Bored and in the hotel, so here are some pre-race notes for anyone that is interested:

1: This IM thing is big! There are more in my AG (M 35-39) than total in the largest triathlon I've done to date. Some thoughts such as am I out of my league and do I belong here crept into my head then I remembered I have trained for over 400 hours these last 9 months so I will be fine!

2: I'm sick of carbo loading! I'm never eating pasta again after this week. Also, weigh in should be done the day you start your taper!

3: Man, there is a LOT of eye candy around.:D And I mean both the opposite sex and sweet bikes! Good thing my wife is not here, :mad: she'd have slapped me several times by now for looking at cute fit women and or some really nice bikes.

4: Newtons-had to try them just to see what all the hype was about. Actually had to wait in line to try them on! Felt good running in the stability trainers, felt fast, but then who isn't going to try to run fast and good when you are in the expo area and tons of people are there. Guy told me I was moving very well in the shoes, but then who is gonna run a 10 minute mile pace with all those people around! Wasn't going to buy them though but my father is here with me and he bought them for me! Will give them a shot over the next few months.

5: Pre-race nerves haven't hit yet. Along with my father my 2 year old daughter and 10 year old stepson are here and they are providing enough distraction that I havne't got butterflies...yet.

6: Dear right achilles, I know you are still a little sore at times and haven't been 100% since December. I PROMISE if you make it through tomorrow you will get a nice looong rest.

7: Bike course is hilly, lots of turns, but not hillier than where I live so I'm not too nervous. Overall though it does not look like a fast course.

8: Little bit of stress this morning while taking my bike off the car to check it in. Noticed a DEEP 1/4" cut in the front tire, was split at least 1mm in width! Didn't have pump to re-inflate tire so had my stepson wait in line at bike support while I ran in and bought a new Pro Race 2 tire at the expo. Got it on (without tools too...heard some people complain that they are tough to stretch over rims but didn't have too much trouble) and borrowed a pump from a guy in line and got her inflated in a few minutes. Rode bike around parking garage to make sure tire seated and tube wasn't pinched, seemed to be ok. Missed lunch however with the other Trifulers because of this!

9: Must remember to HAVE FUN and soak it all in.

10: Finally, there is one other couple from my home town and the wife was honored as the "Home Town Hero" last night at the banquet. Thought that was pretty cool for her.

Good luck to all tomorrow!