Pre-race anxiety

So this morning, I received my first pre-race chills. It was that moment that a race is a bit sooner than I sometimes estimate. It is quite difficult to quantify time when a race is months away. When I put it into weeks...it begins to feel real. Days makes it really attainable. But when it becomes a bit more authentic is when you receive the first email from the race director.

Dear American Triple-T Participant:

We're excited to have you as an official participant of the 2008 American Triple-T. With a record sold-out field of 400 participants in this year’s event, you are in for something really special. One of the things that makes the American Triple-T so special is that everyone takes on this awesome challenge wearing the official American Triple-T jersey. This is not an option, this is required by all participants and creates the intimate camaraderie that sets this event apart from other races.

Please send us your jersey size via email to:
customerservice@hfpracing.com
Subject: “American Triple-T Jersey Size”
Women: XS, S, M, L, XL
Men: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Please send us this information by April 10 or we will have to assume your race t-shirt size is also your jersey size.

It sent chills up my spine. Oh...but that race isn't until the end of May....that is like 2 months away....or 7 weeks...or 48 days. OH SHIT! The panic begins to set in. I am SO not ready for this race. This race is unique in so many different way. First, you can race it solo or as a team. I opted for solo...stupid, stupid, stupid! Second, there are only 400 participants and the camaraderie is unrivaled. Third, everyone wears the same outfit. Fourth, and most important, it is more than just a race. It is 140.6 miles over about 40 hours.

Friday, May 23, 5:00 PM
250m Swim - 5 mi Bike - 1 mi Run
Saturday, May 24, 7:30 AM
1500m Swim - 24.8 mi Bike - 6.55 mi Run
Saturday, May 24, 3:00pm Start
24.8 mi Bike - 1500mi Swim - 6.55 mi Run
Sunday, May 25, 7:00am Start
1.2 mi Swim - 55.5 mi Bike - 13.1 mi Run

I promise you read that right. That isn't a typo. Two races on Saturday. To make matters worse, they recommend proper gearing because of the sustained climbs. Ugh. This is going to be a long and painful weekend.