Bags are Packed

So much for my detailed plan about my race week. I'm leaving tomorrow, not Thursday, for Coeur d'Alene!  I couldn't resist the temptation from my teammates to join them a day early for some fun and getting an early preview of the course.  So, $155 later and I'm on a plane tomorrow at 8 a.m. instead of on Thursday at 6 a.m.

That decision led me to a whirlwind of a day.  Highlights included visiting my local bike shop for one more cram session on flat tire fixing, since I haven't had to deal with one since last year really.  I'm getting better, but the mechanics at Santa Monica Mountain Cyclery have little to worry about in terms of job security.  Johnny, the shop's lead mechanic, taught me how to quickly drop the back wheel in and out by turning the bike upside down.  Unfortunately, this approach won't work with the horizontal stays on my tri-bike, but I remembered the motions and process so I think I'll be fine.  Just needed to re-tool the muscle memory.

Tonight, after one final swim at the local pool (VNSO is back open!), I packed late into the evening.  However, this packing session was far quicker and less stressful than last year.  I remember laying EVERYTHING out on the floor of my office den, double-checking my Fortius travel checklist twice, and then packing into bags.  This time, I really knew what to bring, and NOT to overpack.  I know I'll be buying lots of merchandise!  So, packing probably took half as long, was far more relaxed, and ya know what?  If I forgot something I'll buy it at the Ironman Store.

Because I'll be there a day early!

Next post will be from Coeur d'Alene!

Good night all.

5 days and counting.