Is revenge a dish best served hot?

Well I'm in my rest week after Hartford and already my mind has started racing ahead to next tri season. The big thought on my mind a return to Ironman. While Josie and I were down in Maryland tearing up the Chesapeakeman course and cussing out Apple Maps for their inaccurate directions, the discussion of Ironman came up.
 Josie hasn't raced one and is coming off of solid training 2 years post baby.  She's had solid results and for the first time actually has a chance to put two consistent seasons together. So the game plan was this: 2013 Ironman Florida, we book the rooms for her hubby, future ITU World Champion/Supreme Court Justice, and my girlfriend/future suffering wife and support crew through Ken Glah and the fine people at Endurance Sports Travel the other thing was since Ironman Florida sells out like EPO in a French Pharmacy in July, we could book our race entry slots as well. That was until I saw the price.

The price to book a race entry slot with the travel package is about a 70.3 entry shy of an Ironman Foundation slot, not that I'm complaining it is a coveted race slot.  Likewise researching the flight options part of me is like screw Panama City I could chill in Taupo with Ken and the gang for two weeks for the money I'd be spending for a long weekend on the Gulf Coast. This got me to thinking; Should I go back to Louisville and seek to erase the dark mark on my Ironman career?

There are a couple of drawbacks to Louisville. The first is it's hot. It's not New England it's 85F in the sun with a breeze hot. It's 95F with 100% humidity and your shoe rubber will be melting to the pavement hot. It is nail your nutrition, hydration and electrolyte intake  or you will be suffering a very cruel, nasty, evil, horrifying, Dante-esque  punishment hot. It is the Kona lava fields don't have shit on this hot.
The second is I would not have a friend and training partner to push me through the race. Josie doesn't race well in the heat or the cold so Louisville is off her list.
Third, Ken doesn't sell packages for this race so it's on me to make hotel arrangements, figure out travel arrangements, find restaurants/ sources of healthy food/ bike mechanic..etc. Not a huge deal I did it in 2011 and I know guys who have done the race, but having someone take the guess work out of logistics is a huge help.  Likewise the fact that Ken sets up a spread for Ironman Widows/ Widowers, in a comfortable environment helps keeps spectators occupied and can give them people to chill with or find other activities to do with while their athletes do their thing, helps cut the boredom for spectators.
Fourth, it's in the middle of the summer. Not that this is huge issue but part of me would like to cap my season with an Ironman.  This race would fall dead center, as I would like to race in September as well.
The fifth, not that it's a huge worry I mean I'm fast but there are some real speed demons out there, but what if I have a bangout day and I make Kona. I always joked that I would just sell my kidney and go but what if I punch that magical ticket to the Big Island? Do I say yes like the 20 something year old kid without a care in the world? Or do I respond as a mature and responsible adult and decline something that I've wanted for so long, because I have other long term goals to focus on? Florida I would have a year to save up and plan, Louisville I've got 8 weeks and when Mike Rielly is taunting you with that paper all bets are off.

The pros to Louisville are also numerous. The first is I know the course. Sometimes knowing what to expect is a benefit. I know the temperature is between BBQ and Broil, I know I need Salt tabs, I know I need to training in long sleeves to acclimate. Likewise knowing the bike course I know where I could take risks where to hammer and where to ease back. I know that the Ohio River is not horrible and to get in line at 4am to have a Primo swim position. I know to hydrate and *gag* drink Perform on the bike. I know to build the run and cool the engine. Getting the unmerciful crap kicked out of me by this race in 2011 was a valuable learning experience and I plan to use that to my advantage.
Second, flights to Louisville are reasonable. I can book with Southwest, American, and most of the major carriers.  I know I'll get into Louisville at a relatively cheap and relatively easy. Likewise it's a quick and cheap cab ride from the airport to the hotels.
Third, is it is easy to walk around Louisville. Most of the hotels are in downtown. Fourth Street Live is less than 10 blocks from where I stayed last year. I can easily walk/ run to the swim start and train on the river walk. The YMCA is close and honors the AWAY program so I could get swims in. There are lots of dining options close by and there are bike lanes and fairly decent motorists, getting around is not an issue, and unless I was leaving the city no need to rent a car.
Fourth, the swim is not wetsuit legal, feel my wrath lovers of neoprene.
Fifth, running in  city means the roads are well lit ( if out after dark), there are large crowds of spectators, and no desolate stretches, which is motivating. Likewise it means there is plenty for spectators to do. Likewise the sun is still out until 8PM in August so if I finish in 13 hours or less it will be in daylight.

