It's the final countdown

I've done my last training run, swim, and bike for the Chicago Triathlon this weekend.

Yesterday morning's run was about 4 miles or so and felt pretty good. I still suck at running. At least I can run a mile (and then some) now. Still slow at it, but I think if/when I lose these extra 40 lbs I'm carrying it will be easier. I don't really get out of breath when I run, my legs just get really sore and feel like they have cinder blocks attached to them.

I swam this morning in the outdoor pool by my house. Water was a little chilly, but that's what I can expect Sunday, so that's fine.

My last bike ride this evening was my "normal" 23 mile ride that I do through the Busse Woods forest preserve. I think the events that happend culminate my summer of training:

1. Some punk kid yelled out "Go Lance Arrrrrrmstroooong" as I rode past leaving my neighborhood. I'm surprised that this has only happened twice during the whole summer. Maybe it's because Lance doesn't race the tour anymore, I dunno.

2. I went to pass someone on the bike trail, but unfortunately he decided that it was time to violently clear the saliva from his mouth. I got a big loogey all over my hand. Whee.

3. About half way around the loop, I passed a guy that just got onto the trail from the parking lot. 1/4 of a mile or so later he rides up next to me and says "it's puke time"--I was riding about 23mph at the time--so I tell him to hop on and proceed to pull him for about 2 miles or so. Just before we hit the cross at Higgins Rd, he drops off. That was a lot of fun, and a bit of an adrenaline rush. It's too bad that the tri is a no draft race.

4. On the way back from the woods, the temp drops about 10 degrees and the wind starts blowing viciously. I love cold fronts, now bring us the storms.

A lot of people have been asking if I'm ready or not. I think I'm as ready as I will be this year. Will I finish? I should. Will I have a great time? Doubtful. The weather looks cool, but possible thunderstorms. Based on what my cow-orker tells me, it may be a duathlon (if there's lightning, they cancel the swim portion, but do the rest). That would be a bit of a bummer, but still fun.

I may post before Sunday, but I probably won't. If any of the pictures are good, I'll post them. Don't count on it--I looked pretty fat in the ones from the Waukegan tri.