Week One in the MILE HIGH City

My first week here in Boulder has been pretty spectacular. This whole venture materialized largely because of a friendly tug from my friend, and fellow UoM athlete/grad Kay. Months and months ago when we talked about me whether I should come to Boulder she instantly invited me to stay with her family. The Martin's have been beyond amazing in opening their house and their lives to me! Last night Kay and I sat on the couch reminising back to our days as athletes at UofM.  Many of my Cali friends make fun of how crazy I am for the Maize and Blue, but it's connections and friendships like this that remind me how fortunate I am to be part of this amazing alumni network.

I totally found her varsity letter jacket in the closet! 

Yup, we're dorks...and "Proud TO BE a Michigan Wolverine"

I couldn't wait to hit the mountains the first day I was here. My workout called for 40minute hill intervals- a workout that is much more challenging back in SD. Here, I bike 30mins and I have myself a nice 22mile mountain to play on until my hearts content (or flat lined...). I thought maybe I'd ease into things a bit more, but Chris started chiseling away on his plan the second I arrived. I have a renewed sense of focus, and it's been crazy fun! Lots of smiling, laughing, AND... gasping for air. 

When I set out for my day 2 bike interval session I found my bike in a pristine, sparkly condition! God bless those who love maintaining bikes, because as the boys at Nytro know, it's NOT my forte. The Martin basement is a well equipped bike shop, and Bill totally spoiled me with an awesome post Ironman cleaning! (can you count the # of bikes in the background- and that's only the basement bikes! There are more in the garage)

 

One week in, and I now know why people rave about the riding here. Yesterday I went out for a 5 hour ride, and was home in 5hrs and 7mins! 6000+ ft of climbing. NO slouching! The biggest difference in acclimating is a ridiculously elevated HR.  During my hill interval efforts I wasn't sure if I was going to puke or have a heart attack.  My legs felt good and I was nailing my prescribed Quarq power goals, but it HURT! I could hear Chris's voice in my ear urging me on, and reminding me of the goals we've set for ourselves.  Taking in the views helped dissipate some of the pain.

Swimming has been challenging due to the breath control aspect of the sport, so I have yet to really push the pace much. Thursday I joined the open water swim down at the Boulder Res. The water isn't clear, but it IS shark free. Swims there will be crucial for my open water swimming challenged self.

Running has by far been the hardest for me! Hills, O.U.C.H!! Although I've brought my trusty Garmin310 along for the ride, I've been going 100% by feel. Let me tell you, it has yet to feel spectacular! Today I ran 60mins off the bike and finally felt like I'm making progress and seeing paces that somewhat resemble the fact that I can actually run.

Each day I'm noticing improvement both in my training and ability to sleep up here in the beautiful mile high city. I can't wait to see what Coach has in store for me this week... but before we get to that I must congratulate him on another killer race! 2nd overall amateur at Vineman today- and the only person to beat him was 24yrs old. Chris only has a few years on him ;-) but continues to be an unbelievable inspiration to me and the whole AIMP crew.
So, many deposits in the bank this week! Goodnight from BEAUTIFUL Boulder!

Ironman CDA Race Report

Leading up to the race I was a bit anxious about the weather and water temps. I knew there was nothing I could do about it other than be prepared. Then...Saturday night all weather worries were side lined. The monthly female gift arrived and I was sent into panic mode. Whenever it hits I am completely USELESS for the first few days. No Bueno, but back to controlling what I could control.

Ok, race morning…After Chris dropped me off it was a race to get my bike ready, special needs bags checked and get into the rubber insulated suit (aka: TYR Hurricane).  My pre-race warm up received as much attention as the swim/bike/run portion of the day. Name of the game: get as warm as I could before jumping into the frigid water.  I received one last TYR delivery to complete my ensemble -TYR's cold water cap.   

I was dressed and insulated from head to ankle for my stretch cord warm up. Once warm I made it to the water, smiling the whole way, hugging friends and SO excited to get the day underway.

A quick prayer for safe keepings and many thanks for this opportunity!

