Post 49: Race day end

Over all he had a good race. He usually has a hard time with the marathon and this time was n o exception. His time is 11:21:24 which is more than he anticipated and he is happy nevertheless as usual. He love to tell me that there is no higher excitement than going through the finish line of an Iron Man. As I am writing theses line his beaming silently reviving the race, as I blow my nose not so silently. He makes a couple of comments about the things he should have done better or differently, just the usual. Suddenly I stop mid way my nose blowing...I think I heard next race...

Post 49: Race day continue

Once the swim start I know that I have a bout an hour to find my next spot, I want to catch him at the exit of the transition area getting on his bike. I was lucky enough to find a perfect spot where I could see him in the transition area and getting out next. I am always afraid to miss him altogether, there is so much going on and you could get easily distracted. Once I yelled my " va y cheri", my job is done for now. The bike section will take about 5 hours and I need to come back for the run. Which gives me plenty of time to get a breakfast and a rest, it is exhausting to run from place to place, to find a way to get there, calculate the time he should show up, wait..., worry..., make sure I remember the shirt his wearing or the color of his helmet so I can spot him in the crowd and be supportive. This is a job I take very seriously. It's also difficult to react fast enough so you can take a picture and yell your encouragement. I also had a bell to ring to make sure to get his attention, but it was too much multitasking for me.

Post 49: Race day

We arrived at the premise at 5am, it's pitch dark and freezing cold even with my two layers of fleece jackets. Jean has to drop his special needs bags, check his bike and have his body marked.

He comes bake to say bye and go within the assigned area for athletes only, he needs to regroup. I go in the opposite direction to the swim start to find a good spot for me. While I sit there shivering, trying to control my running nose and keep my hands warm in my pockets. I can't grasp the urge to get in a freezing water before the sun has risen. But not only there is thousands of such people here today. A lot come back for another serving, or two, or even seven for that mater. And most think about the next race as soon as they passed the finished line.

Finally all the participants are in the water as the sun is about to rise I hear the National Anthem and the start shot...

Post 48: IMA D -1

Today we went to deposit the bike in a closed guarded space where they will stay over night until the race day. Only athletes are permitted on the premise, you could see about 3000 bikes side by side it's really impressive, we also deposited the transition bags in assigned ares where volunteer are keeping track of all the bags and keep them in order as they will have to hand them to the competitors. I always admire the volunteering work and the organisation of such an event there is so much to think about, yet everything runs smoothly each time.

We went back home to relax...tomorrow is the big day and it starts early.

The race itself starts at 7am but everyone should be there at 5am, which means weak up call at about 4am. Just writing it I feel suddenly an urge to rest myself...

Post 47: IMA D -2

Today we went to register and get his race bags, number and stuff. we had to wait in line for a long while in a surprisingly hot day it was about 75 degrees and sunny just as usual for Arizona climate, while in the mornings and evenings it's rather chilly around 40 degrees. We walked around the exhibit to see the latest innovative gadgets in clothing, bikes or nutrition, got the last minute things Jean needed. He also got a free; for the athletes only, massage where you can have your pains and aches relieved before the race. Jean is worried about his knee and the physical therapist concentrated on this area. After his 10 mn massage he felt much better, these guys are amazing and on top of this they are volunteering their ti9me and energy.

We went for lunch and back home to get all these transition bags ready, put all the stickers with his number on all his stuff bags, helmet, bike. This is a lot of work.

Since this is Jean's 7th Iron Man he knows what to expect and said he feel surprisingly relaxed at this point.

Post 46: IMA D -3

Today's question was; should he wear his aero helmet or the regular one. The aero helmet is shaped in a way so you keep the optimum position the entire time (up to 5 hours) he can gain precious minutes but it's also exhausting because he can't lift his head if his shoulders are stiff.

He went for a small hour ride with the race bike just to get the feel of it.

Jean told me his menu for the next three days, lean proteins and carbs.

Breakfast: Cereals with skim milk, yogurt, orange juice.

Lunch: Ham and cheese on whole wheat bread no mayo and a tomato.

Dinner: Chicken breasts and rice, tabbouleh or pasta, a banana, raspberries.

I follow the same diet with a couple of extras like vegetables or a lettuce on the side.

I am glade I will not have to follow the race day menu.

Cereals as usual at home, a power bar on site. And the rest of the day are filled with power gels, Gatorade and tons of water. My stomach screams at the sole idea.

Tomorrow morning we're going to sign in and get his race package and number.

Jean's waxed his entire legs today in anticipation of the encounter. So he can show off his hairless, muscular and tan legs to the competition.

Post 45: Iron man Arizona

This week I will be blogging from Arizona reporting on the week before Jean's race on Sunday.

As much as I want to cheer my husband and be supportive of his passion for this very demanding sport. I have to admit that I never look forward to these couple of days before the big day.

We can't do much as everything could be dangerous.

We can't be in crowds as they could be sick.

And we can't eat anything to fancy that could disturb his digestive system. He has a specific list of menus he tried which are safe and he sticks to it.

Last year the Iron man of his choice was in a small town in Canada and they had a wonderful food feast with local fruits, pastries and all kind of delicious looking food. But we had non of it.

I actually got a hand full of sweet plums and he didn't even try one. I gladly finished the whole thing by myself only to be sick in my stomach in the evening, maybe his right to stick to safe diet.

The conversation revolve for 99% around the event.

He might ask, do you think I am ready? And my job is to reply cheerfully. Ready as can be.

Of course the tension will raise as the days go by.

Today is my first day in Arizona and he is in good shape and spirit, we will see what tomorrow will hold.