The race participant list was published today. My number is 258. I like to have the number 7 as one of my numbers on my bib (G is the 7th alphabet), but I am not superstitious. There are a total of 1,450 participants with a pretty strong pro field of 70+ athletes. My age group (officially M50-54) has a total of 86 participants. With a total of 40 slots to be allocated for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, only 2 will be in my age group. Unless 50 or soof the top people in my age bracket drop out, I stand no chance of qualifying!
My goal is to finish in 6:15. I will be really happy with a sub 6:10 finish and ecstatic with a sub 6:00 finish.
Our flight leaves tomorrow morning at 5AM via Houston to San Juan. The bike is packed, the tri-gear is packed, the equipment is packed, the nutrition is packed. I’m as ready as can be. San Juan, here I come!
I ran in the desert heat behind Lifetime Fitness today for 40 minutes today. It felt good (but hot). I saw a large male Coyote hanging out looking at me cautiously. We briefly made eye contact. He was about 50 feet from me. It may have been my imagination, but he nodded his head as he strolled away as if to wish me good luck. I had a bunch of other folks wish me too. Thanks for the wishes Brett, Ali, Kim, Danielle, Don, Maury, Chris, the Whoopie Babes and a world-class athlete who shall remain unnamed. I am blessed to have friends like you!