I feel the need for speed

I'm going to go back over the race in a bit more detail as time permits. There are just so many experiences during the race that it is hard to put it all into words.

The major thing I've noticed since the race is something I did not expect and maybe it is partially due to the fact that I had an overall "good" race; I have a greater hunger to race more. And I want to race stronger and faster. I suppose the thrill of experiencing first-hand where you can get with hard work and determination is a treat. But I really enjoy the process and I don't think I could have or can accomplish the goals I've been talking about if I didn't feel this way. Since my return I've been thinking about what I need to do to get faster. I have the need for speed.

  

the swim

I'm an Ironman!!!!

Rooster is racked and ready

I took Rooster to the transition tonight and as you can see, the first Zürich tram ride, waiting in line to have the odometer tightened, covering with plastic bags for the night (supposed to be rain tonight and for the race tomorrow), and then look how eager I am to start after dropping the bike off, grrr!!!

check www.ironmanlive.com for updates or www.ironman.ch

Here I go!!!

getting there

on top of the world

This is the view from Piz Gloria. Packet pickup went well yesterday other than Mary being on my number, oh well, if that is all that goes wrong I'm completely fine with that. Last night we went to the Opera, Turnadot and it had the usual European flare which made it all that more special.

Rooster gets the thumbs up.

Just rode my bike around town, swam in the lake again, and now am
waiting for packet pickup with kathi and don.

The countdown continues...

Less than five days!

Yesterday we went to Piz Gloria with some spectacular views from
Schilthorn of Jungfrau (the tallest mountain in Europe) as well as
other mountains in the range. Today, I'm going to set foot in the
water of Lake Zurichsee for some ironman swim training. It all still
feels like a dream.

Landewiese

I scoped out the location for the start of the ironman and it's not
too shabby with crystal clear water about the temp of Barton Springs.

Less than a week

This morning I went for a run around lake zurichsee. There was me in
my running kit and the locals riding bikes in suit and tie heading to
work. The bike lanes here are great as there is a separate area for
bikes even on the walking trails. It is nice to see so many people
commuting to work on bikes. The view while running around the lake is
also spectacular. Everything is so green and clean. The architecture
surrounding the lake is typically European with the background being
mountains. Like running through a postcard. The race still hasn't
completely hit me yet, but yesterday. I kept thinking about where I
would be at during the race at certain times.

I'm here!!!

Made it to Zurich and it is spectacular! I'm pretty exhausted right
now but am looking forward to exploring via swim, bike, and run. I'll
keep you guys posted.

-MK

And away we go

The first leg of my journey has started as last night Robby took me and all my baggage down to SA for my flight today. We all seem to have made it in one piece, although Austin was crying as I left. I like to think of it as tears of pride. Leg one is a success, especially with Mom's going away dinner and lemon meringue pie. Yum! I keep reminding myself that now I need to be confident in my training and to just relax. It is hard to believe this is real, but I'm really excited. The image to the right is my brother's design for the race this year and with that kind of support, who couldn't relax? The image says it all—Texas to Switzerland—HERE I GO! I'll update when I get there.

Rooster packed and ready

Rooster and I went for our last Austin spin this morning with the temperature lower than it has been and a fabulous start to the day. The guy at the stop light next to me asked if I raced criteriums, umm other end of the spectrum, I'm doing an ironman. Maybe I should be doing crits instead I think, but now is not the time to question. I sat back and rode easy for the rest of the ride trying not to push too hard. Am I nervous, yes. Am I excited, yes. Can I do this, yes. It is hard to believe that the 30 minute decision to enter this race back in September after Kathi asked me, "Isn't an Ironman on your to-do list?" My answer—yes, so how could I say no? I've said that I've truly enjoyed the journey, now I just need to trust in that and in what my body can do. 

I dropped Rooster off to be packed with the help of Robby and now it is really starting to feel real. Zane was at the shop to reassure me. "I saw you out around town twice, once biking and once running. You are ready. You had a steely drive in your eye. You were focused." This is it and I know with the training I've put in and all the support that has been showered upon me from, friends, family, colleagues, I am ready.