Thursday, November 02, 2006

Day 1 in Florida

Everything is fine here, but hectic. Except one thing - the airline managed to crack my laptop screen. It is still more or less usable, but there are visible cracks and a black spot about 2 inches square in the center. Of course, their disclaimers say they're not responsible for electronics, etc. BAH! It might be fixable....

AND I had to return the rental car to the airport because the gas gauge was broken and it read empty and was continually dinging at me!

AND the tuneup had not been done on my bike, so I had to spend some time getting it worked on today, getting the chain and derailleur fixed.

So I hope troubles come in threes and we're all done with those vexations!!

BIG SURPRISE! Two of our good friends from Calgary, Alberta - Dawn and Dianne - showed up to surprise me and Ellie! They phoned us - we thought from Calgary - then simply walked up to us at the expo! Both came all this way just to cheer us on! (And soak up a little Florida sun, too!) I was so surprised and touched that I almost cried!

The energy here is high - huge gathering at the big dinner tonight where I finally met many, many long-time online friends face-to-face - and otherwise it's lots of fun but a little nerve-wracking too. Quite windy today, hopefully calmer tomorrow.

I'll post a few photos when I can - right now the priority is getting some sleep!!

THANKS for checking in on us - another busy day tomorrow doing all the final preparations for IRONMAN DAY on Saturday. Packing the gear bags, doing final checks on the bike, checking the bags in, perhaps getting in a swim, and driving some of the bike course.

Can I do 140.6 miles under my own power on sea, bike, and foot - within 17 hours? Stay tuned to find out on Saturday along with me!!! Remember, www.ironmanlive.com will have updates for me (#2484) and about 2500 other triathletes making the attempt starting at 7AM central time!

15 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

It sounds like the Mechanical Failure Deities are working out their wrath ahead of the weekend. You should have no trouble in that arena on race day, since you've made your sacrifices and paid your dues!

I'm looking forward to seeing your pics!

Laurie said...

How sweet of your friends to join you in Florida. I am sure you will be very thankful for their love on support on race day.

21st Century Mom said...

Gooooooooooooo Nancinator! I think it's good to have all that stuff go wrong now rather than later.

Saturday will be smooth sailing.

Julia said...

Sheesh, I feel like I'm doing this race, I am so totally EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!

Dr. Iron TriFeist :) said...

Now all the pre race kinks are worked out!

You're going to finish. You are the Nancinator.

Mr Steve said...

Have a great race!

jbmmommy said...

You most certainly CAN and WILL do it. I think you've gotten over all the hurdles thus far and you can handle anything that comes your way. I'll be thinking of you, and watching as computer access allows.

Lynne said...

Let these little things be the only *complaints* you have this trip. I am SOOOOO excited for you!!! Go see the course, get your swim in and SLEEP--- or at least be in a horizontal rest position until tomorrow morning!! GO GO GO!!!

:) said...

LESS THAN 24 HOURS!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Rock on Nancy!!!!

Iron Pol said...

Sorry to hear about the laptop. And what's up with the bike tune up not getting done? Was that the LBS or someone else's responsibility? Poor Buttercup...

Anyway, echoing everyone else, that should take care of all the major issues. Now, it's on to the race.

Linda said...

Have a great race and say hi to those Canadians for me!

Fe-lady said...

Wasn't quick enough about getting anything "witty" written for the pocket cards for your race...and I am still 'witless'..so all I can say is have fun and rock the course and when things get tough, remember, old ladies like us have endurance and experience to push on! Go Nancy!

crazy tri mama said...

OMG I'm sooo excited just hearing about your final preparations!!

Remember that you are anything but ordinary Nancy!!!

God's peace and grace be with you!

jeanne said...

That's so cool about dawn! (I knew in advance and didn't tell. I'm soooo good!) OF COURSE you can do it!! Rooting for you all day tomorrow!!!! You are prepared for anything and everything. godspeed!