The Final Countdown...

No, I'm not talking about some cheesy 80s song (hey, I actually liked that song)...or a NASA launch! I am talking about those final few days as you prepare for your big race. In my case, the biggest race ever - the race of my life! :)

These are the days when you spend 80% of your time thinking and 20% of it training. I know I speak for most folks when I say it's A LOT easier to train more than think about it. It just opens the door for doubts, concerns, etc. But I am here to tell you that that's okay! This is an inevitable part of any race cycle...so learning how to turn this situation to your advantage is essential. Here are my tips:

1. Set Out Your Taper Week Early: Know what you are going to do before you get there...It's great to have a plan here instead of scrambling around. And if you miss something, no worries, it wasn't meant to be!
2. Check Your Gear Early: This should be done about two weeks out. Get new tires and put them on (always). Take your bike in for an overhaul and pay for what needs to be done (it's worth it!). If you are racing new wheels, get them on now and test them out. Make sure your shoes are in good condition. Do some test rides/runs in "full race mode" w/ the food/bottles/aids you expect to use on race day. Two weeks out is still a good effort and is enough time to adjust if needed.
3. Finalize Your Travel Plans: Get the directions printed, reserve the cab, pack the healthy snack food, etc. Do not wait until the night before your flight to pack your bike for the first time!!! Be sure to let your travel partners know of the final schedule! Same goes for race week...your fam/friends are there for you. You may need to remind them of that as they drink beers in the hottub outside your window at 2am, but they are your friends, so let'em have it! :)
4. Draft a Race Plan: Yes, I said draft. WRITE IT DOWN. LOOK AT IT. EDIT IT. COMMIT IT TO MEMORY. The less you have to think about on the day, the better! Write it down on something you can carry with you during race week so you can "cram" - it also helps me to calm down!
   
5. Challenge Your Plan: Once it's set, then go through and troubleshoot it...what happens if you flat in loop one? loop two? what do you do if your tummy goes bad? if it's really windy? if your calf cramps? Think about these things now and plan the scenarios out now...it will make your response that much quicker and effective on race day!

Now that you are all amped up (hey, i am too!), take a deep breath and remember all that you have done to get here. For me, I am at the pinnacle of a 3+ year journey...many ups and downs, but always more ups! Enjoy your day and be thankful for your chance to race!

Stay tuned for audio blogs coming later this week...

Patrick