Posted at 10:12 on Sep 9, 2011 by Fuel Blog
Maxifuel athlete and Beat your Best winner 2011, Melissa Brand is about to embark on the Marine Corps Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Las Vegas, Henderson Nevada, in just under a week. Melissa earned the right to participate in the championship when qualifying at an Ironman 70.3 event this year and will be looking to compete at her very best at this highly prestigious event.
Day 3: Fear and loafing in Las Vegas
My favourite quote of the trip so far has been from the Ranger at the gate to the Lake Mead National Park. They charge $5 for a bicycle to use the park and this is valid for one week. I paid for my pass and kept it for the following day. Upon returning the second day I was asked to show my pass again. I dutifully did this and asked (jokingly) if they would be checking everyone on race day. The Ranger responded: 'we did plan to check everyone's passes but the race organiser wouldn't let us'!!!! Can you imagine, mid way through the bike course stopping every competitor in a World Championship event, and asking them to produce a valid pass to access the park? Imagine if they had forgotten their pass or didn't have one? Would they be asked to turn around and go home? Or should hey carry change during the race in case of such eventualities? Genius!
Aside from that amusement, I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing healthy to eat in Las Vegas unless you make it yourself! There are so many places to eat, yet they all serve the same things.
One further thought:- in the gambling capital of the world - why would you want to go to the local convenience store to play on the slot machines when you could go to any number of casinos? Yet all the local convenience stores seem to have slot machines. Seems crazy to me.
With reference to the title of today's blog:- 'fear', you gotta have a few pre-race nerves! As for the 'loafing' - I feel like I am doing very little in my pre-race taper. But rest is the most important thing at this stage of the game! I'm drinking lots of Maxifuel Electro Tabs to remain hydrated and generally putting my feet up!
Day 4: Decisions Decisions
Today I have taken as a rest day. Sunday and Monday I rode the bike course and yesterday I also did a short run off the bike, so I thought a rest day would be best at this point. I would rather be a little too rested than over trained come race day. Tomorrow I will swim and run.
More athletes are starting to arrive; they are easily recognisable from the natives because of their silly pointy hats and their strange tan lines that end just above the knee and at mid-arm!
At the moment I am trying to decide on what to wear for the race. I usually race in black shorts and a Tri London tri top. But, given the weather, I will throw any remnants of fashion based self respect I had to the wind, and race in white! I know that's not a good look, especially as the race progresses. I have in the past complained about riding behind those who chose to wear white shorts in races, BUT, my white shorts do have strategically placed black panels! In this kind of heat I will take any advantage I can get to deflect the sun. I was planning on wearing a regular road helmet to increase air flow over my head, but at the moment I am undecided. I will see how hot the forecast is for race day and make my decision based upon that.
Tomorrow's run will incorporate a recce of the run course so I will report further on that tomorrow.
All for now!
Reader Comments
Posted at 14:38 on Dec 1, 2011 by Treadmill
I suggest adding a facebook like button for the blog!
Posted at 7:12 on Oct 25, 2011 by Savion
Its wonedfrul to have you on our side, haha!
Posted at 13:28 on Sep 13, 2011 by jill dyson
Fantastic And how are you now Hos did it go XX
