Positive improvement

First stretch of the home leg is complete. Calf stood up well with a few runs and good 2 hour run without too much complaining. 

Credit for the resurgence and repair of my calf has to be given to the rest and dynamic stretching routine provided to me by The Fix studio during my fantastic bike fit I received a few weeks ago. I feel that was key to getting back to running so close to race day. 

One more week remains of heavy training and then the taper begins. Planning is already taking shape for packing and race day prep. The bike again will be packed with the help of Urban Tri, ensuring secure arrival in the UK. 

Sunday also proved not only a successful long run, but also nutritionally. There was a concern about providing the nutrition needed for the run portion. Previously, my nutrition bottle had not survived well on the bike with me. Therefore, I needed to come up with a new strategy. As usual, it was the simplest that proved the best. Four fuel belt bottles full of one hour's nutrition each, to remain dry until the run begins and them mixed with water from the first aid station. Worked well Sunday and hopefully the same result will be realized come September 8th. 

Also on Saturday, managed to complete a race day simulation. Felt good, once I had shaken the negativity of being road raged on the way to the lake. Fantastic weather for it. Couldn't have asked for more in that department. Great bike following the swim, with a relaxed transition run after. Lets hope it's a good sign for September. 

As the day gets closer, beginning to build on the excitement of the big race and having the family and friends out there for added motivation. The pain is guaranteed. The support is what dulls the pain and keeps you plodding. It's that feeling that provides me the energy to finish such a long race. 

Good luck to us all!