I have been on the island since September 26 and I apologize for not having more updates.  I thought I would be having more time to update but alas, time is something I am very short on. Here is a quick update.

Training has been going great.  I had a few hicups prior to leaving for Kona but managed to turn them into a positve.  One was, after an epic bike outing, I got a saddle sore that kept me low (very low) on the mileage for a week.  I did stand up hill repeat workouts instead, short and sweet; all good.  The other was, the week we were leaving for Kona I got a stomach virus that lasted 4-5 days or so.  I didn’t get to do any of my last “key” workouts, I had no strength and could hardley eat.  So, I used it as a rest week and didn’t push through it. I had a “plan” of workouts to do in Kona but that went out the window and have just focused on getting my gut better. The rest has been a great thing as I feel the best I have ever felt prior to race week.

We arrived on Friday the 26th-flight was delayed 3 hours in SFO; awesome.  It was great being in the airport with a 3 year old and 8 month old for 4:30 hours let me tell you; but we pushed through and as soon as we got in the air Chris had 2 beers and all was good.  The great thing about being delayed was, some people from our flight managed to get on other flights so our flight ended up being rather empty, so we had the back of the plane to ourselves with no one in front or back of us and we had a whole row.  Other than 1 major scolding for Gabriella that entailed taking her to the galley in the back of the plane and giving her a serious “talking” to the flight was uneventful.

My gut has been 100% since Monday last week so I have focused on refueling my energy stores as well as getting some key workouts in.  I have felt better with each workout and and I am in a great place mentally. My dad came in on October 1 so the extra help has been HUGE!  I had a special treat this year too, my training partner from home, Dirk Bartels, came out to train with me this past Thursday-Sunday.  It was awesome having him here and we did some great ride and runs; I am so ready to do this race it is AWESOME! I am so lucky to have so many people to support me.  The saying it takes a village to raise a child holds true to an Ironman athlete as well.  I have a VILLAGE that is amazing and together we are going to ROCK on Saturday.  I will check in again, hopefully each day until the race.  I am going to leave you with some photo’s so you can see how stressed we all are

Let it GO!!

Gina