Friday, July 12, 2013

Musselman Weekend!



So, this weekend is kind of a big deal. I'm doing my first half-iron distance triathlon. Holy moly it feels a lot more real when I say it's this weekend, as in 2 days from now. Eek. Pardon me while I go throw a taper tantrum.

Okay, I'm back. As I was saying, Musselman 70.3 is this Sunday, and I am everything I should be right now: Excited, nervous, and everything in between.

I will be leaving this afternoon for Seneca Lake, it's super nice that J's parents live over there so it feels more like home than having to crash at some rando-place. It will be a weekend with friends, family and fabulous motivation.


I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I am volunteering at the Sprint Tri (Mini-Mussel) on Saturday. John and I will be at the mount/dismount line cheering people one, and yelling at them to get on/off bikes in time. I'm excited to cheer and be there, give me good inspiration for Sunday's race!

As for Sunday: I start the swim at 7:07 AM (3rd wave, yellow caps). With any luck I'll be out of the water and on the bike by... noon. Haha. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a bit. I do know I have the disadvantage from the start with my swim being super weak, but once I get on the bike I'll feel more comfortable. My plan for the bike is to just go steady, I don't plan on breaking speed barriers- no need in wasting the extra energy. As for the run, It's going to be interesting for sure. The half-marathon course is hilly, and at the time I will be getting on the run it will be heading into the hottest part of the day (fun, ay?). Plan is to shove as many wet sponges wherever I can fit them, and hydrate hydrate hydrate at each water stop.

Pre-Race thoughts:
It's a different feeling to me heading into this thing. Hollie asked me if I was more nervous than before the marathons I have done. I wouldn't say more nervous just different nervous. My nerves before marathons or other running races are nerves about "how fast can I go" "how far can I push myself today", that isn't the case with this race. I cannot put"swim" and "fast" in the same sentence with myself. As for the bike, I don't have that comfort level to really push myself on there like I do with running so I tend to air on the side of caution and that slows me down. That half marathon, well I know it won't be my fastest but it might not be my slowest. I know what I would like to run it in, but let's be honest: after swimming 1.2 miles and biking 56, my legs are most likely not going to do what I want them to while asking them to run 13.1. I'm heading into this race with little expectation and that's a good thing. I'm gonna start out way behind on the swim, I'll catch up some on the bike and I'm lucky enough to have my strongest event last....and hopefully be picking off people on the run.

I feel comfortable knowing I will be decked out in solid supportive and comfortable +Saucony gear. Yes the A5's I said I wasn't going to run in, they made the bag....we will see what happens. Either way I'll have Saucony on my feet....and my head...and body...and #findyourstrong on my mind.

The "can't leave home without" bag. Everything I need for race day is in one bag :) nerd alert.

Do you have a special way of packing for races?

Any last minute advice for my 70.3 rookie self?

What are your plans for this weekend, who is racing???


 I also need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fast & fabulous best friend HollieThis lady has been serious support and well, she just plain old rocks. Y'all should do yourselves a favor and wish her a happy day. NOW. I'm sad I can't run with her today, or even be there to sing obnoxiously to her....but I know she understands that I would if I could!
She's my partner in crime....shenanagins at their finest!

15 comments:

  1. I am SO excited for you-- best of luck!! Can't wait to read all about it!

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  2. Have fun this weekend and I am sure you will do awesome on Sunday can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!!

    I helped set up our hawaiian theme lemonade stand today before I came to work and super excited to go help tonight and all day tomorrow!

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  3. You are going to do great Laura! You are trained and ready! have fun out there! I can't wait to hear all about it!

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  4. I know I have told you this at least a half dozen times but the amount of excitement I have for you and this race is so ridiculous. I know for a damn well fact you are going to do awesome and I cannot wait to hear how actually awesome you do.

    I'm really sad I can't run with you either BUT!! I can save my birthday 23 miler for next time I see you!

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  5. Good luck this weekend! Can't wait to hear about it :)

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  6. So awesome. You have trained for this and I know you will do great. I cannot wait to hear about it. Have fun & enjoy yourself.

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  7. Good luck girly! I'm really excited for you and I'm confident you will do well, you train super hard and you are very prepared with your gear and also a race plan. Good luck!

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  8. wowzers...good luck girl!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!!

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  9. GOOD LUCK GOOD LUCK GOOD LUCK! That's neat you get to cheer on the people doing the sprint tri the day before! I'm sending all sorts of speedy and good vibes to you! And you can and will swim fast! You got this :D

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  10. GOOD LUCK! How freakin' excited. And what an awesome way to pump yourself up by volunteering the day before. YOu are going to rock it!

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  11. I thought about doing this race but then decided to focus on shorter triathlons this year. Don't worry about the swim, think of it as your warm up. And most importantly, have fun!

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  12. Um, try to remember there are old and slow people out there (like me), so you will not fit anyone's definition of slow. And yes I'm sure you've heard this before but the swim is just about being efficient so you come out with energy. The people who smoke you by five whole minutes will lose it very quickly. Good luck!!!

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  13. OMG! Good luck! I can't even imagine doing anything like this. You'll be great. Seems like they should finish with the swim though given the time of day. :)

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  14. Good Luck!! Hope you have fun, and look forward to hearing how it goes! You'll do great!!

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  15. Good luck! I wish I was racing. :)

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