As I sit here writing I do so with some nervousness. First, I am now 45 days away from Louisville. With 2 weeks of taper (lower workout intensities to increase performance), I have 30 days of full training left. Albeit they will be monstrously tough as some of these include 5 hour bike rides and 3 hour runs. It just seems hard to believe its only 30 days away. Next, I am two days away from my second half ironman distance race. This one is a bit different from the first. First is the size. This will be roughly 10 times the number of participants at 1500+. Secondly, this will have actual pro's racing. Not that I will be right there with them but the fact that you can actually compete alongside someone doing this as their profession carries some intimidation. Lastly, this is an Ironman governing body sanctioned event. Therefore all the pomp and circumstance is elevated drastically. Thus it gives a higher level of intensity which translates to anxiety.
With all that said, I feel good. My training is per plan. My spirits are high. My body is reacting well. I had a brief cold earlier in the week that went away almost as quick as it came on. Knock on wood, I have no real injuries or ailments other than a bit of a slight heel bruise I got from a barefooted step on a rock. It shouldn't be an issue. I even got a chance to ride the course while I was in the area earlier this week. This gave me good insight to my plan for the bike. I have also run much of the course in prior events at the same site. I have swum nearly the identical course in those same events as well. Therefore I am well within a range of familiarity that should help me in the race. The swim has a potential for wetsuits since the water is pretty cool with all our cooler temperatures and rain. To use a wetsuit that water temperature must be below 76 degrees. I am good with either wetsuit or swimsuit but I will take the wet suit any day as they give you more buoyancy. The bike course will be fast. The majority of the ride is on smooth roads with few turns. The run will not be easy at its pretty rolling and temps will be in the mid 80's or so when we get to it. I hope and believe I can improve on my time from my previous half but you just never know in these races. Lastly, I will have a good support network. I know about 15 fellow competitors for this race of which many of their families and friends will be there for support. It always helps to have those faces you know there for words of encouragement when you need it most.
Lastly, a neat aspect of this Ironman events is that you can follow me in next to real time as I do the course. They post splits and summaries of each of the events as I go.
You can either go the IM website at: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/coverage/athlete-tracker.aspx?race=muncie70.3&y=2013#axzz2YkUSG700
Just put in my last name or others you may know or my bib# which is 1115.
Or you can download a 99 cent app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/irontrac/id489168542?mt=8
Its called Irontrac you may need to google if not on an iphone device.
Its pretty self explanatory but you select the race distance then the location which is Muncie for this one and then you search athletes by name.
Both of these can be used for the Louisville race as well.
Well, I am off to continue my final race preparations and carb loading.
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