It’s finally here.  Six months of training and it all comes down to Saturday.

Race week is always a flurry of excitement and stress.  The logistics, making sure to pack everything, getting stuff at home and work knocked out all add to the fun.  This year there are added stressors like a recent back injury and the fact that Wilmington got plowed by a hurricane a few weeks ago.  As near as I can tell there was minimal damage and there will still be a race.

At this point I’m feeling pretty good physically.  My hamstrings are sore but that’s just because I had a run this past week with 5×3 minute intervals at a 5k pace (thanks coach).  It seems it had been a while since I had run that fast and they reminded me of it the next few days.  I also managed a knot in my lower back but I don’t think it’s related to prior issues.  I did a long swim out at the lake last week and afterwards my back reminded me not to jerk my head up and down (putting undue stress on lower back muscles) when raising my head to sight.

One of the things I’m most excited about is racing with my training buddy Wakin.  He’s had a spectacular training block and this will be the first time he’s really gone out to push his limits at this distance.  I fully expect him to crush the swim, ride conservatively on the bike, and then come off with fresh legs and destroy the run.  There’s a very good chance that the swim start is the last time I see him until the finish line.  Best of luck amigo.  The work is done, now go enjoy it.

EXPECTATIONS

As I’ve said before, setting expectations for a race this long is a tricky thing given all of the variables. This year there is the added variable of a healing back. As always, I’m coming into the race with three levels of expectations.

“Worst Case Scenario” – In the past this has always been “just finish”. This year it’s a little different. Not knowing what my back is going to do on race day, for the first time ever I’m going into a race knowing that a DNF (did not finish) is completely possible. Any back issues in the swim or run and I’ll pull the plug without hesitation. There’s no shame in staying healthy to race another day. At this point I don’t think it’s the most likely outcome but I’m prepared mentally in case it plays out.

“Realistic” – I feel like 13 hours is a realistic goal this time. Last year my time was 12:27. I feel like my fitness is off just a little from last year due to resting the back. As long as my back gives me no issues this should be achievable.

“If The Stars Align” – I would be elated to finally break the 12 hour mark. Is it possible? Yeah, I think it is. If the current is there on the swim (it should be), if the temps stay cool all day (looks like 50-70, perfect), if there’s little wind (forecast is 5-10 mph, perfect), and if my back holds up (tbd) then the training is there to make it happen. Absolutely everything would have to click, but those days have happened before so there’s a chance.

Feel free to track me on race day at ironman.com.  If you’re the praying kind I’ll certainly take them.  I’ll post a race report after it’s all said and done.