Wednesday and Thursday we were out in the lake to swim. Wed's was shorter, get ourselves wet and back into the wetsuits which we haven't been able to wear in ATL all year. Felt good. Having lost another 8-10 pounds since I bought the wetsuit, it's probably bigger on me than it should be, but as such feels much better around the neck. Didn't really have any claustrophobic moments, and my shoulders didn't feel tired. All good. On the way back, Z started slapping my feet, pushing me down, bumping into me...which of course I knew he was trying to get me used to what is gonna happen on Sunday morning. This only made it funnier, and I could barely swim for laughing! Thursday we did the same thing, had Rich out with us, and went for quite a bit longer. Good 45 minutes I'd say, with some good solid settled in stretches of swimming. More of the same on the way back, he even grabbed my foot and held me back, but even swimming straight into me at a 90 degree angle, I held my own and just pushed him off. So I think I passed that test.
Wed we had a quick 40 minute ride and 2 mile run around the tiny town of Naramata, where we are actually staying. Thursday, we headed out to drive the bike course and do the descent from Richter. It was pretty good. Much more open and straight than the Gaps, which could lead to a quicker descent, but the wind is definitely a factor. Could not stay aero, had to move to the drops, due to the side winds. Probably didn't hit higher than 42-43 mph. We then moved onto the Seven Sisters - a set of rollers immediately following Richter...affectionately known as the Seven Little Bitches here on the IMC course. All I can say is this - Chris has done an amazing job of preparing us for this ride. Neither of the big climbs - Richter or Yellow Lake - scare me ... we've done much harder climbs all summer. And the Seven Bitches, while not easy, are doable compared with the rides we've been doing in Georgia. Since I had already given him all the gold stars for being a great coach, I had to break out the platinum star for that one.This truly is a beautiful bike course. I know you think I am biased because it is home, but truly it is outstanding. Here are some pics taken in the middle of the seven bitches...judge for yourself. And sadly, these pics don't do it justice, and they definitely are not the best views out there.
From a weather perspective, we're not going to be blessed with cooler Canadian temps. It's definitely hot out there boys and girls, and it's gonna be hotter on Sunday. Still better than where we've been because of the dry air, but nevertheless, the heat will be an issue for the race, especially on this course with no shade to speak of.
So now, time for bed. This night is the most important from a sleep perspective, and it's been a longer day than planned. So off to bed, start going through the race in my mind in preparation, and eventually fall asleep to thoughts of racing each and every moment of the race on Sunday.
Thanks to all of the great energy you are all sending me...the shout outs are just amazing, and I appreciate every single one of them. This tri community is just so supportive, it really touches me.
Happy training, and get a good night's sleep
Kat
Good luck!
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