I have a lot to consider going into 2013, all I know is will be doing an Ironman, it will be in the South, it's just where and when.

R.D.

The Half way point.

As I sit here writing this I'm at LAX I'm surrounded by a lot of business travelers, cell phone talking teeny boppers and screaming kids...man they'll let anyone into the Admiral's Club nowadays...like scruffy looking triathletes from the East Coast that fly economy...seriously what is the world coming to.

Well my travels to JFK and Beyond were uneventful except I left the key to the bike box in my car. Luckily it's a simple lock and a regular screw driver will do the trick...or TSA will have added another scar to this well traveled case ( note: starting an active giving site for the buy Bjoern and Bob a new bike case fund.) Oh there was no extra charge for the case...two years in a row I am the Ben Gordon of baggage check! ( I would have mentioned Thabeet but he is nowhere near the prowess of Ben Gordon in his UConn hayday...ok random mentioning of UConn Basketball in a travel post done.)

Flight wasn't too bad granted I think I might have started spitting Lil' John's "Role Call" in my sleep. Also there was this 2 year old on the flight who was screaming every 5 minutes. Thankfully I had the i-pod on high.

It is a beautiful day 80F (26C) in LA and if it wouldn't be a comedy of errors getting through airport security or just general fear of having my carry-ons stolen I would be tempted to get out and run...instead I'll just sit here and take advantage of the complimentary internet and beverage service.

My flight leaves in 4 hours so my next post will be from the Land of the Hobbitts, and as Pants once stated " Nothing native can kill you." Now I've got to recharge everything and prep for 12 hours over the Pacific.

The Riff-raff that somehow sneaks into fine establishments.
R.D.

That coaching gig in July....yeah...uh ..well...& Packing adventures...

Well I lost the coaching gig in July and August as there was not enough interest in the tri camp...stupid economy....the plus side from this is I can reclaim my vacation days...

Last night I decided to pack the bike myself...read Al was out of town and Dave was going to charge me to pack it. so after a late night of classes and budget crunching with Bjoern and Erik...Erik being the new President of the Central Tri Club, I got home at about 11PM and decided to pack the Stomper.

I managed to tackle the tricky business of getting the handlebars off, the front brakes, the seat post, derailleur hanger ( Dan told me to take this sucker off last year unless I wanted to risk cracking the frame.) But I almost had a Speedy Claire moment with the pedals. ( note this is an old post...she has since mastered the art of bike packing.) I managed to get one off relatively easy, the other took some torque. Turned it one way wouldn't budge, tried the other barely moved, finally contorted myself over the bike and got a cloth to grip my bike tool and after about five minutes of battle my pedal and crank parted company. Total bike dis assembly and packaging took about 15-20 minutes. Then began the 2 hour, epic of how do I make my pump, nutrition, water bottles, and spare parts, fit in the case and not go over the 25kg/ 50lbs. weight limit, as well as wrap and protect crucial exposed moving parts. Hence it was 2 hours of taping, wrapping, compressing, adjusting, and weighing by feel.

I also packed my carry-on. I remember the fiasco that awaited one poor guy last year when his luggage ended up on a different flight and his bike and wetsuit didn't show up until day of check in...hence everything I need to race but the bike ends up in my carry on...shoes, helmet, wetsuit, tri suit. If anything goes wrong it's a hell of a lot cheaper and relatively easier to have to try to rent/ borrow just a bike at the expo, than to have to buy/borrow/rent ALL of the necessities. I also bring about 2-3 days clothes, easy in a warm weather environment cargo shorts have atleast a 2 day lifespan, and basic toiletries.

