Sunday brings a close to the triathlon season, and I'll have one last try to get things right. After the DNF at Devil's Lake, I purchased a new tire, CO2 pump, and two CO2 cartridges. I installed the new tire, new tube and practiced with the CO2 this week. The bike is ready.
Forecasters can't decide whether to forecast rain on Sunday or not. For awhile, there was a 40% chance with highs in the 60s. Then no chance of rain but highs in the low 70s with partly cloudy skies. Now, there's a 40% chance of rain after 4 PM (I'm scheduled to start at 11:22.) with highs in the mid 70s. Aside from the 30mph winds, the weather sounds like it's ready. (At least it's not 34°.)
I also did some recon on the athletes for this weekend. I looked to see how many athletes are returning from the Earlybird Tri on the same course. It looks like I'll be competitive. There are only 9 of us in the male 30-34 age group, and I have the fastest time of those returning. I'm in the fastest wave of swimmers, similar to last time. I plan on a nice sub 6:00 500 swim. I'll keep the bike nice and steady, since I haven't spent too much time in the saddle as of late. I want to run as hard as I can for the entire course. I want to be spent at the end of the race. Absolutely spent. I have mental issues that limit me from pouring it on during the run and I always have something left in the tank. I need to break through the wall and lay it all out there. Am I ready? Check back on Sunday.