Emotional "VOID"

Lately my head has been in a fog. If I try to think about the actual Ironman day, my brain won't allow it. I feel as if I have on blinders that are helping me to focus, helping to keep my eye on the end that is too near and yet not near enough. (PHOTO LEFT: the flat terrain of my bike training).
Lately, I have been in a zone. I know what I have to do and am willing to go do it. I am neither frightened nor excited. I am just existing in this world of the eternal workout. 73 days out from the day of the race and approximately 285 days from the day I signed up. Right now, I don't know how to feel; I just can't quite put my finger on what this emotion is that seems to be overwhelming me. I don't think I have ever felt like this before. (PHOTO RIGHT: The "not so flat terrain" of my bike training).

I know this: I will be ready, I am doing everything I can do to prepare myself so that I will succeed, I do not dread training and actually still rather enjoy each day, and I am thrilled that I chose to take this journey regardless of how much work is required because this is turning out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

June 10 - June 15

6-10-10 - I am slacking on my note-taking. I cannot for the life of me remember what I did for my workout this day. I am guessing 2 Hr bike and :30 minutes run - but who knows. It all seems to be blending together at this point. HA! (PHOTO LEFT: Looking down on a hill that makes me want to to cry just thinking about climbing up it again).

• 6-11-10 - Bike 5:00/Run :18 - the plan for the day started out 3 HR ride/1 HR run and turned into a 5 Hr bike instead. the first two hours were on my own doing some rolling hills. During my ride, I decided that I would go out again later with a couple of riders (you guys know who you are) who are better than me. SO GLAD I DID! I am improving I think and now I feel competent to ride harder and further.
• 6-12-10 - Run 1:50/Bike 2:00 - I wasn't certain what my workout plan had in store considering the weather map called for thunderstorms all day. The plan was to squeeze in a run and get on the B.T. for a couple hours. But, a break in the weather let me get 2 HRS of each in and I couldn't be happier. On the run it rained, I had sweat dripping everywhere so when it rained, it all just ran into my eyes (IT'S BURNING). My old 2:00 hour "loop" is now 1:40 (I have to find more places to run - seriously). I felt good. The bike felt great after the run. My time was the same as if I had not run. Good Training Day.
• 6-13-10 - 100 + Mile Bike (Approx 6.5 hours ride time) - Headed out on an overcast day for a 100+ mile ride that became witness to a few bike crashes (my first where not un-clipping while standing proved traumatic). During a pit-stop I stuffed my face with peanut M&M's and Combos (possible Ironman snacks) and on the way home we were faced with sunshine and headwind on an eternal incline. What a day - chaffing and all - I am over that aspect, but still enjoying the preparation of it all. *NOTE* thanks Bill for busting out a bag of real cherries and strawberries that you had on you the entire trip, but only showcased at the 4:30 mark. I still cannot believe the food stash you had along with you. Great work! Love the adventure of the long ride - Look out Louisville, I am prepping to meet you.
• 6-14-10 - Bike 1:30/Run :40/O.W.S. 1:00 - Headed out (AGAIN) under overcast skies for a quick ride, ran :40 in the rising humidity and ended the day with an O.W.S. at Alum. 3 loops, no waiver in swim time. I guess this means my endurance on the swim is fair. Overall, a good, hot, and humid day.
• 6-15-10 - Bike 3:00 - Another hot, humid ride, but how lucky am I to be doing this? At this point (approx 2.5 months out) I am nervous, excited, doubtful, happy, strong and patiently completing each days' session with an enduring patience. I know I will be ready. I will make sure that I am, but the unknown looms out before me like the open sea (It is beautiful and massive and with a mind all its own). The next few months will be filling in the details, making sure I am stronger and ready.