Three is my lucky number, so going into my 3^rd Ironman, I felt lucky.  Yes, my race number is always my lucky number, too.  I’m flexible.

The preparation felt great – I had some memorable key workouts that I would use in my mind on race day.  Everything was going my way: American cancelled my flight and Michael had me on a more direct SWA flight within minutes; illnesses plaguing those around me didn’t strike; I stayed in the tough group ride on Saturday; the final pounds shed easily (and the weigh-in scale was set 5 pounds light to my absolute joy – they wrote down a weight I haven’t seen since I was shorter); I ran my best 20-miler ever; my food survived the trip; I figured out how to get air in my tires.

Yes, I am a strange one – I bring my food.  One of the highlights for IMAZ is the proximity to Whole Foods, so my ‘carry-on food’ was significantly lighter.  I can only imagine what those TSA people think when they scan my luggage or carry-on:  “what is that….?”    I think my toughest workout prior to the race was cycling home with the huge Blue Seventy Transition Backpack (my favorite bag) filled with food. 

In the practice swim, John and Corin from Blue Seventy  (http://www.blueseventy.com/) had me swimming in the sweet new Helix.  Wow.  I even wore matching orange goggles. 

My cycling legs were definitely coming around.   Instead of traditional weightlifting, I use Power Cranks (http://www.powercranks.com/) and Pilates (http://www.gaiam.com/) for strength training.  If I go the other route, instead of Ironman, I’ll be in Mrs. Olympia if there is such a thing.  Quadzilla and then some.  I rode a few hours and hoped the wind would howl on Sunday.

Running – well, I’m not that fast - yet.  My goal for the race:  to run on the run without GI distress, frequent potty stops, or barfing.

Race morning I was up easily at 4am, as I keep my body clock set to wake up a few days prior.  I ate, dressed, and gave myself a final look in the mirror.  At the end of the day, I’m still me.   

The pre-race walk was refreshing.  I got into transition and went down my prep list without any hitches.  As I relaxed and soaked up the energy, I found Lisa Preeg from Austin and The Infamous Rachel Ross. 

During the swim, we went full-contact-swimming – no surprises there. 

My plan included riding myself into a great spot, and the conditions cooperated.  The wind provided steady resistance – and then tremendous concentration to keep the effort high enough on the way back to town.  A great muscular endurance setting, I watched my Timex Bodylink (http://www.timex.com/) carefully, keeping my heart rate within my boundaries.  Going into T2 with Rachel (http://www.runlikeamother.com/): a highlight of my racing career.  I have a photo, but it is only in my head.

So much support on the run course – fabulous conditions.   I ran with Rachel for about 75 meters before she dropped me like the slowpoke I am.  Luis was more social.  He ran with me for a little longer.  Timex fans and ‘mates, Austinites racing, Austinites cheering, my sister-in-law, a couple friends… and the people in my head.  I heard Chann (http://www.channmcraecycling.com/) speaking to me the most.

The bike had felt fantastic, and with Rachel and I the first age-groupers out there, I started running with a good gap (Rachel doesn’t count – I expect her to whoop me).  The run felt great until somewhere around 18 miles, when I began to will the mile markers to come more quickly.  I ran with a nice man, Ed, who was from Scottsdale and had lots of people cheering for him.  Only 1 girl ran me down, and she wasn’t going to catch Rachel, so there.    

My nutrition plan held up exceptionally:  elimination of processed foods, low fiber the days prior, and homemade rice bars and Clif Bloks (http://www.clifbar.com/) for the race.  This was the most exciting news.  Ok, setting my age group course record and going to Kona is pretty cool.