Swim: The plan for the swim was simple: find fast feet and swim hard. Well, you know that gasping for breath feeling you get when you initially jump in freezing water??? Yup, that is how I felt for the entire swim!  I was in survival mode, gasping for air! I definitely had my kick going because if I stopped for a second I wondered if my feet might snap off.  It was simply awful! 500m in I was pulling a group of 5 people, and continued to do so until half way through the first lap before when I relinquished the lead to one of the guys.  I needed his feet to keep me going. I tried so hard to think of something, anything positive. I couldn’t muster a single thought. I literally felt like I was in survival mode. Breath each stroke , move forward, and get through the first lap in under 30mins to avoid being swept up by the age group mass start. I stayed on his feet until we exited the water for good. I ran down the beach thinking “how am I running without feet and ankles? Are my feet still attached?”

Transition 1: THANK YOU THANK YOU to the wonderful ladies who dressed me! I was shaking violently and couldn’t do anything for myself. Vest on and zipped, arm warmers on, gloves on. Run, get to your bike, breath-keep breathing. Ugh, the 51 degree air temps weren't helping!

Sue Hutter was everywhere on the course! From beginning to end. offering hugs, cheering like mad, 

and snapping great pics. Thanks for capturing the moments Sue!

Bike: The first 5 miles I tried to get my cadence up in an effort to find my legs…literally, because I surely couldn’t feel them. Desiree came by me around mile 5 and I settled legally behind her. The cameras were all over her, meanwhile wondering who the heck this chic was on her tail. It’s cool, first pro race…I’m a no name, and I didn’t mind a bit. I loved watching them record her pedal stroke. It reminded me how excited I was to be racing with these girls.

I remained with Ficker through mile 30. The pace was completely doable. Everything was going to plan. I knew it was only a matter of time before Hailey worked her way up to us, and sure enough she did. Alright, let the game begin! 

 I can’t go any further with my race report before commenting on my mental preparation going into this race. Chris prepared me 100%! Mentally, the pro race is a different beast. We worked out every scenario. There was never reason for me to panic, because I was prepared for everything. So far plan A was going to plan. Get out of the water around the middle of the pack, use the first portion of the bike to warm up and find my legs, and then stay right with them.  However, around mile 40 the alien in my stomach reared his ugly head!  I wanted to pull over, crawl into a ball and sleep.  While gritting my teeth I tried to stay in the game.  Sadly, plan A soon went out the window and they rode off.

Plan B- let the Quarq power be my guide. That was out the window too, I couldn’t even look at the thing! I found myself curling up in the aero position as if to pretend I was still lying in a ball on the side of the road. In a state of despair I rolled up and over a roller and started closing fast on someone. I realized it was mighty Meredith. Something had to be wrong, because she came out of the water with a commanding lead. I passed and willed her on with a quick “come on girl.” It gave me a little encouragement to know I gained back a place. At the next out and back I knew I was still losing ground and needed to get things together. It wasn’t until mile 90 when my cramps FINALLY subsided enough that I could take in something other than my GU Brew.  At the next aid station I slowed enough to grab one of everything, and as many bananas as I could grab.
22 miles to go! I tried to tell myself it wasn’t too late. Head down, get back on top of the pedals, and get to T2 fast. Eat, drink and get ready to run like it’s my job ;-) I seriously wondered if a 3:05 marathon was doable. (The new run course added a whole new dimension of hills that made for much slower run splits). I wanted so bad to salvage my race and make something of it. Ironman is a LONG day, and most lows don’t last forever. My forever was over and I could finally work again. Go Go Go. I flew into T2 and THREW my bike. I have never leaped off my bike so fast in my life. I prayed the cramps would stay away for 3+ hours. 

 Run: My bright pink Newton racers made me feel somewhat at home again.  I knew the gap was immense, but I also knew we had 26.2 miles left to cover. I settled into a solid pace through mile 3. Then my feet decided to join with the cramp fest. Pain Pain Pain. I reached in my back pocked for more advil only to find it had become a powered mess. I didn’t hesitate to lick every drop off the saran wrap! Who knows how many I digested, I didn’t care.  Hillary and Linsey were out on the course cheering like animals. Their smiles and exuberance of passion gave me hope and inspired me to keep with it.

