Race Day Tracking...

I am all packed and ready to go!  Somehow it seemed much easier packing it all up this time around.  So easy that I can't help but think I MUST be forgetting something even though I know that I am not.  I sure I probably have at least 10 sticks of body glide, 18 cans of spray sunscreen and 12 pairs of socks.  (I don't believe in packing light...).

Last I checked, the weather was supposed to be 89 with 65% humidity.  I stopped looking yesterday because I realized it wouldn't change anything.  I obsessed over B2B weather because it made the difference between long sleeves and a regular tri kit.  This weather, not so much.  

I practiced changing my rear tire earlier today and loaded my bags with extra tubes and CO2 cartridges (word is there have been incidents of people throwing tacks on the course - what is wrong with people?).  I am prepared.  Just in case.  ...and secretly hoping that 'just in case' never happens.

I am feeling very relaxed about the whole thing.  No nerves to speak of which is a good feeling.  Sometime over the next few days, I will do a practice swim, drive the course and go see the Muhammad Ali center.  Then there is that race...  :)

If you are interested in following me on race day, you can do it a couple of ways:

1.  Through the Ironman website.  They changed the site up a bit recently so you should see something that says Live Race Coverage at the bottom of the page to get to IM Louisville.  From there select Athlete Tracker and put in race number 624 (or Whitlock).  You can also view this on iphone if you have the Iron Trac app.  Love that app!

2.  Through My Athlete Live tracker.  (this was mostly to make it easier for CR on race day but you get the benefit of it too...)  :)   Go to the My Athlete Live website, select Ironman Louisville and find my name on the list.  (Karen Whitlock).

I tracked a couple people using this app before and the total times are usually off a bit because you have to turn the device on before you start the swim and leave it on your bike.  The ironman website is the most accurate tracking in terms of race time.  The My Athlete site tends to be the best choice for your sherpas who are trying to catch a glimpse of you along the race course because you can see where your athlete is on the course throughout the day.

Fair warning -  I used My Athlete during my first iron in 2011 and lost the device in the first mile on the bike (you wear it on a belt and it fell off).  Let's hope I have better luck with it this time!  Last year, I lost my aero mounted water bottle in the first mile so if we are being honest, I am hoping I don't lose anything in the first mile of the bike this time around.  :)  

FYI - My Athlete Live also has an iphone app available.

.... and that is that!  Hoping for a great race day!