I feel clueless on how IM Lou will go performance-wise (not too concerned about time and placing). I feel like my workouts are all over the board. Some swims where I’m winded going 200 yards, others where I can swim 500 repeats over and over. Some rides where there’s zero power, others where I can’t find a hill big or steep enough. Runs where one 8:00 mile feels completely labored and next to impossible, others where clicking off 7:00/miles on a long (for me) tempo run is very do-able.
Family and friends are asking for time predictions and history would indicate 10:30-11:30 under normal conditions. But I’ve never had this inconsistency. I honestly feel like it could be a 3 hour window (10:30 - 13:30).
Key workouts right now are showing good indications, but there’s the possibility I could lay a dud on raceday (again no biggie because its truly a privilege just to be making it to the START line).
I know how you feel. I know my wokouts have been good and i am ready but i was sitting at work on Monday going “What the hell have I gotten myself into”.
Your accumulating fatique is probably the cause of your inconsistent workouts. Have no fear, if you TAPER (i.e. REST) properly, your body will be revving to go come race day. My litmus test for “how I’m gonna feel on race day” is a short ride 2 days out… if it feels effortless and i’m floating up hills, then all will be well for race day. i’ve also tried it running the days before (i.e. SHORT runs or 1-2 miles).
AHHHHH, the fear and loathing of the pre-ironman race, especially for the first timers, is something to be savored. having any “missed the start” nightmares yet??? yeah, that’s totally normal. i had them 6 months before my first big one.
and one last thing, why the concern about the time??? it’s your first race, just go out there and DO IT right (eat-drink) and enjoy the experience with no expectations. one thing I’ve learned is that expectations are very dangerous and can play havoc on your mental state. the best (and for me, fastest) races are always those that I just do what my body wants, not what the clock says. tell your family “it is what it is”, and you’ll be happy to finish, not walk on the run, etc. give them general ideas of time, they’ll figure out your finish when they see you on the run.
see you in L’ville. i’ll be the one holding up the sign that says: