The Pre-Game Show

"B.B" - You have to place reflective markers on your running gear for the night, so I thought I would add my own special touch to them (Brian Balmes).

Friday was a day where I was able to totally relax and not worry about anything. I basically just stayed off my feet and went to the movies. It was another awesome day here in Tempe. However, last night I started to get a bit nervous. I spent some time going over (and back over my special needs bags etc.) I then went to the pre-race meeting. I figured that it would ease my mind but it made me more nervous! I picked up Kelli, my sister-in-law at the airport at 11 pm MT so we did not get a bunch of sleep last night.

This morning, we started off early with having to do the practice swim. Let me tell you, that water was COLD at 61 degrees. I did get used to it after the initial shock of the cold settles in and you take a few warm up strokes, I settled on down. I think the cold water will present a faster than normal swim just to get the heck out of it.

Once we finished the swim, I took my transition bags and my bike to check in. I realized that I had misplaced my Oakley sunglasses. Well, I have had them for over 5 years and I had debated buying some new ones but now is the time. Kelli and I went to the local outdoor mall to have lunch and walked right by an Oakley store. Done deal. Got a new pair, and glad that I did.

Now it's a matter of just resting my mind and my body..more to come tonight as I carry you thru my thoughts leading up to the night before the race.