My mile 10 I saw Tim and Torrey (aka: Team Newton) and asked how far out of 4^th I was. Tim responded with “I’m not sure if you really want to know.” I did. I didn’t care how big it was, or how much my feet and stomach hurt, I wasn’t giving up! I have never ever thought about stopping during an ironman. I wondered how my feet would carry me 15+more miles. Just then I reentered the neighborhoods leading back to town and was greeted with cheers and contagious excitement from everyone I passed. I thought “if they can get this excited about me, I have to give them something to be excited about.” The next 4 miles were magical. The cramps in my feet turned to a dull burn and my stomach was fine again. Thanks to the amazing energy from spectators another low had come and gone. As I made the turn around at the half way point I passed my friend Megan. As always, she was smiling from ear to ear...just another moment I didn't take for granted. Giving her a quick high five was a big highlight to my day.  

Around mile 14 I learned that I had cut the gap between me and Desiree in half. The next time I saw Chris I was happy to report that I was “finally feeling good.” His smile and excitement pushed me along. If I could cut the gap in half over 14 miles while I was feeling pretty lousy, then maybe I could reel her in before the finish.
(Thank you for the awesome run pics Tristan!!!)

Turn ‘em over. Tunnel vision locked in. Every person I ran past was cheering for me and willing me on. My bike escort was phenomenal!!!  She cleared a path for me through the age groupers, placed orders at each age station and got the crowd going. I locked my sight on her bike and pictured her pulling me along. For the second loop of the run my aid station order changed from just water, to water and coke. We exchanged a few words, and I told her “WE are going to catch her!” I felt like she was on my team. Maybe it’s that I am not use to the bike escort racing scenario, but it was pretty awesome.  

The new run course toughened us up! More ups, more downs, more pain. While running up the last hill before the turn around I spotted Hailey and Desiree.  I couldn’t believe how much time I made up. I wasn’t sure if I could catch either of them, but I was willing to die trying. I made the turn around, gasped for air and flew up the hill. As I passed the age groupers heading towards me I was encouraged to hear “you’re catching her” “she isn’t far ahead of you” “you look way better than her” “she’s suffering.” Oh My Gosh! I can not tell you how amazing this felt. Even writing about this section of my race gives me chills! I’ve always encouraged and cheered for the pro’s while racing, but never realized how encouraging it was for them. To anyone reading this who said 2 words to me during the last 10k of that race…in the midst of fighting your own battles out there…THANK YOU!

5 miles to go. One last hill. If the women ahead of me were suffering this hill would surely slow them down (or so I told myself). Chris was cruising around on a bike, flying by me urging me on.  “She’s at the top of the hill, GO! You can suffer for 4 miles.” “Your dream was 4^th, no go get it.” From here on it was a team effort.  Chris was right there biking back and forth. He never stayed with me for more than a few seconds but words can’t describe how it felt having him there with me. 3 miles to go. The course was so packed that I didn’t see Desiree until I was right on her. She looked back, leaving me no time to contemplate whether to make the pass right then. At the same time Chris yelled “GO!” and with that I WENT! Around the next corner I looked back. Desiree didn’t respond and come with me. I asked Chris if I could enjoy the last few miles. “Yes, I think you’re locked in 4^th.” With that I nearly slowed to a halt. I was hurting! Chris laughed and “come on, you have to keep moving at least.” Ugh, ok. I continued to make my way to Sherman Av. Once there I took it ALL IN!  4^th in my first Pro Ironman, dreamy indeed.  After the race many commented about how close I was to the 10 hour mark. I could of cared less! I cared about my place, but time- nope, I wanted enjoy this. If you watched the live pictures of me running towards the finish line you’ll see that I did just that.

I rounded out the day with a 3:16 marathon, a new run split PR and a new IM PR for me. We haven't been focusing much on my running, so to pull this out while not feeling so hot has me exited for the rest of the season. And if you recall my last post, I was in quite a hole 2 weeks before this race. To come around and lay down the 2nd fastest marathon (10mins faster than any other woman -other than super star K. Snow of course!) was an accomplishment in itself.

 NOT the correct time, but one day I'll get there!

Not only did I get to share this day with Chris, but SO many of my friends were out there cheering or racing. I've met some pretty remarkable people through this sport! Every cheer and word of encouragement sent my way was appreciated more than you know! Thank you for making my debut so memorable. And at the end, waiting for me to cross the line, was the entire TYR Team.  I was embraced, welcomed to the family and with that reminded of how awesome this company is! They’ve done a TON for this sport, and absolutely make the best training, and race gear! 

