I'm Ready to Fly

It's 9:30am, Friday, April 25. I just arrived at the gate and met up with our team. Yes, after five months, the time is here for us to head to St. Petersburg. It's always great to see the whole team together.

I've got a renewed sense of excitement since I am now well enough to participate. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to try and beat my personal best time, but at least I can humor the idea. I won't know that answer until I'm on the course.

I was delayed a bit at security, not realizing that I'm not allowed to bring my bike wrench because it was over seven inches long. The FSA agent that scanned my bag said that if it were up to him, he'd let it through, but because of all of the cameras his hands were tied. The irony with the whole thing is that in my bag, I also had my bike seat which was even longer than the bike wrench.

I ended up checking my race gear bag, which is taboo usually in case the airline loses the bag (hence the race would be scratched unless I buy all new gear). It may be my old age (I am pushing 40, you know), but I'm at the point in my life where it takes a LOT for things to bother me, and there is no sense in getting bent out of shape from something I can't control. And I like it that way.

These last five months have been challenging for me, either with my training on a limited time schedule, working through various injuries (hamstring, dog bite) and an occasional motivational slump. But as I look back, I'm thrilled to be a part of this program. The best part about it is knowing that the money that we've all raised will help blood cancer research, patients and more. Everyone should feel great about that.

Signing off for now, I'll post another update soon, hopefully once before the race!