I thought once we were on the road to cda that I would have some down time and really come to terms with what I am about to attempt.
But true to the Ironman experience I’ve had to date...not much has gone as planned. It was a late arrival at the stay and park hotel, notification of a flight delay putting the connecting flight to Spokane, WA in jeopardy, a massive massage induced headache (with relief inducing pills left on the kitchen counter), a 5.45AM wake up call to avoid any G8/20 traffic after only 4 hours of sleep all added up had the potential for today be ...... well... a shitty day.
But in reality things are going ok. Stjohn had the foresight to wrestle my frugal tendencies to the ground and upgraded our flight to Priority. A.K.A. first class. The total cost was $154. Priority boarding, free checked baggage, access to Star Alliance/Red Carpet lounges. The cost to check our two bags in economy was going to be $50. So really? It is an additional $100.
The first 10 minutes at Pearson airport that $100 became priceless! The ‘check in’ line for United was massive. We guessed a good 45 minute wait. Priority boarding was 3 minutes. I really should write a comment card asking them to speed up the process :) The usual nonsense ensued. Customs, checking your bags, security and encountering stupid people. All ended with entry being granted to the Maple Leaf first class lounge. God, I love that lounge. Free food, beverages, papers, showers AND magazines. I stole away like a bandit with 6 magazines to read on the trip. Cottage Life, Shape, Canadian Living, Better Homes, Architectural Digest, Elle. I had to cut myself off. I did however show restraint and did NOT help myself to the draft beer that was on tap at 8 in the morning. I am in training you know?!
Anyhow. I’m in midflight as I type this some ironman stories shall I?
Chicago Airport. Gate B20. One of the fittest collection of people waiting to board a plane I have ever seen! The plane sits 80 people. I’m thinking at least 60 will be passing me at some point on Sunday! I am sitting beside a dude who looks like Lisa Roddie’s husband. He is insanely nice and has the deer caught in headlight look. This is his second event and has been great to talk to. He says the experience on the day is fantastic and on Sunday everyone is on even footing because you just never know what will happen. He tried to explain that the next couple of days will be intense as there is a lot of posturing / talk. I think I expected that and have tried to prepare myself for that. I have experienced the ‘oh my god WTF am I doing here’ moments before... basing it totally on how people look (buff and dressed the part) only to see the person struggle. I know that I will be overwhelmed by ‘the looks’ but I also know based on past experience, that I will also ‘pick off’ at least one of these people before I cross the finish line. Mean spirited maybe? But when I’m at the back of the pack, I get to be :)
I thought I would have an epiphany now that works is done and the journey has begun...
I’m still waiting.
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