Saturday, August 22, 2009

Separation Anxiety

I completed my final ride in the United States on Torch Friday. I lovingly cleaned him up, lubed his chain, and attached a clearly marked label to his handlebars before dropping him off at Nytro for TriBike Transport. I got chills when I entered the shop. The bike guys were very nice; I'm sure they had been dealing with hyperventilating-nervous-type-A-triathletes-tapering-for-their-Ironman all day. I'm having major separation anxiety. It didn't help that other people were dropping off their bikes to be shipped to Louisville for Ironman Kentucky on the same day. Because IM Kentucky is the same day as IM Canada. Ack!!!!! Please tell me Torch will be in Penticton next Thursday, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and NOT in Louisville (or anywhere else for that matter).

My taper is going as predicted. I'm in the sluggish, blah phase, where sleeping a lot and doing little is very appealing. I've slogged through most of my taper workouts (and skipped some too). Unlike last week (when I felt fresh and speedy), this week, I feel apathatic and unable to produce any speed, although I can sustain base pace forever without getting tired. This is good, or so I'm told. I have a ton of other life things going on as well, all exciting and good, but stressful, nonetheless. More on all of that in the next month....AFTER my Ironman. Right now, I need to focus on focusing on one thing and one thing only: Ironman Canada.

7 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I'd be a nervous wreck shipping the bike off, too. But don't worry. Torch will be there waiting for you.

don said...

The current long range weather forecast is for sunny and warm conditions. It will be a great day!

Shan said...

GOOD LUCK RACHEL!!! :-D

IronVince: IM WI 2009 and Beyond said...

Good luck Rachel. Have a great race.

Backpacker said...

You're going to rock the house! I'm excited for you!

RoadBunner said...

Torch will be there! I could never be a traveling triathlete. It is hard enough being OCD about a set of running clothes when traveling for a running race!

Kate said...

Torch will make it :) Have a fantastic race- if you meet Jose from NZ, say hi from me :)

Just had a look at your race schedule for the first time- that is INTENSE!