Race week is unlike any other week in ones training season. There is a buzz in the air, an energy ripe with anticipation, excitement and foreboding. It’s the natural uncertainty’s that are apart of Ironman that both heighten ones emotions and bring life to the fears within us.
The uncertainty of whether the swim will be wet suit legal or not has been answered and for those of us moderately skilled swimmers, that answer was met with rambunctious high fives. As for the unknown bike course, we drove it the other day and not only is a section of it covered with flood water (D’OH!) it appears to be much more hilly than originally described on the website. Here’s hoping my countless miles on the trainer were appropriately performed and have my legs primed to conquer the rollers.
The run course is picturesque yet with little shade on the 8.6 mile 3 loop course, there will be little reprieve from the days hot sun. The name of this game, plenty of electrolytes, sun screen and staying within yourself.
The people we’ve come across in Texas have been welcoming and openly friendly and from what I understand just a taste of what we can expect coming down the finishing shoot, albeit at a fever pitch of boisterous cheers and encouragement.
Ironman, there’s nothing like it and although I’m riddled with nervous energy, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
