THE PACKAGE IS DELAYED DUE TO A MECHANICAL TRAIN FAILURE

The title of today's entry is the last update from UPS on a package that I'm waiting for. I was hoping to get it before my race this weekend, but alas, it is not to be. Oh well. I still have two more tris and a marathon before the end of the season, so I'll be able to use it this year, just not this weekend.

I've come up with my goals/focus for the race this weekend:

Swim

• Gel 15' before start
• Get in a good position for the start ( front & center! )
  
• Keep good position through first turn
• Stay with fast swimmers, hang on feet better
• Swim smart. Go hard, but don't blow up

T1

• Wetsuit off fast
• Make sure shoes unstrapped before getting on bike!
• Efficient transition, but don't rush. Make it flow

Bike

• Keep cadence high, shift early, shift often
• Gel at 15' in, and about 10' before end
• Race my race at the start, if they go out too hard, I'll catch 'em, if I don't then they are just faster
• Stay alert on position fouls. No penalties!

T2

• Efficient transition
• Remember gel for the run
• Douse hat/self with water to start cooler if it's hot out

Run

• Keep cadence high
• Keep good running form
• Shoulders relaxed, don't tense
• Run in circles, good leg lift
• Gel at 2mi or 3mi if needed
• Finish strong, leave it all after mile 5

If I'm able to do all of that, then the race is a victory. If I have a blazing fast time, even better, but I'm not focusing on time as a goal, more of a result of accomplishing the above goals. Besides, each race is different in terms of hills, wind, weather, so times aren't the end-all comparison.