The Gang's All Here

I've had the opportunity to be a participant in all of this training but just once, today for example, I wanted so desperately to be a spectator. I can only imagine the view of the sun shining across the waters at Lake Murray in November when you spot a line of kayaks paddling forward along the dam as swimmers in wetsuits make their way across the still waters. I wonder if I would cheer them on...wonder what they were training for...be inspired? What would it be like to be them rather than us for just one day? And soon enough, I remember, I have been there...I was once one of them. And I wonder if maybe, just maybe, I will ever choose to go back to being one of THEM. As much as I am ready for this chapter to be over, I don't see my life in fast forward being any other way than among the company of other triathletes who enjoy pushing the limits equally.

We had about 8-9 swimmers today with 5-6 kayaks leading our way or bringing up the back of the pack. Today was a much stronger swim for me. I forced myself to spend less time being bored and more on making my way out in front and staying ahead of the faster swimmers. Although I didn't stay ahead, I did feel stronger. It was nice today to hear several say that I'd had a strong swim. I even got a compliment that I'd lost more weight. (don't see that but thanks). I remained focused for 95% of the swim and it turned out to be a very good hour long swim. We all had a successful swim which makes it even better.

After the swim was the Ironman Kickoff Party held at one of the participant's restaurants. This was an opportunity not to size up the competition but to be among fellow competitors all vying for the same prize - finisher status. Whether it's the first for some of us or one of many for others, the nervous energy that could be felt in every conversation was for the same reason. You never know what the day will bring. We've trained hard for this and sacrificed a great deal to be among the finishers. I looked around and saw so much diversity in our group but yet one common factor that brought us all together. We are all wanting the same accomplishment. And in the end, regardless of the time we finish, we all will wear the same medal.

There are two training days left and then we'll all board the plane out of Charlotte bound for Phoenix. We'll make our way to Tempe shortly thereafter. I hope and pray that I do exactly as I was told today...take time to have fun, enjoy it, savor it, soak it all in. I plan to. I really want to have a great experience.

Oh, and no doubt at the party, the plan was set in motion for many of us. Ironman Beach to Battleship 70.3 in 2010. Are you game?