Today is my second full day in Lake Placid. The excitement of the Lake Placid Ironman is in full force and has penetrated the entire community! The roads are full of cyclists and runners checking out the course and making last minute adjustments. Local restaurants have special meal choices, their staff sporting ironman hats and shirts, and local residents have banners hanging in their front yard. We definitely feel welcomed.
I'm here with my friend Rafael who is also doing the ironman on Sunday. We flew in from SFO late Wednesday night and have spent the last day and a half getting registered and familiar with the course. Yesterday we registered, tuned up our bikes and went for a 40 mile ride to check out part of the course. We first drove the course and noticed that there are a LOT of hills. This is arguably the most difficult Ironman in North America. Our ride took us over what some consider to be one of the toughest sections of the course, and it was surprisingly easy.... But we were also very fresh. We hit these same hills at around 45 miles and 100 miles into the course on sunday and I think these hills will feel like mountains. The run course is also pretty hilly, but then again I think even a drive way would feel like a wall by mile 20.
It has rained of and on today with a bit of thunder and lighting. Hopefully the moisture will be squeezed out before the race and we won't have to worry about the weather come race day. Tonight will be the mandatory athletes meeting and banquet, where we get to hear all the official rules and size up our competition while plowing down all-you-can-eat pasta, salad, and liquids!
Tomorrow I'll get to meet Rich, who has provided some training tips for me and is also the founder of Race4Kids. It is Rich's daughter who's picture is on the Race4Kids website. He sent a copy of his race strategy to all of us who will be part of the Race4Kids team (with Orange race jersey and all!) and his motivation through points in the run, when it really gets tough, is to think about how much his daughter has had to endure during her treatment over the past year. I can't wait to meet them and the others who have joined the team.
Thanks to all of you have have sent in donations over the past week and a half. There have been dozens of donations pouring in! Tomorrow will be a short swim, drop our bikes off, and rest.... 7am EST Sunday will be here before I know it. I'm very excited, and a bit nervous, just thinking about it.
Cheers,
Timo
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