Friday, October 28, 2011

Here we go...

After what seemed like a short drive from home yesterday, I arrived at the expo to pick up my race packet. I was one of a small handful of people browsing the expo. Packet pick up was a breeze, no waiting since I was the only one there. I suspect most people are checking in later today. The opposite of what I experienced in Augusta with an hour long wait for packet pick up and hundreds of people packing the merchandise area. As I stepped up and they asked my name to find my race packet, a wave of nerves hit me. Those waves have been coming off and on over the past couple of days. This morning, the nerves are less of a wave and more of a constant presence.



I drove over to the beach start yesterday. Nothing was set up quite yet so it was a little hard to picture the day but they did have the turn buoy out. A few people were testing the waters. The water temperature right now is 68 degrees. The forecast tomorrow calls for rain until noon and 19 mph winds. I can deal with the rain but I could use a little less wind. From what I am told the NNW winds will mean a headwind for the first 40 miles and chop on the swim. I am guessing that would also mean a tailwind coming back but could be wrong on that one. One can hope.



My various bags are packed and ready to drop off later today with my bike. Big plans today are to attend the race meeting and relax. I somehow missed seeing the event merchandise area when checked in (I am blaming nerves) so I'll make a run through that when I go to the meeting and check out the battleship. They have a haunted house in the battleship on Friday and Saturday night. How cool!



CR ended up not being able to make the trip so I am doing this solo. Praying I make it through this in once piece so I can drive myself back to the hotel Saturday night! Well, also praying for no flat tires and less wind too but trying not to get greedy with the prayers :)

12 comments:

misszippy said...

Best of luck! Have a fantastic day out there!

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

Will be sending you great race day vibes and prayers too. Sorry that your honey couldn't be there too. I think I speak for all of your friends when I say that we will ALL be with you in spirit the entire day. Race smart and finish strong ...as I know you will.

fancy nancy said...

Best of luck to you!! Go ahead and ROCK it! I love how your number has your name on it!

Sarah said...

Good luck! You will have a great race!

Carolina John said...

yea b2b 2009 I checked in friday and it was a madhouse. insane.

Those are only sight buoys, not turn buoys. it's a straight point to point swim, and it should go with the current. You can literally float the whole thing without moving your arms and still beat the time cutoff. the current is that strong, and that's why b2b is such a cool race.

Get ready to rock! Good luck out there, have fun, I'll be tracking you.

Meaghan said...

GOOD LUCK!!! And have SO MUCH FUN!!!

Amanda said...

Good luck! Remember to smile and have fun and soak up the atmosphere!

Lindsay said...

good luck! i hope it's warmer than it was today! :)

Swim Bike Mom said...

Karen! Go get em. Good luck- you're gonna do great!!!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Good luck! You'll be great!! Enjoy the reward of all your hard work!!!

Julie said...

Good luck~!! don't for get to enjoy it!

Suz and Allan said...

Good luck! Have a great time!