Your final stop -- run-transitionI know exactly what you'll be feeling when you get off that bike and begin run-transition. First of all, you'll want to throw your bike in the lake. Secondly, the chance of somehow finishing the marathon distance the way your legs feel right at that moment seems pretty well impossible. As you walk(hobble) into the transition tent, your heart may be sinking and you may feel you just cannot do it. Believe me. You are not alone. This is a very common reaction. AND YES! YOU CAN DO IT! Remember--When you leave the run-transition, the next time you return, you will be home! This is the moment where your resolve will be truly tested. Keep in mind that if you have made it to this point, you have a really good chance of finishing the race. There is plenty of time if you follow the suggestions I gave you in the run-tips section. Also remember the energy you saved by having a calm, relaxed, energy saving swim. Believe it or not, you may well be in a lot better position than a lot of other people out on the run course. Change into whatever you plan on wearing. Make your marathon as comfortable as possible. The more I think about it, the more I think that for your first Ironman you should make a "complete" change rather than wear a tri-suit. Clean and dry socks, shorts and singlet. Don't forget your hat! If you feel you need medical attention for anything, this is the time to do it. The medical tent is right there beside the transition tent. A word of warning however---Don't stall. Get out there! You do have a time limit and spending 30-40 minutes in transition can lead to disappointment at the end of the day. Gather yourself----have a good drink and something to eat(a power gel would be good) before you leave run-transition. And remember these imortal words..........
TRY NOT. DO. OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY. Yoda: The Empire Strikes back. So get out there and DO it.
So many hours behind you and now the final challenge---the Ironman marathon. |