Face First

Check it out..

http://facefirst-gpa.blogspot.ca

Love
Peter

"Looking For A Way Out"

If I hadn't spent a year preparing for this and given the people $700 I would just pack up and drive off right now.  Anything to alleviate the anxiety I'm experiencing.  It was probably this way the previous times as well but I don't remember it as such.  Probably it's a little bit like giving birth.  Within a year or so you forget how much it hurt, and make the stupid decision to do it all over again.

I suppose I could fake injury or illness but the problem with that is I would know, even if no one else did.

Alas, I suppose I don't have any options and at least I'll have to climb in the lake. After that I'll probably be okay.

Wish me luck!

Love
Peter

"Breathe!"

You should be able to access the live results here.  Simply insert my name or bib number (2594) and hit enter, and you'll get all the ugly details.  I'm impressed by the amount of data they promise.

Nervous as I've been in my life!!!

Love
Peter 

"All Checked In"

The process was infinitely better managed than both of my previous experiences.  I was in and out in 10 minutes!  Last year I stood in line for close to 2 hours, and I was one of the smart early arrivees.

What checked in means is that I'm now literally ready to race.  Gear bags, numbers for bike and body, wrist band, timing chip, etc etc.

But......

I'm feeling a little bit intimidated right now.
This whole scene doesn't make any sense today.
Having my grandchildren here both helps and hinders.
Helps because it makes Ironman less important.
Hinders because it makes Ironman less important.

Love
Peter

"What's This?

Those were the first words that came out of Jacques' mouth when I showed him my car reservation at the Hertz depot!!

Holy Shit!

I reserved a car 3 months ago.

Three days ago I got a reminder form them via e-mail!

Two days ago I checked in online and got a confirmation e-mail!

When I explained all this to Jacques he said and I quote, "But you never called me to see if I had a car.  You should have called."

Holy Shit!   Or is that, "Holy Merde"?

I stayed calm....at least outwardly.  They hope to have a car for me tomorrow morning.

We are in a lovely RV park in the village of Ste Jovite but unfortunately it's 10 kms from the race site.  You can see why I need a car.

Talk to you tomorrow.  Wish me "bonne chance"!

Love
Peter

"Half Way"

We decided to make it a 2 day trip to Mont Tremblant simply because there's no good reason to make the 10 hour drive all at once.  Besides, I still remember what a whole hour in the car felt like as a kid never mind ten,  and I didn't want to do that to my travel partners.

We are at a KOA just outside of Kingston and despite the fact that they are always expensive they usually have lots of activities.....

Hole in One!

Panning for gold!

They may have me in a sprint but I would beat them in a long race!

I also had time for a nice brisk 5K run on a beautiful trail just outside the campground.

Talk to you tomorrow from Mont-Tremblant, PQ.

Love
Peter

"My Bags Are Packed"

I'm ready to go!

I'm sure I've forgotten a myriad of things that I won't know I'm missing until I need them.  I think I have all of the really important stuff though.  After I put it all in the RV I went item by item through what I actually need on race day.  Everything else is irrelevant!

We head out first thing in the morning!

Love
Peter