Training Tuesday: Last-Minute Prep and a Contest

Phew, traveling out of state for a long-distance triathlon is exhausting and I haven't even left yet. I've done a marathon out of state before, and my Olympic-distance triathlon was in Michigan, too. And of course, the 70.3 Half Ironman I did in Racine was out of state, but it was only a two-hour drive. But I feel like taking on a 70.3-triathlon in a location six hours away is a whole other ball game. A huge aspect I have in my favor is I don't have to worry about where I'm sleeping and eating when I get there - my parents have a cabin 11 miles from the start line. Not in my favor: the location is a bit remote without access to the quick-stop places I would stop into if I forgot something. There also isn't Internet access ... first world problem, for sure, but it complicates things when I can't quickly Google any little worry that pops into my head.

So I've made tons of lists, printed maps and started doing laundry and packing any item I might possibly need. I've also dropped off my bike for a tune up and booked a massage for tomorrow night to make sure I'm limber and relaxed. Goal: actually relax and enjoy my massage tomorrow. I have a hard time staying in the moment and not thinking about the million and four things I need to pack and do before hand.

I've also been guzzling kombucha to get my immune and GI tract in tip-top shape.  It totally works. I'm also avoiding dairy.

Another necessary aspect of my race routine is getting my mind in a place to compete. I spent a few minutes every day picturing myself gliding through the water like a long, skinny boat, then transitioning quickly to my bike and keeping that wheel spinning. I've mentally planned out my nutrition on the bike and will focus on transferring power from my glutes and hamstrings to my feet and to the pedals. After that, I'll rack my bike again and head out for a comfortable run in cool temperatures where I will be light on my feet and efficient in my movements.

When it comes down to it, racing is a mental game. My body is ready and conditioned, I just have to get my mind focused.

So to conclude my anxiety-induced rambling, how about a little contest?

Estimate my finish time. 

The closest person to my actual time gets a prize. A real, physical prize from my vault of running and baking goodies. Prize depends on your location and how much I'll have to fork over for shipping.  And for reference, my finish time for the Racine 70.3 Half Ironman was 6:14.