Race Coverage

The Heat is On....

Wednesday, 17 August 2016 23:10

By Sara Carlson (sarastrilife.blogspot.com)

Kona Prep - I’d be lying to say that I’ve enjoyed the heat training I’ve been putting my body through. Most of my bike rides are still occurring indoors in my training room with the heaters cranked up to 90+ degrees, no fans, and the most inspirational IM Kona videos/NBC re-runs I can find playing before my eyes. It is a real treat when I get to head outside on a ride and enjoy things like “airflow” and “scenery.” Ha! But usually the days I pick to do that are ...

when we have wind speeds and heat that are kinda similar to that of what race day could bring. The 25+ mph winds (with gusts that could be ridiculous intense), and the radiant heat from the road of 125+ degrees really can't be reproduced, but at least I know what to expect. I have some tinkering to do with my bike fit because it’s still not terribly comfortable in my shoulders, but that’ll come.

To swim 2.4 miles in the ocean could prove to be a bit interesting for me. Almost every time I have been in the ocean, I have puked at some point. I know, I know…I am not supposed to drink the water, but for some reason, it happens. So, perhaps some saltwater gargling would help? We’ll see. I do know that hitting the pool or lake frequently makes such a big difference in my paces and overall comfort in the water. Sometimes just a short 15 minute swim is all I have time for, but it does help. I think the thing that will most help me when in Kona will be making it to the Floating Espresso Bar and drinking coffee to my hearts delight during the days leading up to the race. I am seriously considering getting some Kona coffee for my top tube storage on the bike; something to look forward to for sure! Still working out the details on this one ;)!  READ MORE