70.3 Pre-Race

A Half Ironman distance is 70.3 total miles. For some reason I signed up to swim, bike and run that far. On the bright side, it was in Spain....

Tom, Michael and I take a self portrait after we arrive in Calella.

Michael and I by the beach just below the lighthouse. The lighthouse seriously ends up being the best beacon ever due to the fact that when you saw it on the bike course, you knew you were FINALLY about to be done with the headwind.

We get together for a pre-race swim to check out the sea. Sarah, Julian, Michael, me and Tom. It's a good thing we did because I was so freaked out it took me two times to get in the water. It was like the perfect storm the waves were so big. I kept telling myself how great it was that I didn't tell anyone I was doing the race because they were not going to know that I dropped out the day before due to being a big chicken. But, the gang was patient with me- especially Tom who talked me back into the water for another go.

The pedestrian walkway in Calella. Home to 90% of the restaurants and shops.

One of our favorite past times along the pedestrian walk way was pre-race eating. Oh yeah.

and more pre-race eating. I really don't think you get the scale of these pieces of cake. That's why everyone has their cameras out. So when you ask 'why did I do a half ironman?'. That answer is 'I love to eat'.

Something unfamiliar in the States, the single bed hotel room. I kept hitting my elbow on the wall and waking myself up. Doh!

After putting the bikes together, Sarah and I take them out for a spin to make sure they actually work. And yes, my arms are that skinny now. All this cardio training doesn't make time for the gym these days. It isn't like my brother used to call me Chicken Arms for nothing...

And while taking pictures of the lovely scenery, it turns out this was a nude beach. And the people were old. We didn't linger.

So after the bike passes the safety check, it's off to rack it the night before. There were about 1600 participants in the event.

And here is my trusty Trek - all ready!

At the pre-race pasta dinner, Tom claps along to the music. I'm sure he's really going to love the fact that I put this picture in here.

And lastly, the water is FINALLY calm. Let's hope it is like that in the morning.... To Be Continued....