no longer call her a baby.

**I just got off the phone with Marit! We had the longest conversation because we just couldn't stop talking... what a cool girl. Looking forward to hanging out with her this week!

13 comments:

Angela and David said...

Saturday will seem easy compared to flying with a baby and a bike alone! Moana will be great while you are out racing but I'm sure it will be the added little incentive you need to pick up the pace on the run when you think you've got nothing left.

X-Country2 said...

I'm sure Moana will get a few extra nutrients when she picks up empty GU from the course streets and starts eating them. :o)

Regina said...

It will all work out: food for Moana, your trip, your race. You are prepared and are going to do great and what a prize at the finish, your little munchkin! Best of luck!

Jennifer Cunnane said...

All your hard work is paying off - enjoy taper week! No surprise you feel sluggish at first, I think most people do but the rest will pay off for race day!!

Lizzie said...

You're more organized than you think! And (hopefully) you'll be surprised by offers of help from like-minded travellers on the you-and-Moana portion of the trip. Don't stress . . . I think there's enough Mama Simmons blog readers out there who more nervous than you are about everything and aren't even in Kona!! :)

Mnowac said...

Wow, what a lot to think about! Best of luck getting everything packed and in order. I bet you will make a lot of lists this week. Can't wait to read your race report.

Beth said...

HAHA!! I feel like I should be in Kona now too (with everyone there, etc...) and I'm not even racing!! :) But like you said, you don't need to acclimate to the heat, the time zone or the course. You already got all that down and more. :) Best of luck with the travel - you are one brave momma! :)

N.D. said...

so exciting!! :)

Rebecca DeWire said...

I second Angela's comment that the race will be easy after the travel to the big island. I am so excited for you!!!! Make sure that you post lots of pics.

Clare said...

wow, i didn't know it was a huge party before the race! crazy but sure sounds fun! i always worry too much about the kid but they sure do adapt way better than we give them credit for.

Sara said...

Once you get all the junk packed, you'll be good to go! I so wish we were going to cheer you on!! I am having flashbacks of 2007...we'll be cheering for you on the Internet though :) Have a great trip and race. Can't wait to hear about it! GOOD LUCK!

Allison Chapple said...

We're not walking here yet, but the tantrums are out in full-force. I can't believe almost a year has passed!!

I have butterflies for your race! Jason and I were talking about you last night and how pumped we are that we "know" someone who is racing!

MamaFeather said...

Michelle - GOOD luck! I can't wait for the race report and something, will you please post your lists? Those will be super helpful in 9 or so months. :)

We'll be sending you awesome race vibes from NYC!