With just under 48 hours before Ironman 70.3 Steelhead, I have to examine my honest expectations. I have always been one to say that "just finishing" is an accomplishment. I cannot forget this principle, no matter what other goals I may have.
I have never broken 7 hours in a half distance. Best time has been 7:08:34. And this was accomplished at this race, three years ago. Now, three years older, I'm hoping that I'm also three years wiser.
My swim will be my swim. I have worked extremely hard this year on efficiency but honestly, I would be very happy to just meet or slightly beat the 52:02 last time. I have a plan and it is the same as always: Stay back and to the outside. Don't want to get caught in the washtub.
The run has also improved two fold since 2010. However, I've been dealing with Plantar Fasciitis for the past several months, so this time around the plan will be to avoid debilitating pain. If I work my plan on the bike, this should be no problem. If I can cut some 10 minutes of my previous time here, I will be very happy.
Where I have done the most work and have seen the most improvement has been on the bike. I have worked extremely hard and long at improving here. Most of my longer rides have shown these results. So, If I can be around the 3 hour mark, I should be good to go.
Oh dear, and those transitions... If I could just get out...
My most other's standards, these are not lofty goals. By my standards, these are achievable and reasonable, but my job on race day will still be to race my plan and adapt to change as need be.
