Ready for the next race
I'm done with my preparation for the next race in the Tri 101 series. I'm flying off to California on Tuesday so that I can start getting used to the time change, climate, and take a look at the course. I'm a little nervous because I still don't have a homestay lined up with less than a week to go. My wife and her family are flying out on Saturday before the race and I will stay with them once they get there. It is the preceding 4 nights that I am currently homeless. I'm sure that God will take care of things and I shouldn't worry.
I feel much better about my prep for this race than the last. I was able to get out for some long workouts in the heat. Namely, I did a 16 mile negative split run at the beach mid day. I needed more calories and fluid, but my body handled the heat really well. I tweaked my nutrition plan to match the distance and conditions: more salt intake. Overall, the last three weeks' volume wasn't very high, but I cranked up the intensity. My body responded very well and I am now a few days into a two week taper. Resting always makes me feel nervous becuase I feel like I should be training hard.
I'm really happy for my friend John. I have been coaching him since the start of this year. Since the end of last season, he hasn't had a good race. Well, at the White Lake Half he set a personal record by ~25 minutes, was 12th overall, and qualified for the ITU Long Course World Championships in France. Unfortunately, it is too soon after Ironman CDA and he will have to pass on the race. I'm proud of his hard work that has made huge improvements in his fitness. Good luck at the Ironman, John!
