June 19, 2007

Opportunity Time

It's finally here.

Ironman Zurich.

6 months of preparation are done.

Now, as Bold would say, it's time to let preparation meet opportunity.

It's time to Get.It.On.

Ironman style.

I get off work at 0400 tomorrow morning, then straight to the airport. A 12 hour stop in New York and then it's transatlantic overnight to arrive in Zurich Thursday am.

I'm packed, and so far I haven't remembered anything I've forgotten.

I even remembered the wheels!

There was a period a couple of months ago when I seriously considered dropping this race. I didn't think I would be adequately trained, I didn't think the finances would work out, I had an alternative trip that would have been a blast.

But I trudged along and stayed the course. Persistent.

And guess what? I am trained. Perfectly trained. Abso-effing-lutely perfectly trained. I won't be first at anything, but I will finish. And I will finish Proud. Strong. And courageous. Because this journey was never about being the best, it was about being. Experiencing. Living.

Know what else? I noticed yesterday on my checking account statement a couple of transactions that looked unusual. I called about it today; and, although it took 2 hours of getting passed from one person to another, I ended up with an unexpected extra $650 in my account! I honestly felt like someone was looking out for me, making sure everything would come off perfectly for this trip.

And the alternative trip? Well, I was able to reschedule the high altitude training even earlier PLUS sneak in a little racing at the same time.

So the training is done. The preparation is done. Everything has come together to create this opportunity. And now it's time to get it done.

Ironman style.

Check out my progress on Ironmanlive.com starting at 0100 on Sunday 24th. I'm #1974.

20 comments:

TriGirl 40 said...

Wishing you an amazing and wonderful race! You've done the training and have the heart. Looking forward to hearing about the experience - start to finish.

Toni said...

You've gotta love hidden character challenges. Way to persist and attain your goal!

Good luck!! Have a blast!

Bigun said...

you've left already, but I wish you the best for your IM attack! GL!

Brent Buckner said...

Rock! The! Course!

...and enjoy the day.

Bolder said...

here's wishing you plenty o' opportunity!!!

this is a special day, a day without distraction, a day JUST for yourself, to do something you love to do...

make it your day.

Michele said...

Have a great trip. Good Luck!!
Look forward to hearing all about your race and becoming an Ironman!!

Hope you got everything packed this time.

Bullet said...

We'll be watching here in the Ham. Best of luck. Have a great time and stay safe.

Lisa said...

Good luck! Have fun. And enjoy the spectacle. You are SO ready.

Joy | Love | Chaos said...

KICK SOME SERIOUS ARSE OUT THERE, Jack!

Race safe. Race hard. And leave it all in Zurich.

:)

Laurie said...

You are on your way!

Good luck and enjoy the day. You've worked hard and are ready for this. Remember that we will be cheering for you from across the pond!

Cliff said...

Enjoy the race...TriJack. Will be monitoring your progress on IMlive.com

Donald said...

Go TriJack!!! Have a great race and enjoy the whole experience.

RunBubbaRun said...

Have a great trip and great race.

Confidence is half the battle, you are ready to go... Will be watching..

Carrie said...

Get 'er done in style!

drbubba said...

I agree. Rock the course!

Mud Stud said...

Best of luck to you!!!

Dances with Corgis said...

WHOOT!!!!!!

You are in a great place mentally to go out there and p3nerize it! :) Go Jack!!

Although, I am offended you had a 12 hour layover at JFK and didn't think to meet up with me for Thai food in Queens! (hmm...maybe spicy drunken noodles and Singhas are not the best pre race nutrition).

Have an awesome time tomorrow! I will be cheering ya on!

Dances with Corgis said...

SWIM 1:34:34 BIKE 6:15:12 RUN
4:34:45 OVERALL 12:28:43

yeah that's right, i stalked you :) Great job!!!!!

Lisa said...

You smoked it! Congratulations!!!
Can't wait for the race report. And the photos of course.

Bolder said...

YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

well.done.dude.

well done!!