Ironman Mont Tremblant : Official Thread (Page 8)

Thank you again for sharing so much about your experiences on the course! 

I have been battling saddle sores all season, and have found epsom salt baths to be the biggest help.

For length of rides, I have done a hilly 75, a hilly 80, 100 & 115. That said, don't stress about not doing a ton of centuries. Training for my first ironman (Coeur d'Alene), my longest ride was 80 or 85 miles. While that is not ideal, I had a successful race.

And don't minimize the trainer rides! On the trainer, you don't get any downhill recovery--you are constantly pedaling. Many coaches will tell you to shorten your workout if you are riding the trainer to account for this (I forget what the exact recommendation is).

The hard work is done, and you are ready. Now, try to enjoy taper! Or, more accurately, try not to obsess too much during taper!

Taper Madness. It is a thing--and not just for first timers!

My list & itinerary making process has commenced. I will be revising each several times over the coming days. I realized on Tuesday that I have to drop my bike & gear bag off for transport next Thursday. I immediately ordered another batch of my custom Infinit & extra goggles to ensure I have them in time to send in my gear bag. Because of course.

I'm with you - I'm still planning on a 20 mile run tomorrow, a 1 mile/100 mile/ 6 mile "dress rehearsal" on Monday, and a 70-80 mile ride next weekend. I've missed some of my long workouts over the last few weeks for a variety of reasons (unfortunately including developing an acute Lyme infection last week), but I'm still excited about returning to the spectacular that is an ironman event after an eight year hiatus from long-course triathlon.

For those of you concerned about a possible lack of long rides, don't worry about it. I firmly believe (and know from 12 years of experience) that it is the shorter, more intense work (including trainer rides) that really does the most for you, more so than slogging out multiple centuries at an easy pace. 

Just dropped my bike off. It is beginning to sink in--this is happening soon! We arrive a week from tomorrow.

Workouts are moderate through this week, which is good, considering my toddler was diagnosed with strep yesterday, and no one has slept well in a few nights. 

I am feeling fine, although underprepared, which seems to be the usual feeling around this time before the race . I'm bib 2318, starting at 6:51 a.m.

You've all done the hard work, now it's time to enjoy the celebration. Time goes by so quickly - even though there may be some "unpleasant" moments next Sunday, try to savor all of the amazing moments that will fill the day, culminating with crossing that line sometime Sunday evening. 

You've all got this!