ATHelite

The latest entry from Pamela (my sis) on the run up to Florida Ironman

October 30th, 2008

Thursday - 2 days till Ironman. I go into the ocean for a short 10 minute swim, essentially just to try out Paolina's (my big sister) new wetsuit. Same as my own Nineteen wetsuit, but newer model. I like it, I'll wear this on race day. The water still feels good, aqua colour and perfect for swimming in. Much nicer than training in a 25 meter hot pool in Mississauga, Ontario ( near my work, but, you do what you gotta do when Ironman training to fit it all in right).

Poor sister, is not well and staying indoors today. Andrew comes with me for my 30 min training ride on bike. But, before doing so we head over to the race expo. Andrew is not the possessive type, but he wants me to wear the latest gimmick on race day, a GPS tracking device. You wear it as a belt around your waist. Only putting it on after the swim. Oh dear, more to think about, place battery in unit the correct way! If I get it right this will make it more interesting for spectators as they can track me on line every step of the way.

The expo has certainly gotten busier now. The line up for the registration was away out onto the road. I must have been one of the first to register.

We learn that over 50% of participants are first timers for this Ironman. That gives it a good enthusiastic energy buzz. Hope it's also safe out there on the road!

Still waiting to get my training ride in . Andrew spots the Cervello demo tent and the brand new P4 carbon, fancy water bottle is hanging up. Honestly, it's like love at first sight, I wish he would stop drooling. So he gets his leg over on that for photo opportunity. We then look at the P3C for me, swap pedals from my bike and we take that out for a spin. Maybe not part of the training programme. I still prefer Specialized.

So eventually get my short ride in. Its warmed up now, so thinking I may just tough out the first hour on the bike and not wear any extra clothing. We come back to the condo and I could quite happily sit on the lounger and nod off. But, coach tells me to go get my 30 min run in, so he can test also the GPS.

Beginning to feel kinda lethargic, possibly all this build is overwhelming me. It's supposed to charge you up, pump you up.
We chill for a couple of hours, then under sister's instructions start packing all my race bags. there is a lot to organize for the big day. You lay out what you will wear on race morning, along with warm pre race clothes. You load up your "Swim to Bike " bag which will contain your helmet, shoes, food etc, anything you need on the bike, sunglasses, arm warmers.

Then I pack up my "Bike to Run" bag and place all my numbered stickers on the bag.

There are 3,000 volunteers working at this race. That's a lot of volunteers. One and a half to each athlete. No wonder people keep coming back to this race.

There are aid stations every 10 miles on the 112 mile bike course. These are the only places you should relieve yourself, at the portapotty's in place here. Otherwise you may get arrested. If you are a guy racing in speedo's with shaved legs, you don't want to be taken to jail!

Okay bags, nearly packed up, all my powergels in the bento box. I'll take three every hour.

We are running out of time and have to leave to catch the carbo load meal and mandatory talk. This is held at the host hotel. There is a LOT of pasta dishes. Andrew and I overeat. I hate that feeling. But, guess there's a reason they call it carb load. Sure I'll be needing all the glycogen come Saturday.

There are various different talkers at the meal. We learn of many different participants in the race. As mentioned a lot of first timers, ranging up to John Rag who has completed 107 Ironman. There are some 18 year olds and a 76 year old. Some slim body beautiful people, some not so slim. There is also on stage one guy who lost 127 lbs and will be doing his first Ironman on Saturday.

We are told the rules on drafting, i.e. not allowed on bike. Will lead to penalties. One penalty is 4 minutes wait in the penalty tent. A total of three penalties will lead to disqualification.

I have not seen any Pro's. Perhaps they stay away from the athlete's village.

This is the 10th Annual Florida Ironman. Wow, it's coming about quickly, can we not just chill another few days!