Tonight, I haven't trained in about 3 days, I would like to get a half hour run in this afternoon, but if I can't no biggie...I'm tapering, besides I have 5 days that I can do some light running, and cycling in a warm weather environment. I need to finish packing, and then I'm taking my sister out for her birthday.

Part of me is a little nervous heading into this, my run training is nowhere near where I would like it, but for as weak as I feel there I know my swim and bike are strong, hopefully the racing gods will smile on me and I'll be able to go a tad bit faster than last year. For months this has been a distant thing, and uncertainty, a maybe, as I packed last night the reality set in that this is really happening....I just hope the prep and the sacrifice was worth it.

Hoping re-packing in NZ will easy as it was last night.
R.D.

Ironman New Zealand Update: I'm Freakin', Freakin' Out Man!

Judi commented that I was sitting there with 9 days until my flight and I wasn't freaking out. Which she's right I wasn't ....now here it is 4 days before my flight and now I've hit freakout mode.

Reasons:

• Tri Club budget is due I have to get intouch with Jane to see if it's ok if I make Bjoern Treasurer...otherwise I have to use doctrines of executive power..man it's good to be President.
• Get to the shop and pack my bike.
• Pick up shorts from Modells, Sports Authority, or Dicks... any where cheap...I really hope they're running that 2 for $24 sale again....check the website..nope damn you economy!
• Retrieve my suitcase from home, clean it so it doesn't smell like mildew, pack.
• Christina's birthday is on Friday...so a combined birthday/ farewell dinner with her and Melissa.
• Two bills are due while I'm in NZ thank god for online bill pay :)
• 5 page paper due for history of Germany class...thankfully it's only a 5 pager...man in high school that seemed like a lot...
• Shave my legs before flying down or night before the race, that is the question...
• Somehow have to fit two swim sessions, two runs, and a couple of short spin sessions in.
• Jot down all my contacts for this gig.
• Call my bank's ATM department and let them know I'll be out of the country....I wish we had better hold music....alright did as I typed this.. that was easy...
• Price out compression socks... I heard they're good for recovery.
• Flowers for the lady at baggage check...maybe that'll get my bike on for free :) [just kidding on this one.]
• About six billion other things weighing down on me.

I know a lot of these are much ado about nothing but at least spouting them off keeps me from getting even more gray hairs, that and it makes them real to me. It's easy to put off something that's just a thought, it's much harder to put off something you write down on paper.

I've just got to settle down and take care of the list. On a more positive note some of the work that I was going to have to rush in to my professors this week has been pushed back, until after NZ....whew...also my income tax refund will hit any day now... a huge bonus.

I picked up a cold from my Grandfather... I know hell of a going away present...but I've been treating it with cough drops and orange juice...maybe increased vitamin C will compensate for lack of proper sleep and nutrition. ( I'm on the college student diet, where the 5 food groups are caffeine, grinders, pizza, fruit, and whatever's in the vending machine.) Also I don't know why. but I sleep like a baby on airplanes...maybe it's the idea of if the thing explodes/crashes while I'm asleep I won't feel it, maybe it's I'm just an easy going traveler, I don't know but I won't knock it.

So that's all from here

R.D.

Also I have not been put on TSA's DO NOT FLY LIST so apparently Barack Obama does approve of me going to New Zealand ;)

Major Purchases on the Horizon

That's right it looks like I'm going to have an Ironman of spending in the coming months here are the biggies after the bills are paid:



HEAT Memebership: $35 It expired I need to renew.



New Trainers $70-$140: After cranking out a 6.5 miler in my racing flats and not feeling the pain that I have with my current well worn trainers it's official they are dead and need replacement. I figure $100 bucks at Sports Authority, Modell's, Road and Track or Fleet Feet is better than having to pay a foot specialist to fix my messed up legs....that's what I get for hardcore run focus in the early season.



