Race

Two days to go until the first race of the season, the Challenge Kraichgau. It’s always been a preparation race leading up to the season highlight — this year even more so than in previous years. Training under race conditions, essentially. Why? I was injured for a long stretch this year — almost 4 weeks out during the crucial base phase in February/March. During that time I ran exactly 20 kilometers. Cycling only worked with pain. Swimming was at least possible. In running I’ve probably made up the deficit — the recent training results at least suggest so. On the bike there’s still something missing; the long sessions aren’t quite where I want them yet. Of course I’d be further along without the injury, but for the Challenge that shouldn’t really matter. ...

On short notice I’ve decided to race the Ironman in Wales on September 11th. To be upfront: this will be an experiment — I have no idea how it’ll go. Arguments for doing it: Good current form — maybe I can hold onto it until then The knowledge and experience you gain from it Ending the year on a positive note Another shot at the Hawaii qualification for 2012 — hopefully none of the strong competition will be there Beautiful scenery for the race Arguments against: ...

Yesterday was the second middle-distance (half-iron) race within a week — the Triathlon in Maxdorf: 2km swim, 85km bike, 20km run. Raced straight out of training, no taper, so a performance as strong as the previous week at Kraichgau wasn’t exactly expected. I somehow got up on the wrong side of the bed — spilled milk at breakfast, changed clothes after brushing my teeth. A bad omen, and more mishaps were to follow… ...