Part 2: Bike Drop off and Shake up Run
One horrible night later and the self-doubt was ever present like a nagging headache. Realizing that my love handles were not allowing me to fit my wetsuit did not help my case. Something about having the option to use the wetsuit has always giving me peace. I know, I know even if I don’t use it. At this point with all the nerves, keeping a mental note of what to pack was a non-starter. I saw a good recommendation on the group chat and I thought it was clever. Just lay out all the contents of the transition bag and take pictures so that you can review it later. It's simple and that why it's perfect. I'm not going to lie, leaving the transition bags felt like leaving a part of me. Obviously, I had to take one last peak into the bag to assure myself that nothing fell of the tightly closed bag from the house to transition. One kiss good bye and we are off. I headed out for a short shakeup bike and run. I did not dare to venture too far on the bike. It just took a few trips up and down the street to get a sweat going. The main goal for me was to check the bike performance and make sure everything was in working order. I shipped my bike to the race; therefore, I spent the last two weeks riding the spinning bike at the gym. It felt awkward at first but you know it is like riding a bike, you never forget. Don’t judge me, I had to do it lol. Just getting on the bike on rested legs and the fresh air hitting my face made my soul happy. With a smile on my face a turned back and was ready to shake them legs. I have to say that this shake up run was really special. The town of Chattanooga is beautiful and is supper special how the town embraces the race. Just thinking about it still gives me goosebumps, crossing the pedestrian bridge full of fear and that fear turning into excitement almost instantly. Keep in mind this was just a shakeup run; however, there was so many words of encouragement from athletes and locals that made this moment really special. I finished my run full of appreciation for those who did not know me but yet shouted so many wonderful things to us. Noon was fast approaching and I needed to get off my feet. But there a few more things on the agenda after dropping the bike in transition. The important walk from swim exit to the bike and from the bike to the run. Traditionally, I do this a few times before heading back home. With that out of the way, I need to do one more thing. We needed to drive by and pay my respects to Barton hill the soul crusher.
