Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2008--part 2

Well, here we are. After 20 weeks of training, we have made it to the big day. T-minus 10 hours and counting. Long rides, long runs, long swims, long weeks and it comes down to a mere 12-13 hours of racing. Water temperature went up to a warm 57 degrees (up from 47). Weather should be around 75 degrees and partly cloudy. Bike course is a bit hilly and a little challenging but certainly nothing I can't handle. 90% of the run is along the lake shore. Makes for a great day. The swim will be a challenge at first with 2400 triathletes entering the water all at the same time and battling with the cold water. My goal is to finish under 13 hours--an enormous 2.5 hours faster than my first Ironman. Actually I would be excited with a sub-14 hour since it is still an improvement.

Jen has been a huge support and a great inspiration throughout the process. She loves the venue and the excitement that surrounds the days leading up to the race. She missed Ironman Arizona festivities due to work. We have met tons of wonderful and polite people in the community and throughout the Ironman athletes. Here are some cool stats: 2400 starters, 889 are Ironman virgins (their first Ironman race), 35-39 mens' age group is the largest (my group), 40-44 is the second largest, 79% are men, 21% are women, the youngest is 18 and the oldest man is 73 and the oldest woman is 64 (and it is her first Ironman), California represents the largest group from a state (only 2 from Bakersfield), 2 guys lost 86 pounds training for the event, 3500 volunteers, and population of Coeur d'Alene is 34000.

Hard to believe that in 6 weeks from my finishing this race I begin training for Ironman Arizona on November 23 (5 months away). Okay you can say, "are you nuts?" It is an addiction and an awesome challenge--2 in 1 year. If I plan on making it to Ironman Kona (Hawaii), I would have to do 2 in 1 year anyway. WooHoo... Keep you posted.