About Me

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Austin, Texas, United States
I'll make you laugh, or break my neck trying. This is usually accomplished with daily bouts of swimming, biking and running. A former "chub-a-holic," I got fit and healthy the good old fashioned way and went from a mid-pack athlete to top age group runner and triathlete. I'm a Writer and USAT Level 1 Certified Triathlon Coach. I guess that makes me part Tina Fey and part Jillian Michaels. Visit my coaching site at www.fomotraining.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Now the Real Training Continues...

It's constant...
It's everywhere...

The race is on my mind damn near from the second I wake up to the moment I go to sleep (and many sleeping moments as well). How could it NOT be? I train first thing in the morning. Every meal is tailored towards performance (except the M&Ms and wine). I train most evenings. I enjoy dinners with Shawn, but both of our heads hit the pillow at a reasonable hour as he is up at the same time I am most days. I update my training log. I talk with other athletes. I read blogs and magazines. Our pantry is stocked with power gel, perpetuum, endurox, clif blocks and other endurance nutrition.


The physical part of the preparation is winding down and now it's time to continue training the mind. Everywhere I turn, there are reminders and affirmations of this event. I visualize success and I emphasize that success at every turn I take.



Our shower gel is Zest "Marathon!"




That bumper sticker has sat on my bathroom counter for the last 9 months greeting me with hope, encouragement and excitement. (The blingy ring isn't so bad either) :-)



My Ironman coffee is in the kitchen.



Plenty of night-stand reading material



Smack dab in the middle of my comfy fleece robes is an Ironman Wetsuit making an appearance

Of course, the obligatory triathlete mag bathroom reading material

(sorry folks, they're pretty much all mine too!)

Most women apply lipstick and makeup in their car. I apply Swimmers Ear, multi-vitamins, goggles and cycling helmets. No change in those cupholders...

I'm also creating "visual boards" at work. My desk is filled with stickers and medals.

So, there you have it! A day in the life of someone who is getting ready to complete their first Ironman in 24-days!

10 comments:

Scott and Lindsey said...

You are so funny!!! I love that you have Zest Marathon soap. HAHAHA. Will you decorate my house too??

Paco said...

You are already a "Iron Man." The race is a mere formality!

Anonymous said...

Hey Carrie,

Hope to see you before you head into this big adventure but in case, you are amazing.

Can't wait to hear all about it.

Best of luck...

Runner Susan said...

you are so awesome!

Anonymous said...

OOOOH I'm so excited for you. My first Ironman race is still very fresh in my mind, and I hate to tell you this, but every waking thought is still thinking about it, reliving it, wondering when I will do it again!

Can't WAIT to read your Ironman race story...

Enjoy the next few days of tapering..

IronWaddler said...

What A journey you are on. It's exciting to follow you to the words "You are an Ironman"

greyhound said...

There's just something indescribably hawt about a girl with locker room car. Ha!

michelle said...

I'm so excited that I get to be there when Mike Riley yells over the loud speaker, "Carrie Barrett, You Are an IRONMAN!!" Savor the moment!

triguyjt said...

carrie..hilarious...how many ironman things you have in the house...wow...

the mind can picture it...the body can achieve...

may you find tons of zest in the marathon portion of the ironman

kick ass

Mnowac said...

Oh I love it, you are too funny. I am going to have to go find that marathon soap!