Waking up in Coeur d'Alene

It's my first morning in Coeur d'Alene. I slept like a rock, but still woke up at 5:30 (so, 7:30 KC time...I haven't slept that late in a long time). I wanted to go back to sleep, but of course my mind turned on right away. I just lay there thinking about what the day will bring - we can actually check in for the race today too! EEEks! I'm not sure exactly what we'll do...prolly (that's for Steve) wait to see when everyone gets settled.
So, this house I rented is amazing. I hope to be able to upload the pics before I get home, but we'll see how that works out. There are two main levels, each with their own large decks, facing the most beautiful view of the lake and moutains! Then, there's a loft area, which is very big too, and it overlooks the main living space of the house, in addition to having a splendid view of the lake. At this moment, I'm sitting in the living room with the fireplace going (can you believe the low last night was 48 degrees?) and I am looking out over the lake - drinking my coffee of course. Oh, and I just saw a cat walking around out on the deck. Didn't know we had a pet here!

About 300 yards or so, across the lake, you can see other houses. I'm hoping those are the houses that Troy and his family are staying in...we weren't sure, but when we looked at the map, it appears that we are right across the lake from each other.

Steve arrived around 6 last night. Poor guy had been in the car for 16 hours - that doesn't sound like a very good time to me. We sat outside for a bit, just soaking up the scenery and chatting about the race. How fortunate I am to have some first hand help right with me for a few days! He was filling me in on some of the other athletes coming from their coaching group. He hauled 5 bikes with him from Denver, so he'll be busy between those, Troy's and my bikes! Lucky for all of us, that's his thing and he brought all his stuff with him. Woohoo!

We decided we should drive into CDA and take a look at the race venue. My sister, Sharon, called on our way into town. I really just need to take a moment and comment here about the support she's been to me through this process. It's a different kind of support. Since she, her husband (Dan) and kiddos (Michael and Nathanael) live in PA, we don't get to see them a whole lot. Sharon hasn't ever been able to watch me race and I wouldn't say it is something that would be of general interest to her - YET, she is always asking me questions, reading my blog, sending me little snipits she reads online, calling, posting encouraging messages, lets me know that she's praying for me and for the race, etc...I'm not sure she realizes how much it means to me that she has taken such an interest in this event. So, Sharon-the sister-I am telling you here and now, I know you wish you could be here with all of us, but please don't underestimate the part you've played in this process. I should've said this sooner, but I appreciate your support very much, and I know you'll be cheering with us Sunday! Thank you!

Ok, back to the race venue...so after Steve mercilessly harrassed me for the HORRIBLE sense of direction I have, we arrived in downtown CDA. What a great little town it is - we parked down by the lake and walked down there. There are big steps going down toward it, so Steve stuck his hand in and I put my foot in - it's chilly! Then, we walked over to where the transition area and everything will be...the gates are already up, bike stands all up, big tents ready for the vendors...definitely makes my stomach tumble a little bit!

Off to find food - we were thinking pizza, but then spotted and Outback! Grilled chicken, sweet potato, salad...Mmmmm. So, we chowed down. Again, it was great getting to hear Steve talk about the race and such. Though, I will say that I think he was *trying* to make me nervous...he's say stuff like, "yeah, just 3 days..4 days and you'll be racing - then look up with a smirk on his face. I joked that he thinks I'm too calm (which, eerily, I do feel pretty calm) and is trying to see what Dawn looks like in meltdown mode. We had a good time!

So, heading back to the house, I again get totally razzed about the LACK of internal compass I possess! Our exit was closed, and Steve was oh-so-proud of himself for finding his way "In the dark, In a town I've never been in..." Yes, very proud.

Did I mention there's a huge ping pong table downstairs? Well, we planned to have a big showdown, but were both so tired we "tabled" that for another day and went to bed. And, that's where this entry started - me waking up early. I'm still sitting here in front of the fire, looking at the lake, drinking coffee...oh so cozy!