I’ve never felt so content and happy after a race. It isn't because I put together a new IM PR, but instead it was the experience and journey of the day. Things didn’t go exactly as planned, but now I have the first one under my belt. I learned a ton from this race, and am more motivated than ever! In the words of Coach Chris: “we’ve just begun!” Yes indeed. I'm motivated and hungrier than ever!

Thank you to the amazing sponsors who've believe in me and allowed me to take this leap. TYR, Nytro, GU, Newton, TrainingPeaks, Beaker Concepts, Oakley, Quarq- THANK YOU for playing a huge part in this journey of mine. 

Hello from BEAUTIFUL Coeur D'Alene

I arrived in CDA on Wednesday, and was greeted at the beautiful home of Marie and Tom. They've hosted a number of athletes in the past, and graciously opened up their home to me for the weekend. Their welcome mat says it all!! And the view out of my window when I woke up the next morning was a quick reminder of why I always knew I had to return...

 It was 2003 when I first ventured to CDA (from Michigan) for my first Ironman, and second ever triathlon-Go big or go home, right. I got into the sport of triathlon with the purpose of racing an ironman, however never dreamed that 8 years later I would be back in CDA to race my first ironman as a professional. Back then I just wanted to do an ironman before starting the dredges of law school, and the demanding law firm life thereafter. Life sure does throw you curve balls and opportunities! Embracing this one has been a blessing and will continue to be an incredibly journey.
When people talk about the cold water, and potential cold weather that comes with this race I struggle to picture it. I was still a MI girl back then, and although I hated the cold just as much, I certainly wasn't the softy I am now. Plus, race day in 2003 brought temps that soared over 100! The problem then certainly wasn't keeping warm. Each day lake temps are rising. Slow, and still won't even reach 60, but 58 is better than the 54 of last weekend. The weather will be what it will be, just have to bundle up.

My taper for this race has been a bit out of the ordinary. I've always been honest on this blog, and honestly last week I was in a bad place. I returned from San Francisco with one goal- REST. My lactate testing proved what my body and mind were feeling....I was exhausted: physically, mentally and emotionally. Craig and Chris both concluded that it was time to shut it down...and hard. Last Sunday-Tuesday I could hardly get out of bed. I won't lie, I was worried. But I also knew the hay was in the barn and if I could just freshen up and rest up I will be golden. I tried to tell myself that this could be a blessing in disguise and would really force me to rest. However, the inability to even get on top of the pedals during rides, or run without feeling like I weighted over 200lbs and was trudging along, did not help the psyche. I could tell Chris wasn't excited to cut so many workouts short, or all together, but he was very careful to really ask how I was feeling each and every day. Each day we reevaluated the plan for the following day, and more often than I'd like to admit this involved "day off again tomorrow" texts or emails. However, this weeks everything started coming around again, and as things stand 2 days before race day I AM READY! I am mentally recharged, physically feel I'm right where I should be and emotionally couldn't be better.
I am beyond excited to race amongst this talented group of girls.  A text from Chris yesterday sums up what lies ahead for me. Suffer fest ;-)  "Sunday will be about racing, not fitness, it will be about learning to race (and suffer) different than any AG race..." I'm 100% in this and up for the challenge. It's going to be a day I know I'll never forget, so I better go out there, dig deep, push myself to new levels, and see what I can make of it. This is exactly where I belong, and I'M READY.

Professional Christening

My Florida70.3 race weekend was magical, and not just because anywhere you go within Disney you're told to "have a magical day." The entire experience was new, exciting and inspiring! Even my pre-race glitches (significant bike issues, and almost getting hit by a car) couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was the most relaxed I've ever been for a race. Honestly, it didn't really make sense...I always thought I would be more nervous pre-race as a professional, because "it would matter more." Turns out, it's all about perspective! This was another new and excited adventure that God guided me to, and I was/am excited to see where it will take me.

I awoke, at 4am (yes, that was 1 A.M. to me!) to strong wind, rain and thunder. I didn't panic, or even think of a canceled swim. It's Florida, and with 2.5hrs until the start I knew it could easily blow over. Once in transition it was dark, still raining, and still storming. While attending to my bike and setting up transition (under layers of towels and plastic bags to keep things dry), race director T. Ziebart came over and showed me the radar weather forecast. "No worries" he said, we'll get you guys in there. (a much better attitude than what I experienced at NOLA).  So, while it was still raining we made our way to water's edge. We couldn't see the first, let alone second or sixth buoy, but we were ready....ready to wait. They delayed the start a bit allowing the sun to sneak over the horizon and light our way.

