I leave for Utah on Wednesday. I'm nervous because I'm not nervous. How screwed up is that? I am more underprepared/undertrained than I've ever been before such a big race. I did it on purpose, or so I told myself. I was very overtrained for my first 2. This time, I'm trying to see how little training I can get away with. I just hope I did enough. It feels weird to be so rested. I feel fat, sluggish, and flabby. Flat and lethargic. I'm hoping when I get to St. George, it will hit me. I'm hoping all these feelings are signs of a good taper and that on race day, I will do fabulously.
This is my 3rd Ironman. It will mean just as much, if not more, to cross that finish line. I'm just as scared as I was before my first. I still feel like a beginner to long-distance triathlon...and I am. Also, I know how much pain and suffering is involved, and I'm terrified. I'm not sure I will be up to the challenge. I shudder when I think about how much torture I endured for my first two. I know St. George will also be a sufferfest. To be honest, the external elements don't bother me. I just want to be healthy. If I don't have to deal with illness on race day, I'll have so much more energy to draw from.
This is my 3rd Ironman. It will mean just as much, if not more, to cross that finish line. I'm just as scared as I was before my first. I still feel like a beginner to long-distance triathlon...and I am. Also, I know how much pain and suffering is involved, and I'm terrified. I'm not sure I will be up to the challenge. I shudder when I think about how much torture I endured for my first two. I know St. George will also be a sufferfest. To be honest, the external elements don't bother me. I just want to be healthy. If I don't have to deal with illness on race day, I'll have so much more energy to draw from.
Crossing that finish line will be a test of my independence. That I have what it takes to accomplish my goals, no matter what sort of crap life throws in my way. I've had monumental personal battles to overcome in making it to the start of this Ironman. I will be triumphant. In addition, there will be a sense of closure. 3 is such a balanced, magical number (my favorite)--beginning, middle, and end. All Ironmans are very special and personal journeys; this one will, by no means, be an exception.
Finally, what you all have been waiting for....(drumroll, please).
I am NUMBER 198!
You can track me live on race day by going to: http://ironman.com/ and clicking on the "Live" section to "track an athlete".
Meanings of Number 198:
- #198 is a Harshad number (divisible by the sum of its digits).
The 198 files is a database to classify the mutants in XMen (only 198 were left after Scarlet Witch's "reality warp"). Yay! Superheroes! http://marvel.com/universe/198 - In the year 198 AD King Mithridates V of Parthia died in battle against the Kushans. He was succeeded by Orodes II.
- The Albert Einstein Institution lists 198 methods of nonviolent action (http://www.aeinstein.org/organizations103a.html).
25 comments:
Go lucky number 198!! Have a great time and a great race!!
You'll be great! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Best of luck! I just randomly came across your blog and I really enjoy it! Can't wait to hear your story afterwards :)
Good luck! I will try and track you on race day!
You will do awesome!!! I also wanted to say thank you for completely inspiring me over the past year to start training for my own ironman. Sending lots of good vibes your way!
If you think an 18 hour peak training week is undertrained you are seriously demented. I WISH I could put in that big of a week and live. You are going to do awesome because you'll be doing your first ironman without being exhausted. I'm excited for you!
ahhh, RACH! This race is right up your alley! You have fun and stay safe out there. I will be stalking you...
Good luck, and go kick some ass!
I'll be watching!
I like the way you have approached this one very much. I think you have it dead-solid-perfect. Take it, and take it with confidence.
GOOD LUCK Rachel! have a great race!
Thanks for all the inspiration (& knowledge/tips/etc.) you provide us.
Best wishes from our the3rdwheel.com team
You are our hero!
Looking forward to race report!
Good luck Rachel.........be safe and most important, HAVE FUN!
You continue to be an inspiration to me! Reading this now, at the beginning stages of my post-surgery recovery has really been an inspiration for me to look forward to training again, even though it's months away. You've been through so much, and learned so much and taught me a lot about keeping at it and making changes. Wishing you the very best luck!!
You're going to do awesome as always. I'm hoping you are healthy, imagine what you will accomplish when things go your way for once.
Can't wait to hear all about it.
Go 198! Looking forward to the recap later!
It's going to be a GREAT day for you, Rachel! I still can't believe this is #3 for you. It's been such an amazing journey. I've loved following every moment of it. You'll have lots of good luck wishes coming your way from Florida throughout race day. Give 100% of whatever you've got on THAT particular day and you just can't go wrong. Most importantly, have FUN. Enjoy the experience! GOOD LUCK!!!!
I have been following your blog as inspiration, you are just that. I am doing my 2nd marathon on Sunday and I will be thinking of your race as I do mine. I am hoping the thoughts of your race will keep me going strong. I hope someday to do an ironman, but until then, I will be cheering you on as my American Idol.
you'll do great! best of luck!!!!
Good luck Rachel. Hope to see you out on the course tomorrow
Good luck - enjoy the pay-off from all the training and mental preperation. I cant wait for the race report :-0
Go hard, and enjoy!
(from Brisbane Australia)
Good luck! I will look up your number along with a very good friend of mine who is in it also. It is his 2nd Ironman. I stumbled across your blog googling for something else but enjoyed your writing. Three Ironman's is a huge accomplishment!
Hey,
Just watched you on line, saw you cross the finish with a huge smile and "My Angel is a Centerfold" playing on the loud speakers! Looks like a huge party: ) I only know you from your blog, but your strength is truly inspiring. Congrats on your finish, looks like your training was right on!
Well Done Rachel, I enjoyed following your progress and the excellent end result. I also learnt a lot about competing an Ironman. Enjoy the feeling of success, thanks for sharing
Awesome job Rachel! I looked up your results this morning! Can't wait to hear all about it. I hope that it was another amazing experience! :)
Congratulations Rachel! Way to go on completing another ironman. What a huge accomplishment. I can't imagine doing that distance. All of the training that it requires. Your hard work paid off.
Cool info on your race number!!!
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