grandhavenbill's group - FULL (Page 19)

OK to focus, but just don't take it TOO seriously....remember this is supposed to be fun!!  Keep those priorities straight.      So when does that mary training start in earnest?  I switch from crazy bike mileage to crazy run mileage as soon as the 24 hour challenge is over next weekend.  I'm already behind in my ultra plan, hoping that the bike fitness will translate well.....

Excellent advice from John above!  Being your first, soak it all in and treat as a "very up-tempo training day."  Give it what you can and it is great to have a goal, but don't get too wrapped up in it.  As noted above, this is supposed to be FUN! 

A few course re-con notes: 

1) This is a beach start and Lake Mac is very shallow.  You can practically walk 3/4 of the way to the first buoy.  It is a little un-nerving swimming along, rolling to take a breath, and looking at somebody walking next to you.....Personally, I find swimming less of an effort than trying to "fast walk" thru the water, so I'll start to swim as soon as I'm about waist deep and know my hands won't hit the bottom.

2) You will be swimming into the sun for one leg of the swim "triangle."  Doesn't sound like we will have too much sun to worry about tomorrow though....

3) The bike course has just a couple of small "rollers", nothing a crank-bending monster like you can't handle.  There are some potholes that haven't (at least as of Wednesday) been repaired on the last couple of miles before the turnaround.  A couple of these are pretty deep, just be careful.

4) The bike racks are first come-first served.  It is a decent hike from the beach to the bike mount area, so I'd recommend racking closer to the bike-out end so you don't have to run too far in your bike shoes.

When are you coming over to pick up your packet?  I'll be wearing a Cross Country Cycle jersey and a Bike Sherpa visor.  Should have much more time to talk compared to Irish Jig!

What's up with your hub?  Might be able to help you out in the morning if you can't get it sorted out tonight.   Give me a call (616-402-1200) if you need help.

Fat fingered my cell....should be 402-1201.....

The force is strong in this one John!  Plain and simple, Brad kicked azz yesterday.  I'll let him fill you in on the details, but he did AWESOME for a first timer.  Kicked my backside in the swim....Way to go triathlete!

No more tips/pointers for you Brad!  At least you aren't in my age group.....    It was great to finally be able to spend some time with you and your family.  Hope we can make this a more regular thing!

As for my race: 

Swim:  Stunk.  First leg felt real sloppy/not smooth.  Second leg was good, long/strong strokes and gained some ground.  Form fell apart on the last leg and I couldn't hold a straight line to save my life.....Guess the doc was right when he said it would be close to a year before I would be at pre-crash form/performance....GRRRR!!!

T1:  ACK!!  Not my best....Stumbled getting last leg out of the wetsuit and then couldn't get my danged helmet strap buckled....Probably cost me a good 1 to 1:30........

Bike:  Very strong.  According to my computer, averaged around 22.3 mph (chip time for the bike leg includes both T1 and T2 - 21.8mph).  Roads were very wet so had to take the corners slow (there were some NASTY crashes...including at least one athlete going to the hospital).  Felt a bit week going up the rollers though which doesn't surprise me given the crazy mileage I've put in for the 24 hour ride next week.

T2:  Not bad.  I usually pull out of my shoes with about 500 yards to go to the dismount line and do a "flying dismount."  However, with the wet conditions, decided just to clip out and "clomp" back to the racks.  Quick change in to the running shoes, no issues.

Run:  Wow!  I've not been doing much running lately, guess the "less is more" rule applied for me yesterday.  Averaged 6:42's and felt really strong.  Tried to gun down one of my fellow AG'ers but he had a nice kick left with about 200 yards to go....

Two weeks to go for your HIM John!  Taper time:  it will likely drive you crazy and you won't feel like you are doing enough.  Trust the plan, it works.....You want to go into the race feeling fresh and wound tight!