study break number five

I had a great phone meeting with The Wizard last night, just reviewing nutrition for this week, thoughts on pacing at Clearwater and then what happens between Clearwater and Dec 7th, my official start date for 2010. After Clearwater I take 2 weeks completely off. Jesse pointed out that we know it's the right thing to do when we don't want to do it. I don't want to do it. I especially don't want to be out of the pool. But it's the right thing to do so I will do it. The third week is a light week and by definition that means no more than 2 X 30 minute sessions per sport that week. No I don't want to take this time off, but I have a fancy coach who I pay good money to tell me what to do, and if he thinks that taking this time off will be critical for 2010 then I will absolutely do it. I might go insane but I will do it. I came to QT2 for a reason. And this is that reason.

The weekend of Dec 5th I go to Boston for a pretty comprehensive test day with Jesse. "It will be a nice long day together" he warned. I will be analyzed in bike and run, body composition, etc. We will have a "very detailed" meeting on what we are going to accomplish in 2010.

But first Clearwater.

I haven't been there since 2006 and thankfully, one of my athletes will be staying at his parents place which is right behind my hotel. All of the people I know who are going will be at the fancy schmancy places! I found a nice small motel within walking distance to the start and to a grocery store (thanks Chris). I don't' even need a car! There is something about the small town family run motel that I absolutely love. I am looking forward to having somewhat of a quiet weekend down there. Because I am traveling to Arizona with the family and Curt's Ironman the week after..... I am traveling solo. Plus I have a pretty big exam when I get back so 2 weeks of sun partying would not be good! A good quiet Mom vacation is exactly what I need.

I will be meeting up with some friends Thursday night for dinner and then Friday morning for breakfast. I will likely attend the pre race dinner with them, it's right on the beach! Beach Party!

On Saturday my wave starts pretty far back and I have the men 40-44 behind be, so this could prove to be a challenging bike ride. Clearwater is known for drafting, 2006 was so ugly it was dangerous. My goal is to ride my ride and not give energy away to situations I can not control. The water is being advertised as 82 degrees right now so my blue seventy point zero three will be with me, of course!

Saturday evening my friend Kristen from Syracuse and I have sworn that we will party big time. We are going to share..... an entire beer. At first we thought we'd have our own beers, then we remembered, we are mothers and triathletes. That equals no tolerance. 1/2 beer it is!

This week in training brings me to nearly 16 hours with a lot of intensity. A 3000 time trial at Masters tomorrow included! Then next week we drop it right off.

I depart on Thursday, race on Saturday and return home on Monday.

How do I feel? I feel really good. I don't feel "Lets go already", I don't feel like I am dying. I love November races and I think how I feel is a testament to my coaching, he has me right where I need to be right now. I am excited. I love the ocean. I can't wait to see it again!