Well, I just finished my last swim this morning. I think I finally perfected my flip-turn and it only took 6 months! (wink). As I was swimming my last 18 laps, I was reflecting on how long I’ve been swimming back and forth and back and forth over and over and over again. Over the course of my training this year, I probably swam to Boulder and back. That kinda freaks me out. Now that my training has reached its expiration date, I’m a little surprised that I was able to stay committed and diligent all this time. In my past, I’d been known to slack during a long project goal. I credit my “lack of slack” to the motivation provided by Team 303. Monica, Kara, and Jeremy all have no problem waking my ass up at 6 am to go sweat for a couple of hours. In hindsight, it was kind of genius of me to solicit them to do the relay, and therefore train with me. I’ve always been a member of a triathlon group these last 4 years. This year, since my goal was Ironman, I needed a training program that lasted all year rather than just the spring and summer months. Luckily, I had 3 friends that were willing to make this journey with me. I don’t thank them enough.

There is a group of athletes in Boulder who have also been training for the Vineman. We had a group dinner several months ago. Amongst the group is a Vineman veteran named Mike Speck. He sent the group this motivational email today. I’m glad he sent it.

Hard to believe the big day is this Saturday. The weather report appears to be as perfect as possible and certainly in our favor.

Having done the race before I didn’t think you’d mind a few things that have worked for me:

T2 – you will be dropping off your run gear on Friday. I have a “gym bag” I use and stack all my stuff inside (in order). This way I know when I leave that all pieces are together and will most likely remain that way until I get off the bike… the thought of anyone coming by and accidently kicking a shoe etc has me too much on edge to leave the items on a towel.
Race Morning – last year it was 49 degrees with a slight mist. This year it looks like it will be 50 and perfectly dry. A fleece top or sweatshirt should be ideal to keep you warm until in your wet suit. Body markings are done on the street above the Johnsons Beach area and moves very quickly. From there you walk your bike down a small hill into the transition area. On the way out of T1 it’s an up hill start so be sure to leave the bike in an easy gear.
Bike – Chalk Hill is the biggie and is at about Mile 45 (and 90). If you train anywhere on the west side of Denver you’ll find this similar to the base of Lookout Mountain without the altitude!
Special needs food bag for the bike – if you’re going to have a drop bag there are a few people near the body markings collecting the bags – just have them labeled with your number and they will be at the start of the 2nd half of bike loop. Last year I found the aid stations had everything I needed with the bananas, cliff bars and G-aid.
Pre-swim – getting into the water Friday morning. I will be at Johnson’s beach for an easy swim around 9:00 Friday morning if you are in town… join in.
I definitely recommend driving the bike course from the swim up to Healdsburg – the rest of the course with the exception of Chalk Hill is relatively flat.

And, most importantly – The swim course is lined with amazing Redwood trees, the bike course, while filled with rolling hills does take you through areas that most people only know as a label on a wine bottle and the run course, again with a few rolling hills is a nice “out and back” loop which allows a lot of interaction with others… and when you loop through the Windsor High School they give out the coolest wristbands that designate you’ve completed a lap.

Any questions do give a yell – and leaving you with this note of Inspiration from George Carlin:

Life’s journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
‘…holy shit …what a ride!’