On the ground and in the sun...

First of all, thanks to everyone for all of your support and encouragement! It would have been much harder to be here if it weren't for y'all! You're the best!!! :)

It is an absolutely GORGEOUS day here in Tempe, AZ. I arrived in the balmy, okay downright hot, state of Arizona at 7:45am. Why exactly did I want to take a 5:20am flight again? Oh yeah, I wanted to swim this morning - which did not happen due to airport fun. I finally got to the hotel at 9:35 and the swim closed at 10. >sigh<

I spent the remainder of the morning re-assembling my bike. All parts were still there despite my momentary doubts when I opened the case to find the TSA slip of paper fitted nicely between my handle bars and seat post. I wonder if they have any idea the temporary anxiety they cause when one opens up a carefully and lovingly packed bike to find someone else has been rifling through it. That is why I don't fly my helmet packed in the case anymore b/c some lovely TSA person shifted it the last time I flew and it ended up getting crushed. I totally appreciate the need for security but they can probably see less by opening the case than by x-raying it. I mean every last thing was wrapped in a towel to keep it in place and scratch free. Phew, diatribe over!

I hopped on the bike and headed over to race headquarters to complete my registration. (I might add, at this point, that I am wearing my capri pants and t-shirt - mid-70s and a light breeze. Oh how I wish this would last through race morning!!) The bike was handling well - a good sign that I put it back together correctly and that the tune was done properly. I am feeling fantastic! I am still fighting a bit of a sinus thing but overall I am feeling the best I have in about 2 months.

I am officially registered now, complete with race stickers, BRIGHT pink swim cap, timing chip and transition bags. I will be thinking of you gals, Chelsea & April, when I don the swim cap. ;) Just in case you were wondering exactly how much gear one needs to do a race like this - check out the picture to the right. I will be wearing, consuming, using, etc everything (and a bit more) you see here. (This is why I have checklists and take 2 days to pack!)

Whenever I am on site for a race I am reminded why I put in all of the hours of training and beat up my body. The atmosphere is electric. People are excited about being in shape, competing in triathlons and pushing themselves to new limits. Everyone is so friendly and encouraging - from my fellow triathletes, to the sponsors and the volunteers. I sometimes forget that there are people out there who truly understand why I do what I do and who are just as excited to cross that finish line on Sunday as I am. It's an amazing community and I am so grateful to be a part of it.