Thoughts: One Week Out
Thoughts: Pre-Race

I am glad that I waited a few days to write this report. I was disappointed with my performance initially and the race still leaves me with an unsatisfied feeling. This is very much like when I finished Canada last year.

Why?

Because in my heart, I know that I did not fulfill my potential last Sunday. Hey, I probably hit six out of seven goals that I set myself but still, at the back of my mind, I know that there was more out there than I was able to take. That’s probably a good thing because it will provide me with additional motivation in the months to come.

On to the story:

I am not sure who wrote the above quote but I should have reminded myself of it before setting out on my race. Time dulls the pain of Ironman and leaves the warm feeling of accomplishment that follows the completion of any epic task. After my breakthrough in Hawaii, I had forgotten the pain and suffering required by all who attempt the distance and was about to have a lesson in the raw reality of life (borrowing a bit from Mark Allen).

Lying in bed on Saturday night, I didn't sleep much but I knew this was because I was fully rested and sleep wasn't necessary. I just chilled and visualised the race. Several times I had the strange sensation of energy coming into my body. I had been concentrating on all the people around the world who were hoping that I had a good race. It was really strange but, off and on, it felt like my energy tank was being filled up from the outside. Try this some time. It feels great.

Around midnight I fell asleep and awoke at 3:00 a.m. for breakfast, a shower and a leg shave.

Arrived at the start area at 4:45 a.m. and sat on the curb beside Fernanda Keller. The top women are all tiny! Their power to weight ratios must be pretty fantastic. It was a warm evening, lots of stars were out and it looked like there would be no rain for at least the swim. The forecast was for fine weather mixed with showers. It had rained overnight leaving the bikes wet.

My transition slot was opposite the top male pros it was fun to listen in on their conversations. The lead car pulled up and the guys started joking with Chris Legh that his driver had arrived. Chris looked pretty nervous, the pressure on him was HUGE.

The race organisation was top notch and everything flowed like clockwork. Time passed very quickly for me and, after setting my bike up, it was time to drop off my special needs bags and suit up. At IMOz they hand out coloured caps based on projected swim times. This system of self-seeding works very well and I would recommend that it is adopted around the rest of the world. It leaves out the guessing if you are about to get hammered by a pack of 55-minute swimmers who have lined up behind you.

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