A special thanks to stud/studette pro vets Cait Snow, Heather Gollnick, Andy Potts and Ian Mikelson. Each of them welcomed me to the pro field and made me feel right at home. There were a few other first timers out there, so together we kept the mood light and fun. I had never formally met Heather or Cait. These little gestures went a long way with me. Thanks for keepin' it real girls!

Swim: TYR ready. Always out front...so that's where I started. Ok, so I wasn't "as" confident as I am amongst the age group women. So I started right behind the girls I thought would lead the pack. I was right. Within 10seconds they were off. Within 2minutes I was alone.

I am right in front of red suit girl

I picked my head up to see how far ahead the lead girls were. 3 girls ahead of me, all swimming alone. Head down, no one on my feet. You're good girl, just GO! Kick, remember to kick. Pull, hand entry, freaking go! I was working, I swear. Once to the first turn buoy Gollnick appeared out of no where. Ok, we're probably 4th and 5th, get her feet. I'm on. Go! Then she started viering to the right. I always tend to go a bit left, so this was a bit uncomfy for me. Where are you going girl, buoy's that way. To stay on the feet and swing wide, or to create my own path? (the water was very murky so it was tough to see her feet even when they were 2inches ahead of me). I stayed to my course (which clearly was the wrong decision, since she beat me out of the water. Lesson learned. check).
2nd turn buoy, bring 'er home. Go! Kick, pull harder. I felt good. On the way in the chop picked up, and I swear I saw a water snake right under me. Ick! That got me moving again. One of the buoys was a bit off course, and far right. I don't like going to my right so I aimed past it. 20feet later Disney's finest lifeguards were yelling at me. Were they cheering? I lifed my head up and they yelled at me to stay right. WTF, it's not a turn buoy. But it's my first pro race and I'm not letting something dumb take me out of it. I went back a bit and rounded the buoy. Smart? Maybe not, but I heard the same thing happened to a few others. Whatever, keep going.  When I exited the water the cheering was intense. I felt good. Thankfully I didn't see my time or I might of been pissed. Top 5, not too far out of it, I'm good. My time doesn't show it, but I was swimming well. I'm ok in this department. A few lessons learned for sure!

Bike: Alright Quarq Cinqo, let's see some numbers! The plan was to somewhat ignore the wattage numbers, and instead chase anyone ahead of me and hold off anyone behind me. Around mile 5 the first pass was made, and in case you can't guess by my bike split, it wasn't me doing the passing.

Both of us eating...I'm sure the pass happened soon after this shot was captured

Grrrr, come on legs it's like the Wednesday group ride, jump within a legal distance and hang on...let's reel them in. My legs answered with a big fat NOTHING. Ummmm, hello, I said "Go. Now." Nothing. Ok, maybe they aren't in it now, but stay positive and they'll come around. The next pass was made around mile 15. Another opportunity, ride with someone. Nothing. Without going into the details of the next 56 miles I'll leave it at that. My legs just weren't there. It was bad, like zone 2 training ride bad. The goal was to be with the group, to push with them, answer back and ride strong with them. I missed every opportunity to jump on and be within the mix. A group of 5 formed, and I was left behind for a solo session.

Run: When I came into T2 the announcer welcomed me and told me I was in 8th. I believed him, but I'm not sure why. I knew there were at least 10 girls ahead of me. But why wouldn't he be right?!?!?! I ran out of T2 like I stole something. I probably looked like it too. My hands were full of every variety of GU nutrition you could ever want. I like options ;-) Chomps, Roctane, salt, Gu Brew/Carbo Pro mush...let's Go!

