Let the Count Down Begin

As I start writing this post there are but a mere 5 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes until the cannon sounds and the calm waters of Lake Monona start to churn, and the 2500 athletes become a human smoothie maker of sorts...sounds like fun...

This morning I started my final week of preparations. It's a taper week, obviously, and I had a mere 30 minute run today. My legs are feeling springy and had to hold back a bit. It was an amazing, beautiful morning for a run and 30 minutes seems oh so short!

I'm trying not to think too much about the actual race. There is plenty-O enough anxiety there but trying to push it out of my thoughts for now. For some reason the swim start has been keeping me up some nights. Can't imagine why...

Had the bike in for a once over this past week. Had a new rear tire mounted and purchased a new rear cassette. Kinda late in the game for a major change on the bike but based on my trial ride in Madison a couple of weeks ago a lower gear seams like a wise choice. I had the 11/23 cassette changed out for a 12/27. I must ride smart and focus on spinning up even the steepest climbs while staying in the saddle. I will heed the advice I've gathered combined with the first hand experience I've gained and will go into the bike with the strategy of JRA (just ride along). I will ignore the Ricky Racers that I will be surrounded by and ride like I have a marathon to run a little later in the day. Oh yeah, I do have a marathon to run!

I have not been able to avoid the weather watching activity which typically supplies very little useful information. But early indicators are for temps in the low 50's at the start with a high in the upper 60's, mostly cloudy conditions, and a 30/40 % chance of rain. My strategy for the weather; be prepared for anything and remember that the weather will be the same for everyone!

Just a couple of logistical items:

If your bored next Sunday, and tired of watching the Browns beat up on the Vikings and their "Cash for Clunkers" Quarterback!, check out live athlete tracking @ http://ironman.com/


It's not too late! If you would like to make a charitable donation to C.H.I.N - Congenital Heart Information Network, the charity I've partnered with, please proceed using the following link.
http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/wi09/imwhatim