Ironman Louisville - Pre-race update

Saturday, 18:00

Yesterday I swam in the Ohio River for the first time. I was nervous. As people jumped in the water the bubbles were a murky brown/green. In I jumped. WARM WARM WARM. The water is murky, but not the worst I have swam in.

In the afternoon, I made my way with another Ottawa triathlete to the bike course. The bike course is beautiful rolling hills; horse farms, tobacco farms ... beautiful and challenging ... more than once I was caught unaware and missed changing gears quick enough and had to mash my way up what should have been a moderate hill.

This morning I made my way to the Gatorade swim practice. Lots of other athletes around in downtown Louisville. As I made my way along the riverbank I saw a relatively large crowd of people around the swim area; and wouldn't you know it ... turn on the faucets ... the tears welled up as I realized that once again, I was going to do this crazy thing called Ironman.

This will be Ironman number 11. Can you believe it? I have a hard time believing it myself. Looking back from where I came; where I started; it amazes me still.

I do this because? Because I can. Because so many people can't. I do it for me. I do it for them. For the woman in Madison Wisconsin, bound to a wheel chair, who was so happy to be volunteering. She gave so much energy. I race for her.