Pre-race post
I thought I’d give a small pre-race report from Ixtapa, Mexico.
I am feeling fairly calm for the race, ready to deal with whatever comes up when it comes up, but not worrying about imaginaries. I had a short swim this morning in the open ocean. The waves that break on shore are 6-10 feet high, so the swim exit and enterance could be challenging. There is a chance of getting knocked around against other swimmers or losing goggles (already happened to someone). Nevertheless, I am feeling fairly good in the water and therefore excited to swim.
After, I cycled some of the course solo around 11:30. I took it easy on the bike, not wanting to fatigue myself before the race. I wanted to open things up on the hills, but knew I’d regret it tomorrow. There is a time for everything, and the hills will be there again during the race.
My bike surivived the trip down here as well, in spite of my disassembly and reassembly. Thanks to Kamal Rae for lending me his bike box.
Importantly, I’m feeling good in the heat. Hopefully there is a little ocean breeze tomorrow.
The roads are a little rough but, in typical Mexican style, they are paving potholes as I write this. There are a number of last minute pavings and changes, so I am just letting things go, controlling what I can, and mentally preparing for changes (eg. start time, transition layout, etc.).
I finished things off with a quick run off the bike. Overall, I feel good and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do in the heat tomorrow.
I had a solid lunch after (salad and steamed fish), shaved my legs (as if it really makes a difference), and then a short nap. I must say, I can eat and nap with the best of them.
To close, I am ready to race tomorrow. Feeling bike envy a little, but that isn’t anything to worry about. I have worked to be here and I believe that I will place respectably in the pack of over 50 elite men.
Many thanks to Laura for her support of my triathlon habit. She’s doing double dog-walking duty while I race.
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I’m really excited for you, Leif. Have a great race tomorrow!!
Good luck tomorrow, love! I know you’ll be awesome. The only thing standing between you and serious beach time with fruity coconut drinks the size of your head is one stellar performance tomorrow.
Great mentality Leif! Soak up the experience and make sure to have some fun
Thank you all! I’m lookig forward to sharing how it goes down! Good luck tomorrow Austin! See you at the start line.