Race Week
It's race week - how exciting!!! And how busy! There is a lot more to race week than you might initially think. Ironman isn't just about showing up on the day, besides the training preparation there is also quite a lot of logistics involved it setting your self up for a great race week. I've included here a list of things (non exhaustive) to think about pre & during race week:
1. Final travel arrangements / plan. Write out a timetable for race week. Include EVERYTHING! Flights, car parking, transfers, luggage. Build in extra time so save any anxiety. if it's a venue you haven't raced before go early to familiarise yourself with the location & course.
2. Bike Serviced - Ensure your machine is race ready, get a good mechanic to ensure your bike is as ready to race as you are. It's a good idea to get this booked in well in advance of race week to ensure your slot with your trusted mechanic.
3. Bike packed. I recommend doing this well in advance of travel. I packed Monday for a Friday flight to discover a sheared bolt - no problem with 5 days to order replacements.
4. Sleep, nutrition. Ensure these two things are absolutely on point for the week. You want to hit that start line full of the most amazing energy.
5. Study the race information - again and again. Assuming you haven't left this until race week!! This week should just be final review & refreshers on the race.
6. Attend the race briefing - always! Critical information can be shared here in relation to the course that may not have been provided before, including bike course watch outs & water temperature / wetsuit legal information.
7. Get up at the same time you will need to race day. Get your body used to going to sleep & getting up at the right time.
8. Set your alarm x 3!! I once slept in - won the clubs epic fail of the year award as the race was in Marbella and I had travelled from the UK - doh!
9. Remember you earned this start line & whilst the finish line a gift, the real gift is becoming the person you had to become to get to the start line.
10. Enjoy it & celebrate with the friends & family who helped get you there.
