Do Tri-Geeks Dream Of Athletic Sheep?

What little sleep I did get was dominated by ridiculous dreams in which I was unable to register for the race due to a whole host of improbable obstacles: my computer sprouted bicycle gears instead of keys and I couldn't figure out how to use them; I had chamois butter on my hands that wouldn't wash off and I couldn't type my name in correctly (thank you Athena Diaries for the lacerated lady parts discussion that triggered that one!); I was required to input my heart rate while cooking (why cooking?) which I didn't know and the measuring of which completely stumped me in my dream; and finally the only other one I remember is that the registration form had one of those little boxes where you have to type in a word to prove you're not a spam bot only on this one it was sort of a science test question where I was supposed to (without looking it up) name a primary ingredient in one of the race sponsor's recovery drinks. Yeah. Anxious much?

Dream logic notwithstanding - this is all pretty fucked up. In his best Shaggy voice - John would tell me to "Re-rax" but he's asleep. Donna (whom I woke up to explain I was going to try to register so I could finally sleep) would LIKE to be asleep but my typing is probably keeping her from it. (Sorry!)

Here's the thing: I do know I need to chill out. I reassure myself that even I - stress puppy though I can be - cannot maintain this level of wacked anxiety/excitement for SIX MONTHS. I AM excited. I AM fearful - fear of failure, fear of success, fear of falling of my bike, etc. I AM chronic about the process (John calls me Chronic Cay and Donna has every right to call me Manic Meredith). But...(you had to know there was a but) on the plus side:
-I might as well ride this wave as it's easier, healthier, and more fun in the long run to let it carry me.
-I'll use the memory of this excitement as motivation on days when I don't give a bat crap.
-I can name only a few things in my life that have gotten me wound up in this way - and they've all turned out to be sustaining life passions (e.g. mommyhood, art quilting, my spiritual path, writing).

My internal wise woman would like to take this (sleepless) moment to remind me of what I do know:
-The race organizers really do want me to be in the race. (Well, not me specifically, as they don't even know me. But people like me.)
-I am fully capable of learning how to properly use my bike gears and heart rate monitor, apply chamois butter, and decipher training nutrition product labels.
-I am ALREADY stronger in mind, heart, spirit and likely even body than I was in 1987. I have already achieved that part of the ultimate or underlying goal - so the rest of it is gravy. Sweaty, fabulous, exciting gravy - but still gravy!

With that - maybe I can get some rest between now and 9 am (PACIFIC TIME - which is like, NOON here) when the race registration (FINALLY) opens. If that fails, I'll go ahead and get my long ride in and see if that takes the edge off. If none of that happens, my partners will likely clonk me on the head to put us all out of our misery!

**Updated to add: Guess who (successfully) registered for the Triathlon at Pacific Grove (at noon:01)? Yay! (Actually three of us did: my Navy buddy Lizichka, my partner Donna, and I. Yay us!!!) And? I've already gotten my ride and my lunch in. Maybe I can finally sleep! (Thanks for the encouragement J-Wim!)**