this ain't monona terrace...

transition area

yes...they're all out there...."training....still"....

There's nothing like rolling into town, thinking you've got your nerves under control, then seeing all of these people parading around with their t-shirts and hats and wetsuits and all hugging their friends and talking about how great they feel.  There's always a woman who is squeezing her giant shoulders into a wetsuit and getting ready for a  little practice swim....breathe, karen, breathe....I must say that I didn't see many other cyclists out there this morning:

my last easy ride between Naramata and Penticton

The Bike Barn

Let's smile for the crazy lady, this is gonna be a long weekend.

co2 cartridge? tube? nutrition? we have it ALL.

I was there at 8:55, along with smiling employees and a few other triathletes.  These folks know what they're doing.  I pulled up and a handsome guy grabbed my bike asked me what he could do for me and how I was doing.  I launched into a story about photographs or something, but by the time I left 15 minutes later all of my issues were resolved, and the place was filling up.  I'll be happy if i don't have to return tomorrow or saturday, but something tells me if I do, these folks will make it all right.

Ironman CA tattoo, anyone? right across the street.

Cool as a cucumber

And a fresh new hairdo for race day.  Our host is also a hairdresser!!!

ironman? what ironman?

not in IL anymore

manitou beach forever!!!!!

OK, so I admit...the tan is working for me at this late day, but seriously....the 50 minute run through Naramata this morning was a complete joke.  I started wondering if I was actually at altitude, and at 9 in the morning it was already BURNING HOT.  This is like Napa on steroids....how can it be so sunny so far north???? it's gorgeous and all, but egads.  Of course, it appears that we will be delivered much milder, and possibly cold, wet on Sunday, so you never know....as this fantastical day progressed, the signs of Ironman madness set in.  Ripped men with shaved legs and their beautiful wives and children prowling about town, very expensive bikes ripping up and down the main Naramata road (windy and narrow and hilly), and, well, those women who look like they eat people like me for breakfast (yes, like they have ginormous feet, very long legs and incredibly broad shoulders (they walk fast and usually are not dragging kids around).   One of my favorite new boyfriends was an organic farmer at the market tonight.  He's got a few plots of land that are actually on the bike and run course, and he's racing this year for the first time.  God bless this soul, he actually has BEEN to the UP!!!! As we say: see you on Sunday!!

getting ready to go....

Ironman Fever!

Yellow Lake, IM bike course, mile 80

descent, mile 90 or so....

ram tough!!!!

It's all coming together, despite my terrible nerves.  We pulled up at Kathy's house and it's fabulous! We love naramata, it's beautiful wine country about 20 minutes away from race start.  Parked in the front driveway, ram truck!!!

I'm still so nervous I could die....

bridge to nowhere, or is this me on Sunday?

...or is it some life threatening illness that has invaded my body and I'm going to die, anyway?  Here we go again....breathe.....I can always slow down.....We managed to clock a pretty quick 350 miles today and have a little quiet time in the hotel so my mind can stop spinning.  We have a contest, first one to spot an ironman triathlete....it's only Monday and we're south of Seattle so chances are slim, but tomorrow I've got my eyes peeled....

Easy ride around town, last day in Florence

the river never looks the same. goodbye.

i'm supposed to look more rested than this. oops.