TriBike Transport

Today could be the last day I ever see my bike... but we all know I am not that lucky.

I dropped off my bike at Bikesport and from there it will be shipped to the race where it will be ready and waiting for me near the transition area. TriBike Transport is a sponsor of Ironman races and is a service that has a convenience/price ratio comparable to the water and candy found in the hotel mini bar.

Hopefully, my bike and I will be reunited again in Lake Placid where we have an 8 hour long joy ride awaiting us.

Mambo Number 5

In my life, I have done 4 triathlons. My 5th will be an Ironman.

I am not too sure that is normal.

The Laboratory

Today's Mail

Denver, CO

Run Preston, Run

And In This Corner...

Here is a course summary.

Spiderman 3

Today I bought my first wetsuit. I haven't raced or swam in a wetsuit before, but I will have plenty of "play time" to test it out in the Ironman. I hear the water in Lake Placid is not as warm as the water in Texas. There are some serious crazies that say a real Ironman is done without a wetsuit, because they help with speed and buoyancy. With 2.4 miles to swim, floating and floating swiftly are two things that are starting to sound pretty good.

The only thing I know about wetsuits is that they make you look like Venom from Spiderman 3.

An Expert

I tell you this to help you realize something, I am not an expert. I do crazy races and the truth behind almost all of them is, I wing it. It has worked so far, one more to go. Only, this one is one of the most formidable races you can sign up for.

Remember my "secret weapon?" Well, carbon soled cycling shoes would be a welcome addition to fuel my need for speed, if only I knew that there were about 5 different types of bike clips. Of course, the clips I currently have are different. So, when I thought I got a great deal on some cycling shoes, now I have to get some new clips.

Bike shoes all have a plate that clips into the pedal, different shoes have different plates needing different clips. I blame the French. On a road bike it helps to be clipped in for power and helps when you are flying down a hill so you can't escape from the metal frame and your impending death. My bike came with the basic beginner start up kit. I got a helmet, shoes and a cycling outfit that matches, and now I know what kind of clips came with my bike.

Experts say you shouldn't change anything about your routine or gear before a race. I am not an expert. I think this weekend I'll do something I don't do, go for a bike ride.

Plano, TX

Yes We Can!  :)

UNIS

Team Samaritan's Purse Shirts!

Walwease the Secwet Weapon!

Camden, TX

4th of July F.I.A.S.C.O.

Xian, China

Unflinching, steadfast and enduring..... yeeess!!  You rock, Preston!

Ironman Buffalo Springs 70.3

Ironman Buffalo Springs 70.3 was a great race to lead up to the Ironman with. It was tough, I expect little difference from Lake Placid, known to be a tough course as well. The bike course at Buffalo Springs was incredible. There were 8 challenging hills, one of which I didn't pedal going down for about 5 minutes, only I knew it was an out and back. Going back uphill took slightly more than 5 minutes, more like 50 mintues. Biking is easily my weakest sport and if I survive the swim, bike past the 112 miles and have to lace up some running shoes, I know I can finish the Ironman, despite the marathon that awaits.

I have a strategy, slightly more detailed than "don't die." Some things I can control, others I can't. I'll focus on the things I can and try to get to the starting line as healthy as possible.

Not feeling or looking too good.

Loving downhill.

Hating uphill.

Questioning what I am doing with my life.

Still more biking.

Elated to be anywhere other than still on the bike.

Texas Tech medical students greeted you at the finish.

Another medal.

Boone, NC

Keep up the good work Preston.  We love the 3 Brothers here in Boone as well.