Countdown to Providence

So maybe you are wondering what a person does the week before Nationals? Well, here are all the things I've done to prepare . . .

Froze my butt off -
I've stood around in 0-10 degree weather encouraging moped drivers to park legally. Sounds fun doesn't it??? Yes, it has been my extreme pleasure all week to stand outside in the bitter cold asking students to please, please follow the rules or they will get a ticket. And unlike all the other times we told them they would get a ticket for not following the rules "we really, really mean it this time." I think that I am permanently frozen from this experience.

Got my teeth cleaned -
Okay, it was really just a coincidence that I had an appointment to clean my teeth this week but they feel nice and clean now. I always prefer biking with clean teeth so maybe this will help my racing.

Got a massage -
Now my week is starting to sound good. I have "best customer status" at Kneaded Relief Day Spa thanks to dropping an obscene amount of money during my knee rehab. As a thank you for being such a fabulous custumer they sent me a gift certificate for $20. I felt I could justify spending just a little more and getting a nice 45 minute massage. Now that made me feel like a serious racer!

Packed -
Last night was packing night and it was not easy fitting in everything I wanted to take. Two pair of bike shoes, every kind of bike glove bike clothes for any conditions, all kinds of socks, warm clothes for standing around spectating, clothes for wearing to media night and various parties. My bag is stuffed full.

Then came the bike. I had to take off the pedals, the handlebar, the derraileur and get it all packed in my bag and then I wrapped much of it in bubble wrap to help ensure its safe arrival as I don't have a hard shell case. I am not a great mechanic but I did successfully do this on my own which means I'm not a totally girly girl (Jesse at Williamson Bicycle Works would be quite shocked to hear that I did that on my own given that he sometimes oils my chain when I drop in).

There are also things that I need for the video camera, the digital camera, the laptop. And then hand warmers and toe warmers. Racing license. So many things to pack!

Printed information -
You need a lot of info - hotel confirmation, directions to hotel, directions to race course, car reservation, flight information, directions to various vegetarian diners in area, race bible, media credentials email . . . . I hope I haven't forgotten anything.

Ride -
I think that Ben wants me to do some amount of riding this week even though I'm tapering. Last night I got in 30 minutes of easy riding on the trainer. It was nice as I was so cold from being outside all day that I used it as a way to try and get warm again. I actually rode with a fleece jacket on as my core body temp was too low. I did finally get warmed up thankfully.

I guess those are the highlights. Now I just need to notifty the cat sitters we're going out of town, finish work tonight (of course I have to work late) and then drive to Chicago where we're staying at a stay and park and fly place. It's a hotel where if you stay you can park your car for free for a week and take the shuttle to O'Hare. It's super close to the airport which is sweet since we have a 7:35am flight.

Providence here we come!