I just got back to Australia after spending the summer in Boulder Colorado, and man am I missing the sunshine. So far, it’s been nonstop rain every day I’ve been back. Of course, that hasn’t interrupted my racing. I just wrapped up the Gold Coast Half Ironman in Brisbane, and although I couldn’t finish because of a leg cramp, I did manage to get top four in bike position. That’s got me smiling.
So with all this rain, I’ve decided to take a quick trip over to Hawaii to watch the Ironman World Championship in Kona. I’m partly going so I can do some recon for future contests, but I also just love the atmosphere of a good competition. And seriously, what better place to compete in an Ironman? Kona is stunning!
I plan on catching up with Bill Rudell, the [intlink id=”109″ type=”page”]Cannondale[/intlink] crew and all the guys over at Compressport. I’ve been really excited about my bike lately. I just got a first-rate tune over at [intlink id=”109″ type=”page”]Godron Street Cycles[/intlink] and I’m very patiently awaiting my new 2011 Cannondale Slice. I can’t say enough about this bike. I’ve ridden lots of other bikes, and the Slice just puts me in the right position to get prepared for the marathon section. I seem to hop off of it refreshed before every run.
For those who haven’t seen what this awesome machine will look like, here’s a peak at what’s to come.
I’m also going to run the Kona Energy Lab race. It’s kind of funny. Most people think the energy lab race was started by some energy bar company, but that’s not so. It’s actually a real natural energy lab where scientists are testing all kinds of new technologies. And this place is incredibly hot. It gets as high as 37 degrees celsius, enough to wear down any contender. If history repeats itself, we’re going to see a lot of people laying low and barely making it through this one.
After my trip to Hawaii, I’ll be right back here in Australia to ride a 227km bike race on Clayton Fettel’s team. It’s a little longer than what I’m used to in the Ironman races, and it has two big climbs that I’m a little concerned about. That aside, it will be excellent preparation for the Port Macquarie Ironman that’s going to take place the week after.
So even with a little vacation to Hawaii, my schedule is still looking pretty full. I’m not sure what’s better, pounding rain or 37 degree weather. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
Wish me luck!
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