It’s a funny saying. Β Maybe I like it it because the word “screw” is in it? Β I can’t remember the first time I heard it (I don’t think it was Macbeth, where it originated from Shakespeare’s mind) butΒ it’s actually in the “Gaston” song from Beauty and The Beast. Β A few months back, the boys were watching it in the car for the umpteenth time, and the line jumped out of the song at me. Β Since then, it’s become sort of my mantra. Β If I want to succeed at traveling to Spain with my family (tomorrow!!!) and competing in the biggest race of my life (on Sunday!!!) then I’m going to need good courage and I need itΒ to stick!

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The time has finally arrived for me to do this thing! Β I’m excited, nervous, anticipating the best and the worst, and find myself lost in thought with all of the unknown. Β Obviously I needed my toes painted for Team USA/Wonder Woman for the occasion. Β This past week has been a blur of activity, parties, shows and last workouts. Β Here’s the final recap before go time!

 

WEEK OF MAY 19, 2014

RUNNING: I’ve got good news and bad news on the running front. Β The good news is I won the Ten Penny Ale Duathlon last weekend. Β The bad news is that I hurt my already strained hamstring in my dash to the finish, 10 seconds ahead of the second place woman. Β I did a few training runs, but had to lay off the speed for the most part. Β I’m not going to freak out because I know I have the speed there, and what I need to do is be smart and go a little easier.

CYCLING: Because I have the greatest trainer on the planet, she left her bike with me so I could get my last few rides in before I left. Β My leg doesn’t hurtΒ at all when I’m cycling so that is a welcome relief. Β I was able to push hard through my last big workout – 6 mile run (with 3 at 10K pace) and a 30 mile ride – on Monday. Β Life is good.

CROSS-TRAINING: Β I did get into the pool this week, which was blissful, but I also did a lot of partying, which I definitely consider a form of cross-training. Β I needed it to let off steam and hug and kiss all my friends before leaving. Β Several of my closest and coolest friends threw me a Spainish-themed party on Friday night, complete with Sangria, a piΓ±ata and tapas. Β They also bestowed on me a bag of all my favorite fuel (Vega bars, chews, Smarty Pants vitamins, SnapPea crisps, dried cherries and NUUN!) and a gift card to Athleta. Β I mean, really. Β What the hell else does a girl need?

Did I mention the Sangria?

Did I mention the Sangria?

FUEL: Β I rolled with the Spanish/Mexican theme on Saturday night when my husband and I met up with friends at Sol Toro, in the Mohegan Sun Casino, to pre game for Chelsea Handler. Β The food and company were fantastic (table side guacamole anyone?) and Chelsea was just as funny as I knew she would be. Β I may or may not have had to change my underwear after the show.

RACING: Β I’m anxiously anticipating the biggest race of my life. Β I’m packed and ready to go! Β Opening ceremonies are on Saturday, May 31 and I race at high noon on Sunday, June 1st! Β Ponteverdre, Spain time is six hours ahead of the East Coast so, if you happen to be awake at 6am on Sunday…think of me! Β The weather report for now is 60 degrees and rain. Β If it rains during the bike race, I will cry quietly into my handlebars the whole time.

Of course I wore my uniform for my training run/bike on Memorial Day!

Of course I wore my uniform for my training run/bike on Memorial Day!

READING/TV: Β I’ve loaded my iPad with more books and movies then I can possibly read or watch. Β I’m anticipatingΒ a lotΒ of down time starting June 2nd, plus I have about 14 hours of flight time to kill between going there and coming home. Β And yes, I also have my Xanax.

MUSIC: Β Gaston of course!

THINGS I LOVE: Β This:

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The woman in the picture with me is my honorary Aunt Chris. Β I trained her at my studio years ago and we have remained very close ever since.Β Chris and her husband Dave have owned Rockville Equipment for over 20 years. Β Chris’ sign has become a local favorite because you never know what she’s going to put on it! Β Some of my favorites are: “The real housewives of Tolland Country rideΒ Husqvana mowers!” or “I’m sexy and I mow it.” Β I literally drive by her business five times a day, so imagine my surprise when I turned the corner and saw my own name! Β I almost drove off the road! I quickly turned the car around and could barely contain my excitement as I walked in to give her the biggest hug! Β Chris – I cannot thank you enough for everything you have been to me, and have done for me over the years. Β This sign was better then the sword and I will never, ever forget it! Β THANK YOU!

THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Β That feeling in the pit of my stomach of nervous anticipation. Β I keep going overΒ allΒ my lists and praying that I don’t forget anything. Β I’m pretty sure they sell most everything I would need in Spain but…

RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Here goes everything nothin’!

I’m not sure what to expect as far as connectivity in Spain and Portugal so you may not hear from me for a few weeks. Β I’m sure I will at least be able to post to Instagram, Twitter and FB so if you don’t follow me yet, please do! Β I’m hoping to at least get one post up, and I’m sure I will have material for months once I return!

I also want to thank everyone who is reading this right now. Β I cannot fully express how much you all mean to me – family, friends and bloggers alike – and how much you have all helped and encouraged me. Β I absolutely could not do all that I do without your love and support. Β From the very bottom of my heart – THANK YOU!

See you on the other side…

Any last minute advice?

Have you ever heard the saying “screw your courage to the sticking place?”

 

 

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