The Adventures Have Begun
Friday May 13th - after some final RV details with Foley, I hit the road to Ridgeland, Mississippi for Cam's half marathon. I had the converter swapped out and hopefully she's all ready for our summer of travel; gotta love being covered under a full warranty. I spent the afternoon with Amber and sadly, it was time to go...
Spent the night at the Hyatt in Ridgeland with Biaggies for dinner (YUM!!, highly recommend!!).
Saturday, May 14th - I tried to pay for the 5k while Cam ran the half but they wouldn't let me! So I just ran on my own. The Magnolia Meltdown did a great job hosting this event otherwise and I'm super proud of Cam for racing a PR at 1 hour and 29 minutes. Holy FAST!!! I'm also very envious of the gorgeous Natchez Trace!! I want a trace on the coast.
A quick lunch at Newk's and it was time to head to Texas. It's always hard to say goodbye to special people in our lives; even when the goodbye is temporary.
In route to Texas, I was on the edge of my seat and updating Ironman results continuously (^ plus watching the live video feed), I barely remember the drive. I do know the last 2 hours was in HAIL and rain. Please let Paul be doing okay and just get me there!! Meanwhile, a few of my girls were racing (and winning!) in Georgia. Go ladies go!! My athletes are laying it DOWN this weekend!
^ have you ever driven an RV in hail and rain before!?
^ so proud of Tracey for bringing home 2nd place in her age group. BOOM!
Friday around 8pm: I've finally arrived in the Woodlands, Texas. I literally flew in sideways, parked in a random parking lot, and ran for the run course to catch Paul. I found him right away and walked/jogged an unexpected 14 miles Saturday night. The next several hours was a roller coaster of every single emotion you can possible imagine, and then a few more you can't imagine. Paul, you owe me breakfast!!
He finished his first Ironman and I've never been a more proud Coach. *big smiles* He was the very last Ironman on the course that night and even at a little past midnight, finished his first Ironman. He also made me a Texas waffle for breakfast ~ SCORE!
Sunday, May 15th - coffee and waffles with Paul before heading to Kansas. It was a long day driving but actually okay. We got to see some fun, interesting "things" on the highway (see below) and even happened upon a dog park at a gas station. 12 hours later, Phil, we're HERE!!!! We've basically tornado'd his home :O
^ the trek for the day
^ giant man on the side of the highway? Okay! It's 76 foot tall, Stephen Austin, the "Father of Texas"!
^ my shot gun
^ Dallas!
The week ahead of me before heading to Brazil includes thoroughly going through storage and separating goods. I also have some taper workouts to knock out and try to just relax and mentally prepare for the biggest Ironman that is upon me. I'm nervous. And excited. I also have to some how figure out how to pack for Brazil, New York, and Ohio all in one...
Monday, May 16th: "You're in the same place I left you in." ~says Phil returning home from work for lunch. Mind your own business Phil *eye roll* I'm working!! ;) ;)
But for real, first order of business - ATHLETES.
Next, move lots of things from inside RV to inside Phil's apartment (^ he's going to kill me when he gets home). As mentioned, the goal is to pack for Brazil, New York, and Ohio all in one carry on bag and one bike box. It's gonna be tight. And very limited. How do I choose, how do I choose!?!?
Final order of business includes storage. It's time to separate and move. A great big task. BIG.
I told you, the adventures have truly begun!