They say in life you can train yourself for most things - except the unknown. Being a first timer to this event has been an exciting journey. Getting the race entry all those months ago was just the beginning of it - from then on it has been one good thing after another. I must say to anyone wanting to do this race the commitment required just to get you to the start line of this race is huge. It will take its toll on all aspects of your life - and if you have a family - they will suffer the most. The time factor to get you Epic ready is demanding and although you might not appreciate it - you will not be able to be the 'happy-go-lucky' individual that you think you are 24/7. The early morning and long hours on the bike do take it out of you!

But that now is all in the past...

My nerves are certainly winning the battle in my head (and my stomach) at the moment! There is nothing I can do about the unknown - how will my legs handle the daily toll, will my butt handle the hours on end in the saddle and how will my stomach respond to 8 days of high intensity fueling and re-fueling. All of this is unknown due to the magnitude of this race. Unfortunately these are the thoughts that keep me up at night that I still do not have answers to.

All I can do know is believe in myself and the fact that I have done the hours and kept myself busy with preparing my body and soul for this race - and even when I get to the start line on Saturday it will still be too early to find out! Only time will tell...