5 days from right when I am writing this I will be pulling my self out of the water on the shores of Ohio River in downtown Louisville preparing myself for a 112 mile bike. The first of my three disciplines for the day complete but many and I do mean many hours left to go and undoubtedly the hardest parts yet to come. Can it be?
What seemed so far off in November is near at hand. Back on those cold pre dawn winter mornings it was so difficult to envision this point. I can tell you I am on a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment. At one point, I am feeling full of confidence and physically strong. Other times, I question if I am fully ready and every little ache or pain seems potentially damaging to my performance. I guess you could say I have full onset of pre game jitters. I am quick to sleep but quick to wake, thus not getting the best rest. I continue to eat a sodium heavy diet with an elevated level of carbs so that I can build my energy reserves. The only part the spells this somewhat is all the other logistics that I am going through to get ready. I continue to train albeit at a less intensive amount of total hours. I must fit this into my schedule first. Next is the whole aspect of travel and agendas. In this process I am not only getting myself to Louisville, but I am also working to coordinate with family, friends, training partners, and fellow competitors. This includes logistics for lodging, meals, schedules up to the race, what to do during the race, post race, and then things like getting everyone home(for some in time for school). Do not take this as a complaint as it is absolutely wonderful to see the outpouring of support and it will be an inspiration to see these faces on race day.
The other use of my time is the focused on packing. I feel like I am trying to prepare for a shuttle launch. With the collection of gear, what if scenarios you have to plan for, all on top of the out of town trip for 5 days. I am trying to be very organized around this process so I first do not forget a critical asset like my swim goggles, but the nature of the race requires a separation of gear for the appropriate time in the race so I am doing that now so as to keep ready.
Lastly is working my prerace schedule. It is one that is fairly active but somewhat reserve so as to maintain my rest and to keep my legs fresh.
Here is a breakdown of the coming days:
Thursday 6PM Depart for Louisville- Lodging at the Galt house in downtown Louisville.
Friday AM- Athlete Check-In, Walk Exposition, Relax
Friday PM- 3-5 PM -IAMTRI training group social, 5:30 PM athlete pre-event banquet, 7:30 mandatory pre race athlete briefing.
Saturday AM- 8-10AM practice swim in the river, 10 AM Ecumenical Prayer service, Easy Bike ride10-11AM. 11:30 Charity Underpants run. http://www.whas11.com/great-day-live/video/Underpants-Run-166759816.html PM Family and Friends pre race carbo loading dinner.
Sunday: Pre Race Breakfast 4AM, Final Gear and Bike Prep In Transition area 5AM, Get Numbers on my Body at 5:30 AM, Get in Line for start 5:45 AM, Swim start 7AM.
5 days from now.......
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