I woke easily this morning after a reasonable short sleep and headed down the car to take the bike out for as 20 minute spin. As I set of I noticed the front tyre was a little flat so gave it some air from the super duper tyre inflator. After the ride I changed the inner tube, not wishing to have the problem re-occur tomorrow. Then out for a 15 minute run. The hotel I am staying in is in the centre of Bolton and very close to the finish line. When I passed it on my run it was quite a moment. Seeing the gate with the Ironman logo made me stop to look. Tomorrow evening I hope to make it through that gate as a finale to this massive journey.
Then back to the hotel to pack up my gear and then into the car (again). First stop was registration which was a 20 minute drive away; there was a whole collection of bits to collect, then all my cycling gear into a blue bag. This had to be walked along with my bike to transition one which was a fifteen minute walk away. As I was walking I noticed a nasty lump in my front tyre. Fortunately, I was passing the bike tech guys who kindly pointed out that I had pinched the inner tube and quickly corrected it for me. What a relief, it would have been a nasty surprise tomorrow and would have no doubt meant a delay. After dropping the bike and blue bag, I headed for Transition two (in the car again) for another 25 minutes dropping the red bag that has all my running gear in it. Then, back in the car for another 20 minutes to the hotel. What a palaver. I finally managed to get some breakfast in Starbucks at 1, followed very rapidly by lunch bought from M&S. Then back to the hotel for so R&R and a doze. After a couple of hours in the car again to head to the Reebok Stadium for the pre-race briefing, 45 minutes surrounded by some very fit and experienced looking people hearing about the day tomorrow. It was time well spent. After heading back to the hotel, parking up and collecting the rest of my gear from the boot of the car and dumping it in my room I headed out for a bite to eat. and reflected on how I am feeling? Sort of clam and a bit worried! Calm because all of the mucking about is over and now all I have to do is be on time tomorrow and do my best. I am worried about trying to keep a reasonable pace up for 112 miles on the bike. The longest I have cycled is around 85 miles So who knows? Ultimately, finishing is the first goal, doing it at a reasonable time is a nice to have
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