The first test...

So on Saturday, I had decided to swim then immediately hit the bike for a flat ride. I had to be back at 12:30pm to watch Elena so I decided to try for 80 miles. I figured 4 hours for the ride 30 minutes total for swimming and changing. Either way I got to sleep in or so I thought. About 5:45AM I woke because I couldn't sleep. It was okay because I still have to get my nutrition ready for the long bike ride. I decided to try a new approach based on reading http://forum.slowtwitch.com/ forums. This particular triathlete would put all his gels into a water bottle for easy access and no mess. I decided 6 gels would be enough to get me through the ride. I added a little water and the gel bottle was ready. I did a full cytomax bottle and a half dose cytomax bottle that I would use to wash down the gel as I drank it.

I got to the pool around 6:30 and there was nobody there. The whole 24 hour fitness was pretty empty. I guess early Saturday morning workouts aren't fun. I always hate that first hop into the pool. It's so cold I totally tense up. I started my swim. It went really well and I ended up with 650 yards. My longest swim so far and I didn't feel too tired. I hopped out and proceed to simulate that first transition. Drying off is the key to getting on additional clothes.

I made it out to the parking lot and got on the bike. My shoulders were quite sore but everything else was fine. I was headed out to Sauvie Island so I first had to climb up over the Barbur hill. I just settled in and tried at best to just cruise. I kept telling myself in the race I have to run a marathon after this ride I cannot be trashed.

A few friends, Ernie, Geoff and Vera were planning on starting their bike ride at 9AM. I was hoping to see them on my last loop around Sauvie and be able to have some companions for the ride home. More on that later...

I got to Sauvie Island. It's a nice bike loop as it's flat and has hardly any traffic. Plus since it is a loop, the wind gets you on one side but you get the benefit on the other. Saturday morning there was no wind at all. It was dead calm. I started moving around the loop. I was settled at about 20-21mph. It felt easy and comfortable. The first loop went off easily. I started the 2nd loop and felt a little stronger so I spun the pace up just a little bit. It was just a little faster. The 3rd loop was more difficult as I was nearing the 56 mile point of the ride. I clicked my watch at mile 56 and it read 2:46. I thought to myself. Halfway for the Ironman. I was sortof tired of the bike by that time. My seat was bugging me and my neck was killing me. I hope I get enough miles in that my body adapts to those things.

I started the 4th and final loop. I figured on this loop I would see my friends as it was just 10AM and it takes about an hour for them to get there. I was expecting to see them just over halfway around and it would help me get through the lap. I was really struggling with this lap. My legs were getting tired. Not good as I was only approaching the 65 mile mark. Hmm...more training is needed obviously.

I finish the loop which conveniently has a store so I can refuel with water. I was totally out. I get my water and make a bathroom break. I thought my friends had accidentally went the same around the loop as me so oh well I missed them.

Luckily for this total bike the way back home is slightly downhill. The bad news was the wind had kicked up and it was right in my face the whole way home. I tried to be smooth and just spin in order to get home with as fresh legs as possible.

I made it my car and had completed 90 miles in 4:35. Overall I was tired but I think I could've started the run and made it. I wasn't totally wiped out. The funny thing as I was heading back I saw my friends just heading out around 11AM. It looks like they totally got a late start.