Race Week!

Vineman 70.3 is one week ahead, and finally I can take a break in the push for training (or the guilt of not training harder).

This time I cannot say I did not peak my training. And I have seen myself faster, more confident and more comfortable, at least on the bike. Of note, training for my second half distance race I did two marathons in six days (LA Marathon and San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon), happily completed my second Century (LA River Ride), and was able to conquer hills with the group rides. I can proudly say now I do not stay last in the group rides.

Hungry all the time, now I can indulge on ice cream and bananas and cake at night, and eat as many times as I feel hungry. I had sports massage two days ago, and now I can feel my body without awkward posture or tightness. I go to be earlier, and sleep until late evertime I can. This time I am enjoying race taper.

Worried about the forecast of 95 F for Sonoma on race day, I have spent time exposed to the hot weather, doing short runs or half hour walks. That is a real threat.

As part of the taper, I am catching up on my movie going activities. Yesterday I went to a documentary festival, and I watched Beauty Mark and Bicycle Dreams. It may be I am in a sensitive mood theses days, but I have to declare my love to these two movies.

Beauty Mark is centered on Diane Israel, a world-class triathlete and psychotherapist, discussing body and self-image, and athletic bulimia, with interviews with many former champion athletes, including Dave "The Man" Scott.

Bicycle Dreams is an award-winner documentary that follows the epic Race Across America, touching the souls of all endurance athletes, showing cyclists in search for their inner truths struggling in this challenging race.

Training is complete, I am completing another big step in my life, and I am happy. Looking forward the next challenge.