Fred D Mentor Group - Part II (Page 44)

If I had to pick an IM to do right now, Canada would be near the top of my list.  It will be interesting to see how things play out.  I think it's great that Challenge is trying to expand into North America, REV3 is growing, and HITS isn't giving up. 

When I first got into the sport, I was all into the hype about IM branded events.  But now I'm more interested in good courses, and simply well run events.  If Challenge can put on a high quality race in Penticton...it doesn't matter to me.

Don't hesitate to ask for help. We're here to help each other.

Going for a short ride after work, then packing up the bikes for Haleakala to see if all that biking this summer was worth it.

I think a lot of times the second half of the race just turns into a time trial (as it did last year for me), but this year I'm hoping a few people of my ability can get together and we really just duke it out and kick each other's butt.  See who's left standing at the end.

Speaking of IM Canada...

If you're going to follow...keep an eye out for Devin Rettke.  He does his long rides with our training group on Saturday's.  He just recently turned 18, and is trying to become the youngest type 1 diabetic to complete an Ironman.  He is already the youngest type 1 to complete a half (non WTC as they don't allow participants under 18).  Nutrition is hard enough as it is, but it's amazing when you have to monitor your insulin.

He's a great kid.  I'd love to see him get a special interest story into Kona.  I think it would be inspiring to a lot of people who have to deal with type 1 diabetes around the world.

ETA: http://www.irondman.org/Home.html

x2.

Even though I'd love to see Rev3 dominate the market - - I think that Challenge expanding here is great. There is more to long distance racing than WTC, especially on the international stage. It kind of reminds me when F1 came to the US briefly. Neat to have another option out there, close to home.

X2...perfect weather!

What's your race number?

Remind me not to look at a scale during a taper week...oiy!  Feeling pretty good about the race.  Not sure about my luck this year but supposed to be 90 and humid for race day...it has not gotten above 80 for the last 2 weeks...geesh.

Picking up the bike today from LBS. They are letting me use the Aura 5 wheels again.  I was not sure I wanted to use them since my split at my last Olympic was so good without them.  I think the lighter wheel will help though as this course has a bit more climbing that the previous one.

I guess they are up to 400 registered for the Full/Half distance...better than HITS for a first year race .

AWESOME!

This makes me smile!

Long road of determination to get to the race this weekend. I know you will have fun...go get em!

Just one digit away from beastly.  Have a great race!

Good Luck - have fun!

Totally not tri related...

Our Australian Labradoodle X Ray showed she is having 10 puppies instead of the 6 shown on early ultrasound. She should have puppies in next 48-60 hours.

Had a long night of bike packing.  Realized at the last minute that my rear 202 tubular was leaking at the valve stem.  Couldn't fix the issue without removing the tire (which I didn't have time to do), so my mechanic lended me his rear 303 (I used his 303 set last year).  A little dissapointed that the wheel failed on me (I had tested it a couple weeks ago and it was fine), but glad I had a back up plan.

Good luck to everyone racing.

Jason, I'll quote what I saw painted on  the ground about 7K elevation....   "Breathe"

Good luck, can't wait to hear about your time in the pain cave 

Good luck buddy, screw PEs and rip up that Penticton course

Working from home then driving up to Santa Barbara with a friend for the long course tomorrow (1/34/10).  Have a head to head bet with my training partner/roomie, loser pays for fish and chips and beer.  Which means win or lose, I get fish and chips and beer