Photo update done re: Sept 22 - was another busy pre-race day

Had to prioritize prep & Para, Elite & U23 races - weather was perfect!

here are the photos from that day... interspersed are postive reinforcements I placed around my room to help me stay calm and focused.

Team physio & multiple AG World Champ Dave Frake - taped my foot in the morning. It was very painful and although I'd never tried taping I was up for anything. That said, I went for a bike ride to see how it felt in my cycling cleats and I also went for a short race pace interval run with very slow recoveries. It felt amazing!

Bird at race site

 

 

Women's Elite Winner

1st & 2nd place Elite Women embrace

 

My lunch - Gazpacho & gluten free crackers

Delish!

 

Elite Canadian Jason Jama pre race

 

 Elite Canadian Kevin Smith pre race - ranked 5th in the World, Kevin had injuries that meant he wasn't anywhere near top form. He was pulled after the first bike lap. For the Elite racers only, ITU rules specify a racer is pulled if lapped. 

Getting excited!

 Paparazzi Birdface

 Kasha in foreground and me ready with camera await Elite men leaving T1. We are eager to watch their technique and learn!

 

Would be Elite Male winner leaves T1

 

 Karen and I chatting about pre-race supper plans

 

Birdie on her mark, set and ready to race too!!!

 

Elite men ESP winner on ground with 2nd place

 

Happy SisterBirds

 

 

 

Moka cooking supper while Birdie catches up on readihng the Blog

 

Everything laid out for morning

 

 Bird food - chicken cordon bleu on quinoa, carrot salad, green salad, baguette emmental

Moka food - lean chicken sauted with tomatoes and garlic, carrot and green salad - wine & water

 

Bird reads on over supper while Moka preps morning schedule

 

Nancy cathedral in background - taken during Birdie's nightly walk back to her hotel

 

Even though Dr. Jeff gave me a sleeping pill I didn't sleep much but I figured it was normal pre-race. I was happy I slept 7 hrs the night before.