Bridget came out to help Andy in the SAG wagon and to hand off water bottles to us so we could practice grabbing them while we rode. We were a little nervous since Helene had said we were "on our own" as far as pacing and riding. Christine and I stayed together for the first 25 miles going about the same pace with Adrienne far ahead and Katie behind us. Helene floated between the four of us and everything was going well. I found my pace faster than the last group ride and I was feeling good in spite of the humidity. It kept looking like it would rain, and then the sun would come out for a while... at mile 25 I got a flat tire. Helene stopped to see how I was doing and called Andy to come back around to help. I got to use CO2 for the first time (so glad as now I am more comfortable with it). I got back on the road and was the last rider for the rest of the trip. I thought as I rode that I truly was on my own! I saw Helene a few times as she looped back for me to make sure all was well. Around mile 40 it finally rained. I mean RAINED. Millions of tiny drops that stung as they hit you! Helene and I rode through the rain into Sampson State Park and by the time I finished my ride it had stopped raining.
Transition to the run was quick and I ran out about 1.5 miles when Helene joined me (she was on her bike). I was supposed to run 6 miles so we went up into Geneva and then back through the park to where we started our ride. Helene gave me my pep talk about race day. Our concerns have been timing - I am not a fast swimmer and I need to have a decent bike so I have enough time to complete the half marathon before the race time cut off at 3PM. We found out my swim wave goes off at 7:07AM and is the third wave. I should have enough time and knowing I am going off near the start of the race is comforting!
The last to complete the workout on Saturday, I was welcomed back to the cars with excitement as everyone was hungry! We went to lunch and at lunch Helene, Andy, and Bridget talked to us about race day. KC and I are driving out together and staying together and Christine and Adrienne are doing the same. It should be a great weekend and one we will remember for years to come.
Looking back on the last year and all that we have accomplished absolutely amazes me. From Irongirl 2012 to Musselman 2013 has been a long and rewarding journey. A few more days and less than 8 hours of work ahead! Here's to training and making truly life changing goals.
Goggles On.
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