A Mysterious Virus & A Strange Calm

What the doctor thought was Strep is instead a mysterious virus that is still attacking my throat and weakening my body. I feel a little better today (I can at least stand up for 5 min.), but still not good. I rested all day, then packed for the trip in the evening.

In a strange, but good way, I feel like the pressure of the race has been lifted because I am sick. I still plan to race, but without the expectations of myself that I've had throughout the season. I will just be glad to be healthy and able to compete. I will probably take it a bit easier than I had planned and will hope that I can still make the time cut-offs. Considering all of the obstacles I've faced throughout the season that have infringed upon my training, I will be so proud to even make it to the start. Since the beginning of the season in October, I:

• Moved apartments
• Started dating Derek, realized that he is my "one"
• Moved again
• Learned how to live with my "one"
• Rehab'd an injured shoulder
• Managed my job without a boss for 6+ months
• Rehab'd a chronic back injury
• Took over my co-workers job, plus my own job, while assisting a new boss
• Attended two out-of-town weddings (a bridesmaid in one)
• Traveled for work A LOT!!!
• Tried to keep in touch with my friends, but failed miserably, only to realize who my true friends are
• Gave up caffeine so that when I take it on race day it will actually have an effect (this may have been the hardest!)
• Went back on caffeine (seriously, do I really need it to give me a boost in the race? I'll be fine with out it = ).
• Trained A LOT!!! in the 35 degree sleet and 100 degree heat (the hardest workout was 9 hours straight- 3 30 mile bike loops with 3 3 mi. runs in between - on one of the 100 degree days, 9 hours is a long time, especially when the workout is an hour away! We left our house that day at 6:30 am, only to return after quickly grabbing a burrito at 7:30pm!)

So in summary, if for some reason my race-day experience falls short, I will look back on this year and realize that triumphs and struggles have made me a stronger person whether or not I can officially call myself an "Ironman", and that the journey is as valuable to me as I hope the race will be. I am so lucky to have my health and that of my family and friends, and I am thankful to be able to help those who face obstacles much greater than mine while simultaneously accomplishing one of my big dreams. Team-In-Training rocks.