My new lucky number is...

#179!!!

HOORAY! Tomorrow I get to race the Encinitas Sprint Triathlon. And, if you haven't already figured it out, my number is (drum roll, please...) 179.

So...because I like lists...

Here are 179 things that I'm looking forward to.

Just kidding.

Actually, I'll limit it to 17.

Why 17?

Well - if my math is correct, 1 + 7 + 9 = 17. Yes, I loose count in the pool doing a 150, but I CAN figure out rudimentary math when necessary. Plus, my sister was born on the 17th of October, so its bound to be lucky, eh?

So... 17 random things about tomorrow - enjoy!

1) Racing. I LOVE it. I love to push myself, to go fast, to go beyond what I though possible. I've made peace with the pain, will focus on my POWER words, and am ready to just let 'er rip.

2) Nothing like eating breakfast at 4 am for your 6:52 wave start.

3) Hearing the 'whomp whomp whomp' of disc wheels. Music to my ears!

4) Running as fast as I can into the water and SWIMMING! In spite my fear of Unmentionables, I really DO love open water swimming. And with all the hard work I've done at Masters, I've discovered that the swim part of triathlon is actually kind of neat.

5) Because of a previous wardrobe malfunction (ie - dismounting my bike at 15 mph while sporting a swimsuit...the crowd of people saw a LOT more of me than they bargained for) dating back a few years, I'm looking forward to my tri shorts and rowing top. Yes, rowing top. Regatta Sport, actually. And its quite comfortable.

6) Nothing like body gliding the back of your neck, feet, and shoes to prevent chafing. I swear that my wetsuits hate me. But the shoes - well - I can hold out for up to 10k with no socks. Anything more, and I'm a fan of socks... But body glide works wonders...

7) I LOVE the festive atmospheres of triathlon events. Most everyone is excited, eager, and looking forward to the day. And those others...well... if someone is rude, I figure that they're just constipated. And let's face it: wouldn't you be upset race morning if you couldn't use the bathroom? Yeah, I thought so.

8) Post-race, I promised Nathaniel we could stop off at the Leucadia Donut Shop that I frequently run by on LONG runs, or ride by. The ONLY time I hope for a flat is near that donut shop early in the morning. The smells are...well...hot, fresh, goey donuts. Yum. I have NO idea what I'll get, because quite honestly, I can't remember the last time I was in a donut shop.

9) Post-race "ice bath" via Pacific Ocean. The water temperature is a 'whopping' 65 degrees. Not quite the ice bath level that I'm accustomed to - but let's face it: I'm in Southern California and I'm not complaining. Not one bit.

10) Tomorrow afternoon Nathaniel and I are heading out to Hillcrest for some great Thai food and to meet up with Dr. Shannon and Dr. Stephen. And I can't wait!

11) I love the fact that this race is just about FUN! I love racing - I really do. But there's just something so real about local shorter distance stuff. After focusing on the IM distance this year, and the half IM distance back in 2007, I've realized how much I miss just going out and well, racing. It's fun, it's local, I can sleep in my own bed the night before and day of the race... And I just get to go out and have a great time with local athletes. YEA!

12) In addition - this is a NO PRESSURE race. Nothing to qualify for, nothing to worry about in terms of special needs bags...I'll race and hopefully be done somewhere between 70 and 80 minutes. So that makes it EXTRA fun.

13) The layout of the course is extremely spectator friendly. I'll get to see Nathaniel a grand total of 5 or 6 times if 1) I'm looking for him and 2) he positions himself in the right areas. But who knows? I tend to space out a bit when I'm either 1) in a lot of pain 2) really focused 3) trying to chase someone down. You know how it is...

14) Hand sanitizer. Yes, there are port-o-potties and no, I don't believe they have hand sanitizer IN said port-o-potties. So I carry my own in my transition bag. Always.

15) I absolutely LOVE cheering for people after I've finished my race. Usually I'll go out on the course and cool down - cheering for as many people as I can. I enjoy watching people push themselves and accomplish new things. There is something so real, so human in that endeavor.

16) I'm grateful that Nathaniel will be there with me. I'm so lucky that he's as supportive as he is, and its tough when I'm on my own. I'm looking forward to a post-race hug!

17) THIS WILL BE MY FIRST SPRINT TRIATHLON SINCE MAY OF 2007! I'VE GOT ALL THIS PENT UP ENERGY JUST WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED! IN JUST OVER 10 HOURS FROM RIGHT NOW I'LL BE LINING UP IN THE CORRAL...AND I JUST WANT TO GO!!! (Can you tell that I didn't have a long ride today? Absolutely amazing all the extra energy one has from NOT going out for a 6+ hour long ride... :)

CHEERS to everyone racing this weekend - Saturday AND Sunday! Have a great race, be safe, and enjoy!

Now... Tally Target Acquired. Game on.