In one word cold . Thermals, extra thermal layer, double gloving, thermal headband, beanie and yet I was still cold pre-race. The coffee vendor wasn't even ready before the race so no help there. At least it didn't rain during the event. It took a long time to warm up for the race and I competed with an extra top and gloves. My sinuses were much better, so the rest seemed to have done its job. There was a chance that the start was going to feel too easy, better take that into account. The coldness seemed to put a dampener on the excitement and without fanfare the race started. Today I wasn't wearing my heart rate monitor. No point after a week off. The numbers wouldn't mean much today. Plus the straps battery is flat and I've delayed getting it replaced. I'll just run a solid, but comfortable pace and see what happens. The course was good, nice, moderate rolling hills. Nothing steep enough to break your rhythm, but enough of a change to keep things interesting.
Taper is one of those mixed bags. Good to have it but the hard part is mental.
ReplyDeletebtw--the winds here have been atrocious!
Awesome Jason. I will cross my fingers for no sicknesses etc - but it looks like you have made another start line - well done on all the hard work.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if you are planning to blog your race plan (pacing, nutrition etc) but if you are that would be awesome. Maybe compare with previous Ironmans and lessons learnt?
Wanna go public with some time goals?