New swimsuits: $40-80 When I'm using one of last year's sets of tri shorts for parctice and they're going see-through you know its time.



Aero Helmet: $HEAT discount on Rudy Project- $175 Not a major necessity but I do want to get one to see if it makes a differnce in split times.



Entry to IM New Zealand: $525 See previous post for why.



Airfare and Ground Transport for IM New Zealand: Ken Glah is working the number cruncher 3000 as we speak.



Entry to IM Arizona: $425 Bjoern and Bob-o take on Tempe....let the wailing, beating of breasts, grinding of teeth, and shifting through the ashes left in our wake begin.



Flight and Rental car: I have until next September to figure it out.

A bike case: $250 from the good people @ Nashbar.com

If I have any extra money, it's going into a savings account, because quite frankly I know in a year I'm going to have a Federal Student Loan ( consolidation ) to pay back, but hopefully I'll be a bit making more, and striving toward coaching on the side......quite frankly I said it before and I'll say it again I'm a poor guy in a rich man's sport. Next year I'm hoping that a limited racing schedule will help me save some money and do better at the races I'm focusing on.

The Finances of Ironman....

When I first began this sport I never understood why people who were more inclined to do Ironman Tris opted out of a lot of local races. I used to think these guys were being "M-Dot Snobs." Upon doing my first Ironman and several races out of state I now have a new understanding for why alot of athletes would skip the East Bum Kill Sprint Tri and hug-a-thon. For some yes it interfers with the Holy Gospel training plan that if you don't ride X miles on X day you will die a most painful and horrible death. Madam Pele will open a fisure on the Queen K turning you and your P3C into a cinder, all becuase you didn't ride X miles on X day. For others it is the fiscal situation. We only have X amount of dollars Y amount of bills and Z set aside for race entry, travel and other entertainment, so for some of us if it comes down to a Kona qualifier Kona itself or the local races we all love and adore some times and heart breakingly we have to choose what's more important. For some of us it's that qualifier it's that magical shot to get to the Big Island and see ourselevs on NBC in December and for others the reward of seeing friends, family and the homies from the tri club at the local tri are what moves them. Some of us have all the luck and we have a really large Z amount tucked aside and we can race whenever our heart's content others of us have small Z amounts and have to focus it what is best for us. The 2008 racing season has been a painful lesson in this reality, that sometimes one's racing season comes down to the finance game not the training.





In my case I need to start planning for 2009 now....








October and November will determine the fate of my 2009 tri season and which races will be set in stone, which races were pipe dreams and what I can reallistically expect, I figure if I set my race fund aside then I will be better prepared and won't be forced to scrap at the last second, also I can focus on saving for summer courses and tucking a little extra ( tax refund) aside in case I get lucky and good and find myself on the Big Island, other wise my budget for the late season as well as future life goals or unexpected expenses will be prepared. Bjoern has arranged a homestay for Arizona, so my odds of doing a double have drastically increased.






Recently my training has been stepped up, I've actually gotten some weight sessions in, and yes Angry I have worked "the Chain", granted my hip abduction workout got some stares, and my squats are dreadfully weak.





My running game has entered the track workout phase, still try to get one long run a week , a track workout ( usually a threshold workout, speed work will come at the beginning of September.) and a moderate run between 4 and 8 miles usually hill work.





With the cycling I'm looking to increase from 2 sessions a week to 3 -4 sessions a week to improve my stamina, speed and handling skills.





Swimming is down to 3 sessions a week, my distance has sort of stagnated at 3000-3500 yds. per workout, that yardage will go up in the winter, but for right now it's good where it is.





