Monday, June 8, 2009

Signs that it has begun!

Well, its been an interesting day or two around here. Nothing too exciting, mind you. But just enough to get me wondering... And thinking... Always a dangerous combination, if you ask me.

The big news, is that I've officially started a packing list for Coeur d'Alene. Not packing itself, mind you. Just the list... But its enough to get my hurrying from one end of the house to the other.

Yes, the race wheels are okay (knock on wood), no, my clothes most definitely aren't clean, yes I have plenty of salt tablets (knock on wood), and no, I don't have enough little plastic containers to hold them in. Stuff like that... little stuff that if I wait until next week when I fly out, well, I'll be screwed.

So in order to avoid my usual pre-race packing frenzy, I've started now.

On top of that, I'm SUPER EXCITED!!! to see my folks, sister, and head out on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska a week after the race. Perfect timing, if you ask me! Fingers crossed, knock on wood, throw salt over the shoulder and all that other good stuff - Nathaniel may join us as well (its a military thing. We rarely plan vacations because we're just never sure if/when/where/how he can ever get time off. Its complicated by the fact that he's got four flights in flight school left).

IF the stars are really aligned, Nathaniel may even be there for my race. But I don't dare whisper or even wish that... because (as experience has unfortunately taught me) things with him and time off from his work rarely turn out as we plan. So that's still up in the air...so good vibes our way would be greatly appreciated.

But in effort to prepare for the cruise, I tried on my sleek and elegant (as opposed to the high-school-like-prom-looking) ball gown. Good news: it fits - yea! AND the straps stay in place, unlike the last time I wore it.

When I bought the dress (2006), I was a little bigger than I am now...and when I wore it a year later (2007), I was pretty much the same size that I am now. EXCEPT for my lats. Today (as opposed to how I was circa 2007) they have morphed. And if you think I'm joking - well, I'm not. Those suckers are a lot bigger than they used to be, and I blame 1) Masters swimming and 2) Ironman training. But not to worry - as long as 1) I swim faster and 2) the dress still fits, everything is okay.

We've got to get our priorities in order, right? Swim fast THEN fashion sense...

But getting my gear together for the race inspired me to start cleaning.

Yes - I repeat: GETTING MY GEAR TOGETHER FOR THE RACE INSPIRED ME TO START CLEANING.

Hold the presses! This is a biggie.

Normally we try to keep stuff neat, but, well - that's not always the case. Inevitable the dishes stack up, random bike stuff gets thrown everywhere, flight manuals end up in the weirdest places, and laundry is more often than not - piled on the futon, chair, desk or any of the above three (at the same time). Today, and I'm not sure if its because my ride last weekend was shorter than I'm used to, I was inspired to do laundry and FOLD and PUT AWAY clothes.

If that wasn't enough - I changed the sheets on the bed!

Yeah, I know. Riveting. Yep, Monday night at my place... I have to say, though, that the smell of fresh sheets IS nice.

I guess its the signs that I'm on the verge of getting antsy. Hello taper! Oddly enough, this Ironman taper is very different from what I'm used to. When Jen mentioned that it was about to begin, I was ALL about the "easy" week(s) with little or no work. Um, yeah. I was wrong.

The reduction in volume IS nice and I definitely appreciate it (and so will Nathaniel when he sees the clean sheets, folded laundry, and no piles on the futon/chair/desk). But there's still quite a bit of "meat" on the schedule. And that's okay - I'll take it. Because it's the only thing from keeping me going at the grout on the bathroom counter (ick).

Next week - when the volume is cut by 2/3...well...that should be interesting. I'll keep you posted. Trust me.

21 comments:

Maggs said...

Starting the list is a huge thing. I think i start my list 3 weeks out and check it every day to make sure I haven't left anything off. Then I always wait for the last minute to pack and forget to grab a few things.

ADC said...

You've inspired me to start my packing list. Lots of positive vibes comign your way. It would be soo nice of Nate could make it - him and Shaun can talk about all the military stuff.

Missy said...

Clean sheet nite is thee best, no doubt. Sending you all the good juju, hope he can make it!!!

Tri-James said...

Good luck with the taper!

Mary said...

I LOVE taper and yea, wait until next week! Just don't burn all that extra energy next week finding other various projects. :)

Kim said...

i only like the taper bc you can actually get things done around the house ;) yay for fresh clean sheets! and smart for starting the list already, you will be ready!

Lisa T said...

Good vibes, good vibes, good vibes. There you go!

I firmly believe that on taper weeks coaches should also be clear on the number of hours that can be spent cleaning!

D said...

I am absolutely NOT even close to Type-A... no list for IMC lead to forgetting A LOT of stuff at home. It was pretty awesome. Oh, then there was leaving my goggles at the hotel on race morning. Classic. That day was doomed from before I even left for it. teehee

I really don't think there's much better than fresh sheets. I'm going to wash mine today because that sounds like a good way to go to bed tonight!

Kim said...

Wow Marit! You're almost there and it does show! You're so productive and yes, I love the smell of clean sheets too. It sure would be nice if N. can make it but hey..like you said, no getting your hopes up. Either way, you'll have family and friends to support you and all of us bloggers cheering you on~!! You're almost there! Enjoy!!

Michelle Simmons said...

What is it about taper week and cleaning? It's a good sign though I think. :)
Good vibes being sent your way!

Rebecca DeWire said...

I can't believe that CDA is so close! Enjoy your taper.

Beth said...

I'm keeping all my toes and fingers crossed that Nathaniel gets to go!! In the mean time, enjoy all that cleaning! ;)

Damie said...

Oh my GAWD you are getting ready to do an Ironman!!!!! ha ha!!! You are going to love it! I mean love it!!!!

Colleen S said...

Hey Marit- I hear ya on the taper... started a list myself and its sort of nice to have "extra" time to do all those things that have been piling! up. I hope we get a chance to meet in CDA and sending good vibes your way for a full cheering squad :)

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

Good luck with the taper and the packing! I'm so excited for you Marit. And being a military wife myself, I pray that Nathaniel makes it there to support you. It's so easy to be disappointed sometimes even though the guys never really have control over their flight schedule. Anyway rock on girly! You are such an inspiration to me : )

Charisa said...

Yeah for the fun dress on the cruise that fits awesome I am sure :)

Jennifer Cunnane said...

Enjoy the taper!!! The lats growing a size larger and making it difficult to fit in dresses is a common problem it seems with triathletes and swimmers - I can hardly fit into my nice dresses and going out shirts now. Its so embarrassing when you have to have the hubby or boyfriend help you zip up the dress/shirt because you can hardly fit into it!!

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Nice when cleaning is actually fun...too bad we can't make it happen on demand :-)

Trigirlpink said...

What? No picture of the cruise gown? (sigh) Count down to CdA.... Woooo hoooo! :-)

Terra said...

Hey girl- totally get this post- I have almost all the laundry done too. Remember to rest a TON. Watch movies, read, play with the house monster. Enjoy being bored because that means you are ready to race :)
See you in a week! I will be screaming for you again on the course. Enjoy the process and the day- that is key. Onward we go!
BE BOLD! TC

Shan said...

OMG I can't wait to see pics of your cruise! And of course, from CDA!

I totally get what you are saying - it's almost like you gotta do everything you can to prevent your body from convulsing with nerves. BUT, you've prepared for this 110% - you're ready! All this hard work you have done is not all for naught - you just gotta RELAX and enjoy this next week. Save all that nervous energy for race day :).

Can't wait to be hitting "refresh" all day long on Ironman.com :) :)

When are you leaving?

LOVE YA!