Just went out for a ride as a warm up for the race tomorrow. Rode half of the marathon course for Ironman and couldn't believe how beautiful it is here. We are currently staying at the same hotel we will be for Ironman, getting the lay of the land for Ironman, kind of do a dress run for the big show. It feels amazing.
The ride this morning was amazing. Went out just to "spin the legs", but before I knew it was cruising at 50 kph without really working. Feels pretty amazing to be moving that fast without having to work. I know my legs are getting stronger, I am faster now, but I just didn't realize the massive tailwind I had....didn't realize it I had to turn around. The way back had a wall of wind slapping me in the face and I had to work a bit to get back. Even with the wind though, I pulled off a 30 kph average and a 91 rpm average cadence. Exactly where I want to be for tomorrow.
The rest of the day has been filled with checking out the bike course (it's going to be fast, real fast), a little wine tasting (smelling on my part, Jenn got to enjoy some of the great Okanagan wine), geeking out setting up my spot in transition and attending the race meeting. There are over 1,100 athletes racing tomorrow and the transition area could be a photo shot for a bike porn magazine. So many beautiful bikes. So much carbon fibre. Rediculous amounts of Zipp race wheels. But, for the first time I feel like I can hold my own with my bike. My bike might not be the centerfold, but it's close :)
The race tomorrow should be a blast. Here's the goal:
Swim: 40:00
T1: 5:00 (there is literally a .5k run from the lake through to the other side of transition...this is going to be crazy!)
Bike: 3:00:00 (it's a great fairly flat course with some really smooth roads. It's going to be fast)
T2: 4:00
Run: 2:00:00 (where going to let it all hang out!)
Total: 5:49:00
I want it in under 5:50:00 so hopefully that one minute to spare can give me some wiggle room. I feel good. I feel fast. I feel ready. It's 9:45, so it's time to go to bed.
Keep your fingers crossed!
