I’m busy with the last bit of preparation before Sofie, Radesh, Megan and I leave for East London tomorrow morning at 4am.

Our road trip is the culmination of six months’ worth of hard work, blood (literally), sweat, tears, laughter, fun, panic attacks, cycle races, running races, triathlons, canal swims…  And it will all come down to about eight hours of swimming, biking and running this coming Sunday.

Life-changing journey

I can honestly say that the past six months have been a life changer.  I’ve said it before.  Every single person arrived at that first evening of Embark orientation with a goal in mind.  Some have dropped out along the way.  But most stayed.  Some of us will remain friends for the rest of our lives.  Others were simply admired for their speed and strength from where I was running and swimming at the back of the pack.  We have all fought our individual battles.

Over the past few months, and now increasingly so, many people have been asking me why I am doing it. Why would I want to make so many sacrifices for a selfish goal.  The reality is that, unless you are on this journey, you will not understand.  I am not the same person I was back in August 2012. Through embracing my weaknesses I became stronger. Through facing my fears I became brave.  Whenever my mind told me that I couldn’t, heart reminded me that nothing was stopping me.

How am I feeling?

The past week has been an emotional time for me.  And as it turns out it’s quite normal to cry about the smallest thing ahead of the race.  There are so many emotions bubbling up inside of me and it’s hard to make sense of it all.  Am I scared?  Do I feel the pressure?  Do I fear failure?  Yes.  No.  Maybe.  I don’t know.  All I know is that my every thought is about this weekend.  I’m excited.  Nervous.  Scared I’ll forget something crucial that may make or break my race.  Afraid of disappointing everyone who stood by me as I embarked on this epic journey.  Or maybe I’m just tired.

But despite all the uncertainty and emotions, I know one thing:

I am ready.

I am ready for the 1.9km swim.  I am ready for the 90km cycle.  I am ready for the 21.1km run.

I am ready for the weather.  For the expected.  And the unexpected.

I am ready for whatever outcome this race will have on Sunday afternoon.

Come what may… I am ready.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw_Ga_QroiA]