It has been a busy 6 months. Training 8-20 hours a week, working 20-50 hours a week and going to Nursing school. Not to mention executing the largest fundraiser I have ever participated in: The Ironman for Anna fundraiser. I am honored, humbled and excited to represent such an amazing organization on race day! chick here to Donate:
https://www.crowdrise.com/2015CoeurdAlene/fundraiser/jessicatapp
 |
| My fundraising jar at work! |
I have neglected my husband and many household duties over the last 6 months.. Josh Forgive me! It will all be worth it to cross that finish line and call myself an IronWoman!
Over the last few months I have rode some beautiful Montana roads, made some new friends and had the support of all my friends and family. I Couldn't have done it without everyone in my life! So Thanks!
 |
| Tenspoon 10K with Julie |
 |
| Riding along the Missouri with Meghan on a beautiful Sunday |
 |
| first ever 100 mile ride with Lisa... Yes we have Matching Bikes |
I have run in the cold and snow, biked in the rain and on the trainer while other were sleeping, I have been to the pool at ungodly hours before school/work to get in my training sessions and I have run after work when all I have wanted to do was sit and watch TV. I have cried over too many dished in the sink and the dog not being fed..(sorry josh). I have taken unexpected rest days and I have eaten McDonalds because I was short on time.
These are my realities and I'm not ashamed of them. This process has been difficult mentally and physically. It has been a journey. Someone once said that the journey is more important than the destination, and as excited as I am to cross that finish line on Sunday June 28th, (hopefully), the process of pushing myself beyond my limits has been amazing, exciting, terrifying, and exhausting but I would do it again in a heart beat.
In my final weeks before the race i am trying to stay positive and not let doubt, sorrow, pain, exhaustion and nervous energy creep in. I am fueling with lots of healthy food options and just trying to make it to the start line healthy both mentally and physically. I'm stretching daily (should have been all-along but ya know....hindsight is 20/20)...taking epsom Salt soaks 3x week and rolling on my foam roller ever night.
 |
| Cold rainy bike rides |
 |
| Long runs on Trail |
 |
| Open water swim training |
 |
| what a grocery shop looks like...4-5days worth |
Besides eating well, training smart I also make sure I get 8+ hours of sleep a night, drink plenty of water, take my Hammer Tissue Rejuvenator daily. I try and live in the moment, even when the moment sucks!
I try not to share my true race goals on social media, but this time I will!
I was originally hoping for a top 5 in my age group and a spot in Kona.... That reality is gone but the goal of finishing in 12-13 hours isn't.
I hope to have fun, stop for food/water, high five all the volunteers and spectators, live in the moment and enjoy the entire day!
Just finishing my first Ironman will be a huge accomplishment and I can't wait to try.
Race day: Sunday June 28th: Bib Number 120
stay tuned for updates...or follow me on the live athlete tracker:
Thanks for Reading and following my journey. It's Been Fun!
 |
| Racing Grizzly Sprint in Missoula 4/18/15: 2nd place AG, 9th OA:Photo credit: Joe Stone |
Instagram: trigirl406
Twiter: culvie26
Facebook: Jess Culver-Tapp
Sponsors: Soas, Hammer Nutrition
