Tomorrow is the day I've dreamed of....

Things are finally calming down here in Kona. The bags are nearly packed, the workouts and parties are done. All thats left to do is turn in my bike and gear this afternoon. Today I'm just focusing on resting, fueling and trying to gain some perspective on this whole experience. This week has gone by so fast but I finally feel ready for race day to be here.

We had torrential rains last night that even rained out the welcome dinner, but luckily we still got to see the story telling component with the hawaiian dancing and fire throwers. The culture and history here is so deep and so inspiring and the show last night was the highlight of the trip so far. Part of the story told in the dance was related to the theme this year "Ko aloha la ea"- keep your love. "No matter what obstacles come, keep your love. No matter what suffering you face, no matter who you are or where you come from, with love you can surmount anything."

http://ironman.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship/dawn-henry-describes-this-years-ironman-world-championship-theme#axzz1a7zGecwP

This morning Neil and I went for an Acai bowl (LOVE), some kona coffee (REALLY LOVE) and we sat out on the rocks in the energy lab and watched the ocean beat away at the lava rocks. I finally got a little vibe from the island; the sense of peace that I had been so desperately looking for since I've been here. I always feel most at home in a new place away from people, in nature; somewhere beautiful and inspiring that I can think and just be without any distractions. While the big island has plenty of those places, they are most certainly not along ali'i drive or in kona town during Ironman week.

I went over my race plan and just took in the soul of this place. The salty sea air, the hot sun beating on my back, the crystal blue water violently crashing into the black lava rock. The formation of land itself on the edge of sea. I asked God/Pele/whoever is up there with their finger on the controls of fate for safe passage through the lava fields, for an inspired race and to feel the love from all my amazing friends and family during each step of the way. Since then, I've had a great sense of calm. I'm less nervous than I've ever been for a race and I think its because the goal has already been met. I'm here, I'm living this dream and its time to execute, celebrate and do whatever it takes to find myself on ali'i drive at some point tomorrow night. I'm finally here, I'm ready to experience and enjoy this journey and I'm ready to face any challenges the day throws at me with one large smile on my face. One more sleep....