Hello From Penticton!!!

Greetings from Penticton British Columbia, home of Ironman Canada. I left Alberta at 5 am this morning. It was a loooong drive as I didn't sleep much last night due to the excitement of my trip.

Finally, I arrived around lunchtime, at the same time as the parental unit who were driving here from Vancouver. We unloaded the cars and then Dad and I changed into our swim gear then headed down to the Registration area where I got all registered and met up with Chuck, Allan and Dwayne.

I just know this is going to be a good race. Know why? Because the athlete wristbands are PURPLE!! How can I go wrong when they are handing out my favourite colour?! Too bad the clothes weren't purple, but I guess I can't be too greedy eh? The gorgeous wristband is displayed below along with my many friendship bracelets from my dear friend Sk8rboi.

The other reason I know this race is going to be good is because I got the same hotel room my best bud Leslie had when she raced Ironman in 2007. I had told her before I left home that if I got scared or worried I was going to channel her as she is brilliant at staying present and mindful. Then I got her room. How cool is that??

After getting registered and mosying around the Ironman retail tent - I only bought one tri top as the rest of the stuff was just 'meh' quality - Dad, the boys and I went to the lake for a swim. Only Chuck and I are in the race so we were the suckers that had to put on wetsuits in the heat. We found some shade so it wasn't too bad.

The water temperature was perfect. A little choppy, but I was glad for this. It gave me a taste, literally, of what race day will be like. At one point I got a major brain enema as water shot up my nose. I swear it was like gnawing on a tablespoon full of wasabi. I forced myself to keep swimming though and practiced my sighting. I'm really happy with my swim as I know even last year I was nervous when the water was choppy. This one I attacked the waves like a bulldog to a bone.

I was super stoked for Chuck. I think it's safe to say he didn't swim last year when he signed up. Now he's in the water and kicking butt. There were a couple of nervous moments for him I think, but I was majorly proud of how he took a moment then got back in the swim. That takes major kahunas!

Tomorrow I will do a few tasks but otherwise just get my gear ready to check in on Saturday. It's supposed to be 34 C on race day. I don't know how that will play out for me, but that's all part of the adventure.

I'm still feeling really good about the race. I am happy to be here with my friends and family in this gorgeous little town!

Peace out my friends!