Inspired

I am feeling inspired: Javier Gomez winning back-to-back ITU races after being injured early in the season; The endurance twins living up to their name and both finishing 7th in their debut ironman pro race; and my six year-old nephew racing his first triathlon. Inspiration could not have come at a better time as I'm in my final week for my "practice" ironman.

The taper is going well, and I'm actually following it and am not sneaking in extra workouts (like I usually do). Yes, thoughts like I'm getting out of shape creep into my head; but when they do, I remember the Austrian Pain Train, Peter, telling me to keep resting and "let the strength come out". The strength is coming out. Saturday's ride included 2 season best times over two different climbs, and I kept it below 90%. Today was a 6000 yard swim including a straight 3000, descending by 500's. Mentally, the swim was a piece of cake-I'm ready to go long. And did I mention I have a lot of energy? And for some strange reason, I keep getting visions of running endlessly and feeling great the entire marathon.