The training is almost done, and November 13th is firmly in my sights now. From here I am imagining the race, going over  it again and again in my head. This is where the obsession of this sports gets you. A full years training going down to one race. All angles must be covered.Clearwater ,Florida is my next big race. World championships at half Ironman distance. This consists of a 1.2 mile swim- 56 mile bike – 13.1 mile run. Im happy with the bike set up thanks to Tommy the bike & fit4bike. When I started this sport I had a casual  attitude about how my bike looked and was kitted out like. But when the sport gets a hold of you nothing goes to chance. The bike section in the race is where i make up the time so it makes sense for it to be in the best possible condition. My swimming and running have been good of late but with the lack of race practice leading up to the race its hard to predict how I will go.

This has probably been one of the most enjoyable sporting years of my life to date. All I am hoping for now is for it to carry on just for 1 more race.. I’m in good shape and hoping for a good time, people in the sport tell me the course will suit me as the bike course is pancake flat but we will see. I was asked the other day ‘’Are you ready for it’’?? my reply was.. ‘’well the training is done and I’ve no excuses’’ People think the tough time of a training schedule is the hard winter months or the high intensity  sessions. For me this is the hardest time, the week and few days leading up to the race. With the training volume lowered and the intensity dropping diet and hydration is crucial and not to ‘’over cook it’’ in the last few training days. I have a habit of leaving my race legs on the training field. I am hoping I get the formula right this time.

The race itself will have around 1800 starters. The race organisers have split the field in 17 wave starts(category). I will be racing in my category of 25-29 years old.  Unfortunately My wave is off last, some 1 1/2 hours after the pros. I hope this wont hold me back too much on the bike but the positive side of it is all my age group is in the same boat. My target for the race will be a podium place in my age group but things will have to go extremely smooth for this to happen. Ive never had a total ‘smooth’ race so it will be a case of lets see!…