I definitely didn’t come up with this nickname, though I wish I had. As someone who grew up in a town where high school Homecoming was celebrated with tractor pulls and truck pushing events, I have self-proclaimed authority to make redneck jokes. . .seeing as I am one. Sort of.
Although this will be my first time racing Ironman Florida, I am no stranger to PCB. However, last time I was here, there was a decidedly different agenda. I had never heard of Ironman, nor attempted any of the disciplines, and I certainly wasn’t here to compete in any athletically oriented event. To quote Prince–or the guy that was formerly known as Prince–or is it the guy temporarily not known as Prince, but is once again known as Prince. . .I’ve lost track. Anyway, to quote that guy, we were here to Party like it was 1999.
It was actually more like ‘96 or so, and my high school best friend, Nicole and I came to PCB “chaperoned” by her older sister. We drove an embarrassing number of hours to get here, but it didn’t matter. We were motivated. We came with a vision. Like so many spring breakers who flocked here before us, we were inspired by the MTV show “Spring Break”. We arrived ready to have the time of our lives partying on the beach in our string bikinis, listening to Snoop & Warren G, beverage in hand. Just like on TV.
As it turned out, we mistimed it by a week or two. We, instead spent the week put-put golfing and hanging out in out dodgey hotel pool. The only real trouble we managed to get in was the questionable decision to get navel piercings. Don’t laugh. Very fashionable at the time. My parents got me back for that one later by feigning ignorance for two weeks and 6 days of our 3 week summer beach vacation–and then informed me that Nicole’s aunt had told them months ago. The bad one piece tan lines were punishment enough.
Enough reminiscing. Tomorrow I am once again in PCB to party like it’s 1999. True, the K-Swiss swimsuit attire tomorrow will provide a bit more coverage than the silver string bikini I rocked that year (in fact, I’ll probably go tri suit. . it’s bloody cold in the AM). Also, the carbs I’ve consumed will be more of the Clif bar variety, less of the beer and Boone’s–(reminder: we were 16, you take what you can get!)
Much like the last go around, however, I am motivated. I have a vision. This one involves swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 like I know I can, and running the best Ironman marathon of my life. This time, I know the experience will not disappoint.
See you at the finish!