The Festivities are Now in Full Swing
Tuesday and Tuesday afternoon is really when the Ironman World Championship festivities begin. Although there has been a gradual build over the last week, now is when the small town of Kaulia-Kona exploded and becomes the epicenter of the triathlon world. Part of the reason I like to arrive in Kona a week early is so that I can take a few days and just relax before the excitement, sponsor obligations and stress of the race arrive. However, with the opening of the expo on Tuesday race week is officially here! The parade is always the kick off to the expo and my and other members of the Timex Multisport Team, were there to throw out shirts and hats to the crowd…it never ceases to amazing how badly some people want a T-shirt! I guess when it says Timex Ironman there is a little extra value. It is really an honor and great experience to be part of such a great team and organization.
As for myself I am feeling great and getting excited to race, however, I’m trying to stay calm and conserve my energy. I registered yesterday and even though I was there pretty early it still took a little while, but the volunteers are great and things went very smoothly. Yesterday a 1hr ride followed by a 15min run was it for my training. It is really amazing the changes that the body and mind go throughout a taper in preparation for a race. Last week I felt horrible and could barely hold my projected race pace/power for 3 miles, let alone for 112 miles. However, yesterday I really thought my Trek Equinox, was floating an inch of the ground as I cruised along the Queen K at 25mph while barely pedaling. Then I felt effortless running along Alii in my Brooks Axiom racing flats! I must admit, I think I ran a little faster as I passed Lava Java and all the triathletes hanging around! I could hear my coach, “save it for race day!” 
