Age Group Worlds Pre-Race Update

Armed with my toilet seat pillow, plenty of healthy snacks and roaring excitement for the unknown....London awaits.

I'd like to first thank my Mom and Dad for being awesome cheerleaders.  My Dad FINALLY learned how to use Facebook and has since been no stranger to hitting the "like" button.  I managed some sleep on the plane; roughly 4 hours.  Unfortunately my Monsters University movie session was cut short due to our arrival.  Seriously, couldn't we hold pattern for another 15 minutes so I could finish my free movie?? Needless to say, the journey was only mid-way once we arrived at London-Heathrow airport.  After my travel companions learned that their luggage had not taken the same route, the mood wasn't as pleasant. Luckily, the bikes made it in one piece though (whew).  After a 45 min Tube ride and a 1.5 mile walk (which felt like 20 miles due to the bike case, heavy luggage, backpack....and sweaty/stinky armpits) we arrived at the Corus Hotel. We are a 10 minute walk from everything we need.

Speaking of walking, I've definitely walked more in the past 3 days than I have in the past 5 months.  Since the race is tomorrow...we'll see how that paid off.

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I was lucky enough to meet some great ParaTriathletes and even luckier to be a "handler".  Truth is, he didn't even really need me...but I'd like to think I at least helped a little (high fives, chest bumps and what not). Needless to say, totally can't wait to leave it all out there on the course, just like they did.  I definitely can't wait to see these guys compete in the Rio Olympics.  The amount of spectator support was also very inspiring. Despite the weather not being able to make up its mind (it's either cold or misting and cold) the crowd was very large.  

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And so here I am...it's almost like Christmas Eve...hopefully I can sleep.  My trip thus far has been full of great and hilarious events.  Somehow, my travel companion packed two rear wheels...but luckily the guys at Specialized helped her out with a front wheel and a "triathlon for dummies" book.  It's hard to believe that there has been so much preparation for just one event, but that's what makes what I do amazing.  It gives a greater purpose to traveling and brings everyone together in healthy competition.  I LOVED having a front row seat , 20 feet from the water, watching the elite women fly by...too bad I was numb since I had just swam myself. Finally...let me just say...I'm SO thankful there is a Whole Foods nearby!!

Tomorrow's projected conditions:
Air Temp....probably around mid 50's
Wather Temp....Mid 60's
Rain: It's ALWAYS misting or just recently misted....so the course will be slick
Smell: Fish n Chips with Ale....and Goose poop.