The main focus of the next two weeks is to work my running and cycling so I can hopefully top 10 at Nutmegman, a lofty goal with the pro field, but my age group might be slim pickins this year with Bjoern in Europe and several of the Young guns frightended off by the horrors of last year, regardless I'm going as an AG athlete because the Real Deal pros are coming to this one, that and all the men start in the same wave...so any advantage of racing elite is pretty much eliminated, that and I really want to win the AG, and end the season right.

Oh yes I opted out of doing the financial advisor position, I might be kicking myself in 5 years but with everything going on right now knowing my pay is guaranteed makes life a little easier, plus the training schedule would be a conflict with my college schedule and I need that bachelor's degree to do anything profitable with my life. Speaking of which Central is determined to keep me for an extra semester and its pissing me off.

Well that's all that's happening in my neck of the woods.

R.D.

Less than 24 hours...

before I leave and I still have so much to do. Got to shave....or in the words of Ken I will "crash and die most horribly." ( that and I want every little advantage I can get.), clean and wax The Bitch Stomper, get the final go, no go from Chrissy, try to get the car clean, maybe go for a quick ride or run, and try to get to bed early so I can get on the road early. Last night I went to the Y with full intent on paying my membership but the girl seemed a little more intent on talking to her friend on her cell about the basketball player with rock hard calves that came in before me...so I got in for free again.... I hit the pool and managed to get in 2800 yards. I got kicked out just as I was starting my last 200 on 2:50 ( it was 9:00 PM Closing time, that's what I get for showing up at 8:20) . (1000 swim warm up on 14:00, 5x 200pull on 3:00, 5x 200 Free on 2:50 did 4 ) I was holding between 2:35 and 2:40 so 1:17-1:20 pace. So it was a good night, I go into Sunday's race feeling confident. I've scoped out the competition, I should be one of the top swimmers, the bike it all depends on how flat this thing really is, I'm seeing 2:12 bike splits so if I can average 20 mph for the ride I have a shot at Kona. The Half marathon, I don't know what's in the water down there but last year's run splits were in the low 1:20's I'm just hoping I can get a big enough coushin on the swim to stay in the hunt on the bike, and pull the half marathon split of my life. Well back to the grind,

R.D.

I am Registered......

Well its official I have my armband and I'm ready to go. Also I have my photos from the trip over and I will post them.

Driving in from Auckland

Yes the kiwis have a cool sense of humor.Jude, Judy Ann and the Girls receptionist at the Times. sadly I do not have a pic of Catherine , New Zealand's Hottest photographer. Yes I said it. So today I went down to the Expo after dropping off my bike at the Times for safe keeping. I plan on getting pics of Marian, Catherine, Danielle, and Simon the Sports Guy. The Weather has started to cloud up so now I am sort of praying the rain, or will at least hold off until I'm off the bike on Saturday, it can pour when I'm on the run for all I care . Today is my easy to non-existent day, I ran 5-6 k Yesterday, 5k in a little fun run which I did at goal race pace (8:30-9 min miles) and a mad dash back to the Hotel to shower because Catherine, Simon and some of the Young Staffers took me to the pub. I was good I only had one beer, and a burger, hey,my nutrtion hasn't failed me so far, hopefully it won't on Saturday, although I have 24 hours for it to clear my system. Well I've got to get back to the grind, pick up the bike, find a TV and start playing the i-pod. Race day is less than 48 hours away so I'm hoping for good weather and a good result.

Cheers .

R.D.

It's like Connecticut only Warmer...

