Getting Excited!

I am SIX days away from the race and I am starting to get excited. I've trained my ass off (literally, I feel like I have no ass left) and I have worked harder than I have with any of my other races, which is good. I have trained consistently and hard with Tasha and I've modified the training plan to work with my schedule and I feel good about it - or as good as I can about it. I am trying to keep this all in mind as I do have a bit of self doubt lingering in the back of my mind. 


I know that I shouldn't have doubt in myself - but I think it is human nature to do so, especially since this is something I haven't done before. I try to think back to swimming and during our taper time and I know that what I am feeling is similar. You've worked so hard to get to where you are about to be, and I know I have to trust my training, which is easier said than done. I need to put the nerves away, relax and enjoy myself and the experience. 


I think I helped with my nerves by going out on Saturday night...I just let loose, which I think that it was exactly what I needed to get in the right mindset going into the weekend - I felt like my old "FUN SAM" self - not the one that is nervous and stressed about training and fundraising.  


I was out with some friends from work and a few from the team - including Kaitlin, who I've admired and looked up to so much from a TNT perspective over the years. Being around her and Jeff, another TNT coach and friend, put me at ease for the race and helped my mind lean toward just letting it all go and having fun.


ANNNNDDDD - on a fundraising note - I am incredibly proud to announce that JOHN PARKS CHAMPIONS hit the $100,000 mark on Friday - and we OFFICIALLY will have a grant named after him. 


I am so honored to be a part of this team and I am so happy that we have been able to reach our goal and to be able to honor his memory. This is the ultimate goal - not finishing - but to be able to give back and to be able to honor John. I am also VERY proud to say that I hit the $8000 mark in my personal fundraising today... and although I don't know if I will hit my personal goal of $8500 in the next six days, I am incredibly thankful and humbled to have such wonderful support. This alone helps me move my emotions more toward the excited side so THANK YOU for the support that you've given!


I am excited for the next week and I am going to try to enjoy this taper and get through the rest of work... and then jump on the plane and make this triathlon my bitch.