Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things I must have with me for Ironman Switzerland (16 more days!!!)

1. Dude – for emotional support, fuel hand-off (legal at IMS) and the kick in the ass that I’ll need if I ever feel like giving up.


2. Penny – Sweet, sweet Penny.


3. Compression Clothing - Zoot Active Compressrx Shorts, Zensah Calf Compression Sleeves, UnderArmour Womens HeatGear Shortsleeve Compression T, and Zoot
CompressRX Recovery Tights - I don’t understand the science behind the compression gear but I believe in it. When I wear it, my muscles don’t get as fatigued and recovery does not take as long.

4. Kinesio Tape - Again, I don't understand the science behind it but I believe in it. When I am taped up I don't feel the pulling on my tendon and it doesn't hurt after activity.

5. XTerra wetsuit – Have I mentioned Smokin’?!

6. My old Speedo goggles – tinted and NEVER leak! Love them! And they're so old, I have nothing to link to.

7. UnderArmour Active Thong – Originally I was going to go with the Patagonia Active Boy Shorts (which are great) but they rub on my thighs during long rides. I’m throwing modesty to the wind and going with a thong in transition (I know TMI!!)! When in Europe, do as the Europeans!

8. Pearl Izumi Short Attack Bike Shorts - For 112 miles I need the extra padding that trishorts just don't have!

9. Asics GT 2140 and Smart Wool socks (with pink flowers).

10. Rudy Helmet – Lightweight, and matches Penny

11. Gadgets & Misc Gear: Polar Heart Rate Monitor and Watch (Zone 2 Baby!!), Ironman Watch (for timer), Fuel Belt (when I'm thirsty I want a drink NOW, not the next aid station), Road-ID (just in case), and Sunglasses (Nashbar Arlon Sunglasses for bike, and Smith DMax for run (don’t forget the lenses!).

12. Body Care: Deodorant, Body Glide, SPF-30 sunscreen, Chamois Cream – and LOTS of each of these!

13. Post Race: The Stick (ahhhhhh!!!), the aforementioned Zoot Recovery Tights, and my Reef Fanning Bottle Opener Flip Flops (you never know when you’ll need a bottle opener)

Smokin'

I have body issues – not anorexic or anything, just poor body image. When I look in the mirror I still see the "fat girl" I use to be. So, I weigh myself...a lot. I track calories - go ahead - ask me how many calories are in something! I'll always think I can stand to lose some weight. Or if I'm at the weight I want, I'll wish it was moved around a bit. (On the other hand, I rarely turn down food, or beer, and I'm not the type of girl who orders "just a salad". This may contribute to the whole image thing.)

My point?

I got my new wetsuit on Monday – Xterra Vector Pro X2 Fullsuit (1/2 price sale!). The wetsuit is the bane to triathlons - a skintight rubberized suit - yeah, sign me up! Anyway...my new suit has been sitting in the box since Monday and last night I finally decided to try it on. I open the box, it's wrapped in padded paper - like a gift. I get it all unwrapped and my first thought is, this will never fit. Look at that slim waist. Look at those sexy curves. So Not Me!!!

I try it on. It easily slides up my body. Hmm, it seems to fit. I get my arms in, yank it up a bit, wrestle with the zipper, and bam, I'm in. I go to the mirror, force myself to look, and thought, DAMN - I look good. Some may say smokin'!***

Tested it in the pool this morning. No leaking, no gaps. I float like a bobber and swim like a fish. Just have to get use to the feel of something around my shoulders (always have worn sleeveless).

***The picture is not me (obviously) - her thighs are much too thin!