The last supper

13 hours to go. I am sitting in the hotel room relaxing, fretting over the fact that I have done nothing other than a swim practice today. Ridiculous though that may seem given what lies ahead of me, it is encouraging that I have the energy (nervous energy) to think about going for a bike/run at this stage. I think I can safely rule out any decent sleep tonight, but I was fully expecting that. Also on the plus side ... the swim is looking good. I was a little concerned, as my focus has inevitably shifted away from the swim in the last 1-2 months, but the 20 mins I spent in the drink was smooth and relaxed. I felt comfortable and the course easy to navigate, so fingers crossed, I should exit the water tomorrow sub-1 hour. 

I am mostly concerned about the peripheral stuff, rather than finishing the 140 odd miles. Are my spares and tools adequate ? Is my bike set up OK ? Have I packed the right gear in my Bike/Run bags ? Is my nutrition plan OK ? I know my preparation was right, and I can go the distance, but I am starting to think more about times. I am fending off the inevitable goal inflation. Stick to the original plan ... you are aiming for sub-12 hours. That's 12, not sub-11, definitely not sub-10 and most definitely no where near a Hawaii qualification ;-) 

Dinner in 1 hour. The last big meal before the race, and with any luck the last time I will go anywhere near pasta for a long time. 

3 point something days to go ...

Half way through race week, and I have hit the first (and hopefully only) minor hitch. Car has gone into the garage, turns out it needs a bit of work and they need to hold on to it for a while. Great considering I am heading south tomorrow ! 

Anyway, minor hitch, as I have already hooked up a replacement motor in the form of a rental. The odd times I do have a rental car for hauling kit to events are the only occasions when the motor is actually more expensive than it's contents (normally about 4:1 in favour of my Isaac, over my sub-£1000 toyota).

Aside from that, all is good so far. Finished work on Monday, so I have had plenty of time to get my gear together, change the tires on my TT bike, muck about with the bike setup for the weekend, all with far too much time to spare. It's funny ... I am "tapering", and feel like I am sitting around getting flabby, yet I am still doing about as much training as I probably did when I first started out a few years back :-) 

I am looking forward to the weekend ahead. No real signs of apprehension or nerves. I am sure they will kick in soon enough. After all, it is to be expected with 140 miles or so ahead of me, not to mention with over 2000 meters of climbing on the bike split ... and a marathon ... oh god, what have I got my self into !