 Within the first mile I dropped half my salt and passed one girl. Ok, I'll trade salt for moving up one position. Who's next. Ahhhhh, no one....anywhere. I asked a few people where the next chic was and the answers weren't pretty: "4minutes" "between 5 and 6 minutes" "it's been a while since I saw one." Awesome. Mentally I was weakening. My pace wasn't fast. I quickly learned why this run course hasn't produced any record breaking run splits. They description says there are some "off road sections." Picture a field of unmanaged grass, random divots and holes, and tractor wheel carve outs guiding the way.
My stomach wasn't happy. It was warm, but not hot. I wanted hot, however maybe my stomach wouldn't of approved to any more heat. Good thing I packed options, but none sounded appealing. My mental and physical state remained stationary...until I saw a group of girls within reach. I only had 4.2 miles to go, but I was excited to play again. "Alright Caroline, set the treadmill at 6:20 pace and go. You've done this how many times? Garmin, show me 6:20. Grass or no grass, just get-a-move-on." I was smiling again, and back to the chase. Within a mile I caught one girl. I paused for a few seconds behind her. Yeah, she was holding a much slower pace, no reason to stay here. Grass again. Ugh! 2 girls right ahead. I twisted and turned my way through the age groupers (3 loop course= busy busy!). No time to pause. I'm good, I can take them. I still didn't feel great, but passing people sure does help the whole mind over body thing. Final mile, ticked off one more. Ugh, does the run have to end, it was just starting to get fun.

Through the line, and the announcer welcomed me as 5th. Huh? I was a bit delusional, and believed him for a minute. Then I saw a slew of pro women hanging out around the finish. Unless they arrived here some other way, other than through the finish line, I clearly was not 5th. When I realized I was 8th I felt a bit sad. But once it all soaked in, and I really looked at the big picture, I WAS SO HAPPY! (yes, you guessed it, coach Chris talked some sense into me).

Thanks: where do I start! The messages before and after this race ALL mean a ton to me. I know you read various blogs put out by pro athletes, and the all end the same way. But the reason, is because the support we get from family, friends, and sponsors really means something. Race day is exponentially enhanced because of the people we share them with. So thank you for the calls, texts, and messages! 

TYR: My loyalty to TYR is firm! There is a reason 90% of the professional athletes at the start line were wearing TYR. Their increased product line this year is amazing...and I can't wait to see what they'll come out with later this year and next. Thank you for your support. I'm beyond honored that you believe in me and allow me the opportunity to promote my favorite swim and triathlon apparel!

 Newton: It's simple, their running philosophy, science, and shoes are the reason running has become my strength. If things keep improving as they have this past year I'm going to be one very happy triathlete. Plain and simple, my improvement is a testament to the shoes and Newton's dedication to speed.

Quarq: I swear my cycling is coming along. I know when it appears in my race results the proof will be in the power...the power meter that is. Training with my Cincqo has been key! Stay tuned, I know I'm going to be in the mix on the bike. Not only has Quarq been amazing, but I can already see the strength they're gaining from the SRAM acquisition. 

Thanks for reading! What's next??? All eyes are set on Ironman Coeur D'Alene. 8 years ago I completed my first ever ironman on that course. I can't think of a better place to jump into the ironman professional scene.  

Florida 70.3 With Smiles!

I am honestly so excited for tomorrow! The weekend thus far has been amazing, and I know I'll top it off with a killer first pro race. Thank you to everyone who's sent good luck messages....they really do make a difference and keep me energized and digging deep come race day.
One of my closest friends and teammates from college will be racing with me tomorrow. While rowing at UofM, her and I had to work our asses off in hopes of deserving a second of attention from our coaches. The two of us were two of the only lightweight rowers to survive amongst the wicked talent of open weight girls. Let's just say, we formed a very strong bond over years of sweat, tears...and probably some blood too.  Ever since Jeanine got into the sport I've been dying to race with her. She's a little fireball, and one of the hardest working athletes I've EVER had the privilege of calling my teammate. After NOLA I knew I wanted to fit in a May 70.3. Knowing Jeanine would be here made the decision easy. So tomorrow I get to share my first pro race with an athlete and friend that I admire beyond words!

Yes, she's TYR ready! Good luck Seeger...I can't wait to throw a few Go Blue's your way!!
Race prep has been pretty stress free, and loads of fun. I did have a bit of a hiccup today while out on my training ride today (other than coming 2inches from being nailed by a Disney tourist speeding for mickey mouse), but thankfully Zipp and Ironman wheels came to my rescue. Just another example of the great people behind the awesome brands within this sport.
I'm crazy excited to take in every aspect of tomorrow's race day experience. It's going to be painful, but that's exactly what I want. My fellow pro women are going to make me dig deeper than I ever have, and I can't wait to answer the challenge.
Race #48...off to bed!!!