I can't wait to get my pedicure today. A nice leg massage is going to be heaven. I'm still a little sore, this is the longest amount of time I've been sore after a race, I usually recover quickly. Right hamstring is bothering me. Ugh.

* Heather's (hblackmon) post on my RR reminded me again of what a difference a year makes. Last year, Spring/Summer...marraige falling apart, gaining weight, training for first marathon. Completed first marathon, Chicago-miserably. We were running partners, pretty slow too. :) One year later-2 more marathons, running almost 2 min/mi faster, 2 half im's, and a full. Couldn't be happier.

MY SPLITS ARE POSTED!!! I'm SO excited. I did better than I thought, wasn't last in any event and my T times were good as usual!!!!

Swim: 1:25:16    3/5
T1: 8:34   2/5 !!
Bike: 8:36:29  4/5
T2:  5:52  1/5 !!!!!
Run: 5:49:01 2/5 

I am really happy with my run time, my goal was under 6 hours. My first marathon time was 5:24, this only 30 min longer! Really excited about that. I would have been first in T1 also if I hadn't forgotten my HRM and had to start over. T2 was still first and I pee'd!!! Damn, I'm pretty pleased with myself AND I didn't get last on the bike! Ok...now, time to work on my bike speed. :)

Ok...finishing my race report today!!! Final times are up but not splits.

Race report done.

Bloating and appetite are subsiding. This is good. I was worried for a while yesterday. Ate 2 dinners last night, one at 5:45, the second about 8:45. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon and my rash (see HRM severe rash thread) will go away.

I'm full!!! It finally happened! I just had lunch, didn't even finish it all because I'm full!!! YES!!!! I hope this means I'm getting back to normal-whatever that is.

A pic from me at the race!!! Mile 18ish I think...see my race report or Haley is an Ironman thread.

Wahoo Countdown: 4 days

I feel amazingly well today. Nothing is too painful, the worst I felt was when I got done with the race and was laying in bed. Unloading my car last night and going up and down the stairs at least 8 times wasn't fun. I expected this morning to be the worst (muscles always hurt 2 days later) but I only feel tight.

Tons of work to do today, hopefully I'll have my race report done this afternoon.

Like I just posted, I didn't (and part of me still doesn't) fully appreciate what I've done. Welshy suggested I go to the awards breakfast and be around other athletes and get my award. It really helped and reading the threads today makes me feel good. I think its because I truly believe if people have the desire and take the time to train, mostly anyone, barring physical limitations (like bum knees, etc) can do this. It is painful, but it can be done.

Ok. I finished. Just a tiny bit over my goal time, which is fine. I sucked it up on the bike because I made myself stay under 16mph on the first lap...anyway, it will all be in my race report. I'm too tired to type it now, yes the next day, still too tired.

EVERYTHING HURTS.

(8am update): Morning Morning! Headed to breakfast then to the grocery store to buy last minute things for the race and pasta dinner tonight. :)

(1:15p): Just got up from a 30 min nap. Feel much better and refreshed. Was being really bitchy, cranky, and pissy about putting together my 5 race bags! SO MUCH CRAP! Warmup bag, T1 bag, Bike special needs, T2 bag, run special needs...so overwhelming and when I'm stressed I'm not a very nice person.

RocketMan, Jess, and I are going about 2 to check in our bikes and gear bags. We drove the bike course yesterday and I about crapped my pants (because I like to) looking at Buckhill and Sugarloaf. Thinking about going back today to take more pictures. Pictures to be posted later.

To anyone staying in Clermont ever: renting a house is the way to go. For the same price or less (or a little more for a really big house) as a hotel, you can rent a really nice house. Ours here has a pool, 2 master bed and baths and 2 other rooms. New computer with internet access, Jess (tri take me away) found a wireless connection, and tons of room for everyone to spread out. This place was only $20 more per night than a hotel. "A PLACE IN THE SUN HOMES"

GFT Countdown: Tomorrow!

Race distance still as planned. Course may�be changed. Updates tomorrow.

I made it! In Clermont safe and sound. Took about 7 hours including lunch stop at whataburger in Gainesville. Off to the race site for check-in and the final decision about the race. Storm looks good, but the officials have to decide if the weather will hold up for the volunteers too. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Oh, I know ya'll are missing me.