One week to leaving for Lake placid

This time next week, I'll be in Lake placid.  Bern wrote this on our email banter a couple of days ago..  I wanted to keep it because it did ring true.  I fret, relax, ponder, fit in.  Most of all I'm eager.. I look back over the four summers that I've been doing this and must say that it's crazy.  This is by far the biggest athletic accomplishment of my life.  Regardless of what the day brings, I look forward to it...

Bern wrote,

"Have to admit there's a certain sadness to the last days of training. This is where I find our different personalities shine thru. 

We will have some IMLP athlete's sit back and know that the training is in the bank, and are cool and comfortable with the taper.

There will be other's that will have to "fit in" those last few workouts.

For some taper is just that, a comfortable mix of swim, bike, run and time to reflect on the race.

Some will drink beer ( Willem) others will partake in a fine scotch ( Steve/Bern), some will continue with their protein shakes.

Some will say "screw" the bath scales and a few will carefully try and shave off those last few pounds.

Some of you may have even started packing, some may pack the night before.

Most will fret in the days leading up to IMLP, the lucky ones will sit back and let the day unfold.................

Regardless of the who, what, where and when, what I do know is that sharing this journey with each and everyone of you has been so much fun. Whether it's been  been vicariously thru emails, in the pool, on the bike, or on the run. I wouldn't trade a moment! 

So enjoy the taper, for some may still consider it "training"................... 

Enjoy the couch when you can and don't be shy and invite a bag of chips and an ice cold beverage along................

Sleep or snooze when you can...............................

Consider where you'll put that new tattoo!......................

Visualize the race course..................................

And listen for those words that bring a tear to your eye and goose bumps to your skin...........................

.....................YOU ARE AN IRONMAN..............................


12 days and counting............................................."

yes goose bumps....