Listen to your body

Ironman race day brings with it a ton of excitement.  Often times you get so focused on the race that you forget to take care of your body.  Head down, riding for 5-7hrs, it is very easy to forget to drink or eat food when you need it most.  Take a moment or two throughout the race to take stock of you body’s needs.  Really think about what has happened over the last 1-2 hrs.  Are you thirsty?  Are you hungry?  Do you need electrolytes? Have you been riding harder than you planned? Are you getting sun burnt?  “How am I doing as a whole.  Is there something I need to fix before it becomes a problem 3 hours from now.”

During your training, be sensitive to the cues that your body gives you. A lesson that we’ve learned over the past few years (from long rides as a couple) is that irrational anger is a distinct symptom of needing more electrolytes! On longs runs, get to know how you feel when you need more calories and get used to doing something about it before you bonk. During your race – take in calories and water when you’re feeling good and don’t think you need them (but don’t go overboard, because you’ll do more harm than good). Remember, jsut because gels come in single servings, you are not obligated to down the whole thing at once!