I'm Heading to Cuba

During one of my routine email checks (Which is every 10-30 minutes) on December 23rd I got an email from USAT giving info about a race in Havana, Cuba. I almost missed it, but right as I was about to delete it, I paused, and clicked on the link. It was free to register to give intent to race so I registered right then and there. Carpe diem! I quickly learned that I had gotten 1 out of 25 spots that had been allocated to Americans for this race. WHOA? WHAT? DANG! This was a moment I didn't feel bad about being addicted to my phone.

Growing up, I don't remember learning anything about Cuba except that you cannot go there because of the embargo and that Fidel is a bad man. And with not knowing much about it, it created a lure, a sense of mystery, and sense of adventure because it has been ‘forbidden” to Americans. This is when it started to become a reality. "I am going to Cuba!"

Being ignorant to something is negative, but often we don't focus on how you can take ignorance of something and turn it into a notable learning experience. So right away I started researching as much as I could. The logistics first; registering for the race, airlines, hotel, general info about Cuba.

I did have a bit of trouble registering for the race. A few errors in the website to my info getting lost. I send a HUGE thank you to Kara, and Leslie for helping me through this issue.

With the help of a Facebook group, made up of athletes going, plans fell into place easily. We helped each other learn about the rules of traveling, the must see places to visit and see, how to exchange money, etc. It was a great place to help each other prepare for the trip.

The last part of planning was to gather cycling and triathlon gear to donate to a local kids cycling group and to the Cuban Triathlon Federation. A lot of friends came together to help me gather gear. I left to Cuba with a full suitcase and backpack of stuff to give away.

Once I sat on that plane for the first leg of my trip to Havana it finally started to kick in. The reality of the importance of the trip historically. The nerves about doing my first triathlon of the year. The excitement of learning what Cuba is really like, to the people I would meet. I thought "This is when S*** gets real, here we go. God make sure we make it there safe."

Stay tuned for the "Welcome to Havana" post and "Havana Reflections" post.