Just over 1 week until Ironman St George. As you can see, the bib numbers have been assigned and I am athlete number 2178. I like that number, sounds like a lucky bib number to me. I can’t wait to pick it up on Wednesday and pin it to my race belt.
The long range weather forecast is not looking too great for race day (May 1st). The temperatures are likely to be warm however the forecast is currently calling for showers. Oh well, can’t be any colder than last year at Coeur d’Alene, right? I don’t mind a little rain however in the desert highlands the presence of rain is often accompanied by wind which would make the bike course pretty nasty.
Here is a photo of the Sandy Hollow Reservoir where the Ironman swim will take place. Looks harmless enough in this photo. I have read in online forums that the water temperature will be quite cold and it will probably be quite choppy on race day. Sounds like a good incentive to get the swim done quickly!
Here is a photo of one of the many hills on the bike course. Apparently this one is just a little warm-up for the big hills that come later in the course. Like the hill in this next photo which the locals refer to as the “wall”.
Climbing and climbing and switchbacks. Oh my! Looks like I have my work cut out for me.
Then it’s off the bike and onto the run and whats this? More hills? Yes it’s true, the run course is not exactly flat either. Oy, I can just see me roasting out there in the red rock canyons. The good news is that I should be in St George by Tuesday which means that I should have lots of time to check out the course and get settled in prior to the big event. Yup. Lots of time to check out all of those hills!
Ca semble bon…. One moh sleeps!
Good luck Don. I’ll be following!