Perspective - Courtesy of REBECCA BROWN
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
john - fun race reports!
no worries on the swim. chances are the water will be like glass that early in the morning. just stay clear of the packs in front and the slow confused stragglers in back and you will be fine. the two loops actually go by pretty fast and the convention center on shore is a handy site device on the leg out if you are a right side breather. the only caution is to beware of the rising sun that will hit your eyes off the water on the second leg. it was literally blinding both years, but is not as bad on the second loop when the sun is a touch higher. just be prepared and find some feet to follow.
as for the bike - i just broke it down and took it one segment at a time. up the lollipop stick, around the loop, stop for special needs bag, around the loop again and back down the lollipop. enjoy it. you may never get or want to do it again. my motto was always that the best race is one that is enjoyed, not one that is endured in misery - especially ironman. your first ironman is a once in a lifetime experience so don't ruin it by passing the miles counting calories, cadence, and racers passed. remember how lucky you are to be doing what you are doing and don't wish it away.
the run is tough no matter what, but taking care of yourself on the bike will help. just remember that once you are off the bike there is nothing that can stop you from finishing ironman. you will feel bad at times, but i promise it will pass and that the discomfort will ebb and flow. once you've got those running shoes on there is no reason in the world that you will not finish even if you need to walk, rest, refuel, weep or whatever. just keep moving forward. the finish is amazing!
wish i could be there to see it!
no worries on the swim. chances are the water will be like glass that early in the morning. just stay clear of the packs in front and the slow confused stragglers in back and you will be fine. the two loops actually go by pretty fast and the convention center on shore is a handy site device on the leg out if you are a right side breather. the only caution is to beware of the rising sun that will hit your eyes off the water on the second leg. it was literally blinding both years, but is not as bad on the second loop when the sun is a touch higher. just be prepared and find some feet to follow.
as for the bike - i just broke it down and took it one segment at a time. up the lollipop stick, around the loop, stop for special needs bag, around the loop again and back down the lollipop. enjoy it. you may never get or want to do it again. my motto was always that the best race is one that is enjoyed, not one that is endured in misery - especially ironman. your first ironman is a once in a lifetime experience so don't ruin it by passing the miles counting calories, cadence, and racers passed. remember how lucky you are to be doing what you are doing and don't wish it away.
the run is tough no matter what, but taking care of yourself on the bike will help. just remember that once you are off the bike there is nothing that can stop you from finishing ironman. you will feel bad at times, but i promise it will pass and that the discomfort will ebb and flow. once you've got those running shoes on there is no reason in the world that you will not finish even if you need to walk, rest, refuel, weep or whatever. just keep moving forward. the finish is amazing!
wish i could be there to see it!