That's the impression I got from my first taste of the bike course. Chip seal, down hill, windy, driver's not giving you any room but the shoulder, It felt like I was doing the Pat Griskus Olympic Route *tear* *sniff* The ride through Taupo during training was trecherous, especially at one point were they were doing road work. I had gotten dropped off the back by our riding group and suddenly found myself on the run course, after meeting up with 2 guys from our group doing their pre race inspection of the run course, I tacked on an extra 10k of riding and got on to the bike Course. It was about this time Blair, our Kiwi cycling God, caught up with me. He started pointing out turn spots and trouble areas, including on lovely 25mph well I took it at 25 he was going about 35 descent that drops to a nice little left hand turn. When we started hitting the back half I panicked braked on a couple of hills that looked like they were going to be steep edge of the world looking Down descents, but once I started going down it I wanted to kick myself for being a coward. Anyway the ride out to the turnaround is a hammer fest! One small little hill that I took easily in the saddle, but other than that it was kick it in the big ring and pray nothing gets in your way. ( Angry good first Iron for you....well at least the first half of the bike...we have to go all the way back up into town.) I have decided that the aero drink will be getting used due to the fact I was nearly dehydrated yesterday because I couldn't fight winds, traffic, and grab water bottles at the same time. I have been adopted by the local Paper, The Taupo Times as their Ironman, so on Thursday they're running a full spread on me, so that's pretty cool, ( Simon, Marian, Catherine) You guys rock! ( Also Jude and the girls in the office you also rock!) ok covered my bases.
Lake Taupo is beautiful, crystal clear blue water, and 67 degrees making it optimal for wetsuits.
So All in all it looks like it's going to be a good day in Taupo on Saturday, as long as traffic's controlled and it doesn't rain until after I get off the bike, the weather's been warm and dry so far so I'm hoping it stays dry for a couple more days.

The Sun Soaking Triathlete
R.D.

Ps. Pictures will be posted but I need to up load them to my lap top and then my usb disk so I can put them on the net.

Around the World in 24 Hours or Bob-o Made it to Taupo.

Man that sounds like a crappy title for a blog post, but what the Hell it’s the truth.

Phase 1 The Angry Express:
The Angry Runner showed up at my door step at 6:15AM, a little later than he wanted too but alas that is the curse of the snooze button. We hit the “road” after I crammed my shit load of gear into the sexy Mazda 4x4 (technically a Ford Ranger but hey, this was before the whole “zoom-zoom” phase so they could get away with it.) I use quotes on ‘road” because for the most part the side streets were snow covered trails but once on the main roads and the highways there was nothing but clear black top. We took 84 to 684 to the Hutch, driving the route my dad and grandpa used to storm troop when they would haul my ass back and forth to Fordham University, ahh those lost college days. Any way we kept ourselves entertained discussing markets, Angry’s Ambition to become a State of Connecticut DOT plow driver, making fun of the “colorful lyrics of method man and the WU Tang Klan…man these kids today don’t know the shit they missed out on. Apparently NY & NJ don’t have the clear car law ( Thanks Gov. Rell.), we noted this as we passed several vans, and little rice burners covered in snow except of course for a tiny eye slit on the windshield . Regardless we got to JFK @ 8:30AM not bad for a gas stop and piss break. As well pulled into the American Terminal, Angry had to “find the bathroom” tossing me the keys to the truck as I struggled to cram my overcoat into my suit case.( The coldest it’s going to get in Taupo is 50 degrees so my bringing it is useless until I fly back to “The great White North.”) Anyway the traffic control officer (over glorified meter maid.) Came over and asked it the truck was mine….oh how badly I wanted to quote the dopey Air traffic control guy from Outbreak ( My pilot’s takin’ a leak.)Anyway, Angry soon returned wished me luck and told me to kick some major ass and I entered the terminal.

Phase 2: JFK
I got into the terminal and after some initial confusion managed to check my bags ( and the didn’t get hit with the $80 bike fee! I am the Ben Gordon of Baggage Check! Boo Yah!) then it was off to security, some Hatian couple didn’t want to check their luggage and they were giving a load of Shit to the poor TSA guy and French Translator. Anyway I went threw and then had to strip off all my metal shit and unpack half my carry on. Seriously one day I’m tempted to wear a speedo under all my crap and strip down to it when I go through security, ludicrous but if I had a harder body it might give the TSA chicks a good laugh.
Any way I got through security and then began the 10 min. task of repacking, after all that was said and done I got a extremely overpriced water at Hudson News and went to my gate. Because my laptop doesn’t have wi-fi I started typing this post on my laptop via Word and decided I will save it to disk and upload it to my blog when I arrive at the internet café. Also my flight as of 10:09AM as I wrote this was on time. Boo-Yah old man winter Boo-Yah!

