Aaaaand.... we're off!

Well, all, the time has come. Maybe you feel like I just started this blog, or maybe you've been waiting it seems like forever for this race to get here. Or maybe you're like me, and somehow manage to feel both ways at exactly the same time.

It's been a crazy ride, and the last week has been no exception. I've been up, I've been down, and I've been so far down that there really should be a whole different word for it. There are moments when I'm confident that I can do this, and moments where I wonder what in God's name I was thinking.

Thankfully, even though triathlons are "self-sufficient" - no help from other people, even other participants - I'm not doing this entirely alone. Pat has ridden out every one of my mood swings with me, unfailingly reminding me that I've done all my training and that I'm ready. My coworkers surprised me while I was at an all-day meeting this week, and totally pimped out my cube. It seriously looks like Party City exploded in there - balloons, one of those iridescent plastic party curtains, that plastic confetti that you NEVER get fully cleaned up (in the shape of Good Luck signs, suns, stars and fish, no less), and so on. It's so gaudy as to be entirely distracting, and I love it. My wonderful friend sent me the most encouraging e-mail yesterday that made me cry, but in the good way. When the cannon goes off to start my wave, I might look like I'm swimming alone, but I feel like all of you will be right there with me.

I head up to Delaware first thing tomorrow morning. I have most of the day to hang out with my parents, then "race stuff" starts around 5pm. Keep me in mind over the next day or two, if that's ok - and I'll be back sometime after Saturday morning to let you know how it went. Also, pictures! I PROMISE - my inaugural Blogger photo post with lots of race shots.