IMTX ladies!!

[trigal]

kams and chw57 and any others...

I just wanted to say.... HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!

A few words of advice (most of which I received from other people before my first IM)...

Stay in the moment. The day goes by much quicker than you'd expect and you'll want to remember what it was like.

At some point, you will feel like crap. Acknowledge it, but don't let it stop you.   You may have to dig deep to get that motivation to keep going, but it should be there.  You have to have your own reason for doing this.  It has to be instrinsic or it won't help you get through the rough spots.

Similary, at some point, something will go wrong.  You get a flat, you lose your water bottles, whatever.  Take it in stride.  Stay calm.  Fix the flat.  Get yourself to the next aid station and stock up. 

Keep moving forward.  There will be times when you will want to stop.  Unless you are injured or sick, don't. Even if you are barely pedaling on the bike or walking on the run, keep moving forward.

Don't be stupid. This is easier said than done. You will get on that bike and feel great.  So great that your expectations will rise and you'll start to push a little harder. After all, you're finally tapered and feeling good.  Don't give in!! People who give in to that adrenaline rush are doomed to suffer during the run!  In fact, you'll see them out there.  Guys who crush the bike course, but are walking at mile 5 of the marathon.

For the first half of the bike, ride one gear easier than you know you can do. This advice came from a pro.  I use it all the time. It forces you to hold back on the bike, which makes the run so much easier (see "don't be stupid").

Don't seclude yourself too much. This day will be lonely and communal at the same time. You're in your own head for a long time, but you're surrounded by people.  Talk to them. Cheer for them. The karma will come back to you.

Remember you've done the hard work in training.  The race is all about execution.  Again, don't be stupid.  Stick to your plan and make appropriate adjustments.

And, last... have fun and enjoy the finish line!  We'll be cheering you on!!

[chw57]

Thank you SO much!! I used your packing list and am super excited. This is all great advice!

[patches31709]

I can't offer any firsthand advice, but GOOD LUCK!!!!

[skwcm80]

Good luck ladies!!

[Wines Not Whines]

Good luck! FSU!!!!

[sadlebred]

Good luck!!

[reginaphalange72]

Good luck!!!

trigal gave some great advice. My biggest ones would just be enjoy yourself and don't stress the little stuff. Like she said - inevitably, something will go wrong. Just take it in stride and keep right on going.

Also, you'll be all pumped up before the start of the swim. Just remember if you get too worked up and start breathing heavily or getting panicky, just flip over on your back and backstroke for a few seconds while taking a couple deep breaths. It helps a lot. Try not to be in too many people's way (stay off to the side if possible), or you might get banged around a bit if you to do this.

There will absolutely be parts of the day that SUCK HARDCORE. You may very well end up in some pretty dark places where you hate everything and everyone (this is always the second half of the bike for me). But remember to keep moving and just stick to your plan (although don't be married to it if it's not working for you). You WILL come out of that dark place eventually and you'll be so proud of yourself for pushing through.

Also, take some ibuprofen once you finish - it will make your sleep and the next morning infinitely better.

I can't wait to watch you ladies kick butt!!!

[melmel48]

Good Luck!

[kams]

Thanks so much ladies! I'm here and it's so surreal

I used your packing list too, Trigal, and I can't wait to just pop my ziplocks of goodies in the bags I get at check in tmrw and be worry free!

Regina - one of my friends said something awesome about those dark spots. He said, "if you're feeling bad, don't worry. It will pass! And, if you are feeling good, don't worry. It will pass!"

[bostonmichelle]

Good luck!!! FSU H&F Style!

[al320]

Kick ass badass ladies!!!

[labbie]

Good luck ladies... I'm so in awe of you and will be cheering you on!!!

Sent from my XT1080 using proboards

[water*drop]

Good luck, ladies!

[katyintx]

You ladies are already amazing. I can't wait to cheer you on on Saturday while you kick ass!

[reginaphalange72]

May 14, 2014 18:44:37 GMT -5 kams said:

Thanks so much ladies! I'm here and it's so surreal

I used your packing list too, Trigal, and I can't wait to just pop my ziplocks of goodies in the bags I get at check in tmrw and be worry free!

Regina - one of my friends said something awesome about those dark spots. He said, "if you're feeling bad, don't worry. It will pass! And, if you are feeling good, don't worry. It will pass!"

SO true.

[emilyinchile]

Good luck and enjoy it!

[lauren170]

Good luck! You guys are amazing.

[lb2006]

good luck ladies!!!

[Susie]

Wooot! Best of luck, I can't wait to hear all about it!

[marcyiam]

Good luck, ladies! You can do this!

[emilyj]

Good luck ladies!! FSU!!

[libbygrl109]

Good luck, ladies! FSU!!

[hannahb]

Good luck ladies!! You've already done (most of) the hard work! Enjoy the day!

[shauni27]

this post is making me tear up with pride and excitement for the two of you! We are all so proud and happy and excited and encouraged by what you are have already done and what you are about to do, I cannot wait to watch you cross the finish line and hear all about it

[thom]

Go get it ladies!! This all sounds like excellent, thoughtful advice -- though of course I don't know from experience. Thinking of you and hoping you both feel awesome & ready to attack the day for race morning.

[CallingAllAngels]

You are already rock stars as far as I am concerned - whatever you do on Saturday will just be icing on the cake. I hope it's a great day for both of you.

[trigal]

Oh! One more piece of advice! Let go of the things you cannot control, like the weather!

[emuni04]

GOOD LUCK!

[Deleted]

Good luck ladies! You're both such an inspiration!

[shorewife]

This all sounds like great advice. Best of luck to you ladies!!