May 12, 2011
made it to orlando safely, but only after a long, difficult day of travel that included such highlights as missing a flight and sitting on the runway for an hour, inches from the jet way, waiting out a storm.
the main reason i wanted to get here several days before the race was to acclimatize myself to training in this heat. i did a ride this morning in an effort to do just that and lucked out with a glorious, traffic-free road that wound along lakes, rivers and glades. i had to drive about 30 minutes to get away from the tourist-jammed areas close to the disney resorts, but it was well worth it. the heat was hovering around 27°C with humidity up near 90%. not exactly the type of weather i'm used to. on the bike i didn't notice the heat too much, the wind helping to keep me cool. it wasn't until i hit the halfway point of my ride and stopped to turn around that i realized i was dripping with sweat. i'd been sticking to my race plan and had been drinking continuously and felt good, but the difference between what the heat felt like in the wind and what it actual was was pretty amazing.
a good reality check. even though it may not feel like it while riding, it's hot here. really hot. i did a short run after my ride and didn't take any water with me but could feel dehydration starting to settle in. sunday's race will be a huge test in managing hydration. and sunburns.
