"Now That's a Good Sign!"

I was down at the lake today just trying to de-stress and a guy handing out business cards gave me one. He was a registered massage therpist who was offering his services to people "after their Ironman" I didn't have a sign on me and I was just dressed in my sloppy clothes but somehow he suspected I was a competitor. I hope it was because I looked like one. I'm gonna believe I did.

I did my little simulation today and it went well. Everything felt good, and I learned a few little things as well. My new ear plugs are comfortable and keep the water out nicely. Sand will be a potential problem as I come off the beach and get into my cycling shoes. Normally I would just ignore it but I'm afraid to for this distance. My heart rate monitor felt fine under all my stuff so that's good. I was trying to decide whether to take my own wetsuit off while still in the water or whether to use the volunteer wetusit strippers and that answer bacame obvious as I struggled a bit getting it off myself. My bike felt great after all the attention it got and my "race" shoes were a pleasure to pull on.

Tomorrow morning, check in starts and at that point I will get my race number and all necessary paraphernalia. Then I can start getting all my gear bags packed and hoepfully that will begin easing the stress. I had 2 beers this afternoon because I was starting to feel a little out of control. I know that sounds pathetic but the physical withdrawal from exercise combined with the emotional aspects of doing something you've never done before, truly take a toll.

I had much e-mail chatter with mt friend Janine Grespan today and she still intends on doing something around this thing. If you get a chance watch CTV Kitchener news at 6 on friday and you should see me. She will re-introduce me with the intention of doing a follow up on Monday after the race. Claudette sent her some video today and will also send what she can capture on race day. As well there is a possibility that I may get interviewed by CTV Vancouver some time in the coming days. I'm not sure if it will be a useful distraction or more stress?? Either way...bring it on!

I want to take back my offer to have Roo send out race day updates because it should not be necessary. The website specifically states that they will have a live "athltete tracker". At the very least you should be able to see when I finish each component and there may even be more frequent data during the run. Here again is the Ironman Canada link but I'll provide more info as they provide it to us. For now if you like you can hit the Race Coverage button and read the story.

I have a special place in my heart today for my dear brother-in-law Mike, just in case he needs it.

I wish to dedicate day 342 to my son Michael who was born special, remains special today, and from whom I have learned so much

And on good signs...

“It was ordained at the beginning of the world that certain signs should prefigure certain events."---Marcus Tullius Cicero

love
peter