A week from today.. I would have hopefully added my 3rd Oceanside 70.3 finish to my name. Last year, going into it, I was not feeling well as I had been sick for many of the weeks leading up to it so I had no high expectations. This year, I go into it with the only expectation of getting through it the best I can and really try to enjoy the experience.
The swim will be a mess as usual but I will enjoy being swum over by the competitive men that start after me and the rough waters at the turn around. I will enjoy the fact that on your way back from the swim, you can't see a thing because the sun is in your eye and when you look at your watch after finishing the swim circuit, I will enjoy the fact that my swim time is just as long as I thought it'd be.
I will probably make the usual potty stop... while sitting on my wetsuit.. in transition... shhh don't tell anyone!
On the bike.. I will take in the scenery and the experience that we'll be riding through Camp Pendleton and if you're lucky, you can enjoy the sight of a military tank rolling next to you. I will most definitely enjoy the last portion of the bike along the palm tree lined main road that takes you back into the transition area.
Off to the run, I will indeed take my potty stop, properly in the porta-potty this time! I will enjoy the run along the promenade but will walk the short uphill probably. I will enjoy all the spectators out there with their beers and cheers. And as always, I'll greet them with a smile and a thank you as I am always gracious of their support to a stranger.
And after the race, I will take in the experience of hanging out with my friends at our annual Dairy Queen stop. Whatever my time will be, it isn't important to me this time (well hopefully it won't take me too long), I just want to enjoy it and take it in. After all, I never forget that I am fortunate enough to be able to swim in the Pacific Ocean waters, ride a bike through some of the most beautiful scenery, and the ability to run.
With much gratitude.. yours truly.