After an early season podium finish at Ironman Los Cabos in March, I had a few weeks recovery and three hard weeks training. Looking forward to race at my best here in Texas. Just like me, my race equipment, my Xterra Wetsuits swimwear, SwiftCarbon Neurogen TT bike, Zoot and Spiuk race apparel is ready and super fast!
I think 9 weeks between two ironman races is an ideal time to recover and do some quality training. Sergio Borges at SB X Training has been my head coach for four years and he knows me very well. After I recovered from Ironman Los Cabos I trained 45 hours per week including 15 hours stretching, weight training, recovery massage and trigger point therapy. With my swim technique coach, Frank Sole, we also focused on technique and swim specific weights.
Last week we (Lucy, my wife and me) drove 2 days to The Woodlands. We stayed at Fort Stockton for overnight, discovered the biggest Roadrunner in the World and tasted the chicken fried steak. Overall it was a nice trip and we reached our destination Tuesday late afternoon. Compared to Phoenix it is extremely humid here. All my clothes were soaking wet after the first 20 minutes exercising outside. I did the last few workouts and tapering on the race course, which helped me getting used to the extreme humidity.
So far it looks like a strong field gathered this year; lots of good contenders who are hungry for the win, not to mention those who would like to earn valuable qualifying points for Kona. As for myself, I would like to run a race like two months ago. I want to get the most out of my performance and since I'm in good shape, I most definitely want to be on the podium.
I like hot race venues like this, in addition based on the last few years’ experiences the course fits me well. I will do my best to win the race, the rest will depend on what the day brings.
Right now I focus on final preparation; packet pick-up, athlete meeting and we are cooking my favorite pre-race meal! I’m really thankful to all of my sponsors and partners for their support: Zoot, SwiftCarbon, 3T, Southwest Realty and Property Management, Spiuk, ISM, Xterra Wetsuits,Continental, SPIbelt, SaltStick, PowerBar. I'm also very thankful to our friends, Greg and Maureen Gibbons for their hospitality for the 3rd year in a row. They always make sure that being here in The Woodlands feels like home!
