The Pleasures of Competition

With each passing day, the anticipation begins to build for race day on April 13th. My senses are starting to remember the feeling of slipping into the water prior to the start of the race. The mix of adrenaline and cool water as you wait for the sound of the gun and then the sight of a sea of humanity as the water boils with over 2,000 people commencing their 140.6 mile journey. This is what all the training is all about. This is why we do it, to capture those moments one more time.
While any race requires focus and concentration on the task at hand, you also have to enjoy the sensory banquet that an event such as this presents. The sights, sounds, feelings, tastes and smells will be etched in your memory long after you have forgotten your exact time and place in the event. The memories of the crowds calling out your name, even though they don’t know you, the smiling faces of the volunteers as they assist you at the aid stations, and the taste of the eighth gel as you try and choke it down, will last forever.
I remember last year in Couer d’Alene the little kids who lined up for you to “high five” them as you neared the finish line. It sure made you feel like a superstar, if for only a few minutes.
The training continues to go well. A few minor aches and pains but that is to be expected at this stage and it won’t be long until the taper begins.
The last couple of days training have been solid.
Wednesday – Lunch time I did a 2,100 metre swim, 1,000 metre easy swim, 10 x 100 metre, alternating easy and hard and a quick 100 metre swim.
The evening workout was a 9.3 mile tempo run in 1:05. Good steady pace and relaxed form.
Today – Lunch time was a 7.33 mile run in 52:21. My legs were a little tight but by the end I was sifting along comfortably.
Tonight I did a recovery ride on the bike – 1:00 and 18.4 MPH and a cadence of 90 RPM.
Onward and upward!
Have a great day!