Pre-race Report.. It's finally here!

Well, the day is finally here, almost. In less than 24 hours, the race will be under way and this entire season of training will be put to the test, this blog will be no more, and I will be on my way to accomplishing what I set out to do several months ago. I'm excited, and very confident that all of the preparation will pay off. As the season progressed I became less and less concerned with "just finishing" and more concerned with really putting forth a respectable effort. I think my abilities in all three disciplines (swimming, biking, and running) have really improved by immeasurable amounts since last season. Between this season and last season, I think there is no comparison. This season was serious.

So, the race strategy for tomorrow...

First off, I'm praying that the water is 77.9 or less, because I bought a sweet wetsuit and I really want to wear it. If not, oh well, but man would it be nice. I plan on keeping with my normal strategy of starting off with my head above the water until I get my rhythm (about 50-100 meters in) and then pick it up. I would like to start a little harder than usual, so I don't get used to a slow rhythm. I don't plan on being the first out of the water, far from it in fact. I just want to keep up so I can be in a good position to do some damage on the bike. 1.2 miles is only slightly longer than the 1500 from Lurray. So while it's long, I don't think it's much more than I'm used to.

After I'm out of the water, it's all gravy from there on out. I'm really excited about the bike course. I've heard it's flat with minor hills, and a big chain ring the whole way through. So going back on what I said after the West Creek workout from Monday, I plan on doing the majority of this race in the big chain ring. I'd like to come in to T2 at about 2:30. That would mean an average of just a hair over 22 mph. If the course is flat like everyone has said, I think that's very reasonable.

Now for the real challenge. It even gets it's own section here. Nutrition on the bike is going to be key. As I said before I plan on alternating Cliff Bars and gels. I'll do gels on the half hour, and Cliff Bars on the hour. This will put me at about the 300 calories per hour for solid food, maybe a little under. and the rest will come from sports drink. I've got a bag full of gels, Cliff Bars, and Heed, so everything is going to be good. The make it or break it point for this race, is being able to hold on to the Cliff Bar. The first run through on Monday was not so good. I'll just have to focus harder tomorrow, and eat faster.

I know for a fact my legs are going to feel terrible after 56 miles of cycling. I'm not even going to try to sugar coat it. It's going to be rough. No matter what, that first mile just has to happen at a decent pace. I need to get my legs awake and moving, and if I start out slow, I know I'll stay that way. Once the first mile is done, it'll will get a little easier, probably until mile 8. I have a feeling the last 5 miles will be hell, but I'm trying not to think about that. I plan on doing a gel every 30 on the run. So that's 3- 4 gels, depending on what kind of pace I can keep. 8 min/mile would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath. At Lurray I kept a 7:14 mile for 6 miles after the wildly hilly course. So I think 8:00 pace for 13 miles is reasonable goal to shoot for after a 56 mile bike. We'll see.

Predictions... I hate predictions. You should just get out there and do what you can do. If you make predictions or set goals that "acceptable", then you will live only to meet those guidelines. For this reason I always set my sights high. If you ever reach your ultimate goal, then you didn't set your limits high enough. Online tri calculator says I should do a 4:30. I on the other hand have made a few of my own calculations.

Swim- 35 minutes (I hope)
T1 - 2 minutes (We'll assume it's a long run)
Bike - 2:30
T2 - 2 minutes (Maybe my shoes don't go on straight)
Run - 1:41-1:51

Total Time - 4 hours 50 min - 5 hours

I think this is reasonable. Lets just see how close I come. I hope I'm way off in the lower direction, and if I'm over, only by a few minutes. I really don't like making such a prediction, but it's a very very rough prediction, and I won't hold myself to it.

Ladies and gentleman, I am ready to take on this race, which will be the greatest physical challenge I have ever encountered, and I couldn't be more excited. The time has come, and I am ready.

When I'm done... Oh dear when I'm done I will feel so good. I plan to take it easy for at least a week. Minimal training. Then it's time to start mixing things up a little bit. I'd like to make some changes to my training routine and diet. Nothing major at first. Just small changes. Because, just like this season was on another level compared to last season, next Spring, it's going to be totally different. There will be no "top 10%", it's going to be "top 10 overall". There will be a new blog, and you will be able to read allll about it.

There will be pictures. Unfortunately I don't think anybody will be there to see me finish, but I'll have plenty of pictures until my lady friend has to leave. Sort of disappointing to know that there won't be anyone there to celebrate with, but oh well. I will feel great on the inside knowing that I just went 70.3 miles and did it as fast as I could. The next post you will see will be a race recap, and pictures. There will also be a link to the new blog so you can follow the new stage of my triathlon career that will begin in the coming weeks.

Thank you for reading. I hope none of this has been too boring. To all who have read, come to my races, or even just made that wierd face when you heard what I was doing, your support and time has been greatly appreciated.

God bless.