I’m excited. This weekend is the Worlds race in Vancouver. Stanley Park is currently bopping with tri-babes and tri-hunks galore. There’s some serious eye candy! I went down last night to register and try out the waters. I start at 7:35am on Saturday. If you’re coming to watch, you can check out this great spectators map that Rob made.

How’s the water?
English Bay is cold. Really cold!! It’s hard to describe. It’s so cold that your body doesn’t relax. Swimming with a normal rhythm is impossible because you’re hyperventilating. Frankly, I couldn’t force my face to stay in the water. It was popping up on its own, same with my feet and hands. I looked like some wacko – swimming like stink for 5 minutes in an effort to warm up – and then stopping, rolling over and bobbing with hands, feet, and face out of the water. I did get into a bit of a rhythm as I followed my Mum along the sea wall. Afterwards, I felt the physical exhaustion from dealing with the cold.

The key for me this coming weekend is:

1. To enjoy all aspects of the event including the non-race events. This is why I’m here to be part of the experience and to connect with the people
2. To not stress about the cold water. Relax, relax, relax. It will be cold but I will relax.
3. To ask myself, “Are you still having fun?” If not, stop, eat, get warm – and then continue.

Woo Hoo! I’m going to be in the World Championships! There’s 18 club members from LETC racing alongside me. It’s going to be AWESOME!