Deep thoughts and not-quite-final words

I wish I had something profound for you here as we get down to the last few final days before I attempt the Ironman Florida triathlon in Panama City Beach, Florida on Saturday.

Bolder has some deep thoughts. So does Comm.

I don't. Yeah, it's the journey, not the destination, and I've had a really fabulous journey of discovery this past year. Amazing. Pretty unbelievable, in fact. The fact that I'm no longer paralyzed with fear of the swim leg any more may say it all. Or that a flat tire is just another bump in the road, not the end of the day. Or a six mile run is just a warmup for a half marathon.

But as for me, I don't have profound things to write about. I'm doing mundane last-minute tasks like making sure my hair is RED which we all know is FAST.

And figuring out where I can get an Internet connection so that I can maybe post a few quick updates from Florida.

And smiling at good friends (and even strangers) who send positive wishes our way for a great day on Saturday.

And trying to figure out what to put in my suitcase, now that most of my gear is (hopefully) waiting for me with my bike Buttercup alongside the transition area by the hotel.

I'm very grateful to everyone who has helped and encouraged me along the way, especially my loving husband Steve for his constant support, my girls Catherine and Elisabeth for inspiration, our babysitter Elizabeth who freed up lots of training time for me, my special bunch of girlfriends (you know who you are!) including Ironman Ellie who are always there for me, my local training buddy David, the entire knowledgeable TRI-DRS list including Shelley who is always an upbeat and positive example of a great triathlete and mom, Yurtie who coached and coaxed my swimming along from the other side of the world, and all my best bloggy pals, some of whom I'll meet in Florida for the first time. You all rock! And I THANK YOU!