Phase 3 American Airlines Flight 3:
I got on board and started talking to this “Hot Young thing.” Otherwise known as Ruth sitting next to me. She was cute, friendly, and taken…..dude whoever you are you are a lucky man. Anyway we got to talking, she was flying back to San Diego from a med-school interview in NYC, I told her about my plans of Ironman Glory. She revealed that her mom was from NZ and had family in Wellington and Taupo, told me Air New Zealand was well known for its service, even in coach they treat you like a god. Anyhoo, the flight was delayed about 15 min. for de-icing. I tried to sleep best I could on the plane…I got about two hours, before breaking out the lap top and the i-pod. The i-pod shit the bed and is stuck on this peculiar screen, I figure it should die before I reach Auckland and I can recharge it later. The flight suffered a little turbulence and a “scenic route” approach into LAX . We landed at about 3:30PM PST 6:30PM for my homies on the East Coast.

Phase 4. LAX:
After bidding adieu to the Ruth she was off to her connection and I was off to baggage claim. Now I maybe a hater on New England Weather, but I will say our airports are nicer ( and Yes that includes Bradley for my Connecticut readers.). LAX compared to JFK, is like stepping back into 1970’s flick. Only thing the I was surprised didn’t happen was a dude with a fro and chest hair…oh shit that did happen never mind. The staff was friendly in directing my jet-lagged self to the terminal shuttle bus, a couple of shuttle passengers helped me finagle the Bitch Stomper’s Sarcophagus on to the over glorified city bus. A couple of passengers asked about the massive load of luggage I was carrying. When I told them I was doing Ironman New Zealand. One person commented, “My trainer did that one once.” Which lead to another conversation and round of well wishes. I got to terminal two and entered the ground level, then came to the realization that it was arrivals and ticketed passengers only. I searched for an elevator ( no way I was going to be able to manage stairs with all my crap.) I got up to the Air New Zealand ticket counter. Now the Kiwis do shit right, my ass is jet lagged and functioning on 4 hours sleep, I can barely walk straight ( as evidenced by the fact I nearly did that whole zig-zag maze but there was only one dude in front of me. After a quick redirection from the staff, and explanation that I was just coming off a six hour flight and a “No worries mate.” My bags were checked in. The chick at the ticketing counter asked if I wanted a window of middle seat….
“Well I’d prefer an aisle.” I said sheepishly.
“ I’ll try to find one for you.” She said with that polite tone of holy shit they’re all taken what is this crazy jet lagged bastard trying to do to me, but I’m going to try to be friendly to him .
upon hearing this in her voice/
“ I can take a window if it’s easier.” I said trying to be apologetic, afterall I was probably going to be looking at the back of my eyelids for most of it.
“ No Mr. Duguay, it’s a long flight and I want you to be as comfortable as possible.”
She directed me to drop my crap with TSA, which I nearly botched up yet again….(note to self if I’m doing this race next year I’m flying with United so Ken can just have my crap auto transferred, instead of all this shit.) After having TSA explain they needed to open the bike case, I tossed them the keys and waited for them to open the case see it was a weapon but not of mass destruction, and got my keys handed to me. About the same time, Check out counter lady came back with my boarding pass, She managed to find me an Aisle seat. I went to TSA feeling triumphant.
For the second time in 24 hours I had to be pseudo Strip searched once again. This time as I was doing so I was shooting the shit with this German dude and his French Girl Friend ( seriously I don’t know what is with me a German dudes getting along, I mean I’m shooting the shit with this guy and his girl, I shot the shit with one dude a JFK, seriously I’m thinking that maybe I should learn the language and sign up for Quelle Challenge Roth or Ironman Germany, it might be an omen. Well anyway I got through security, grabbed dinner, a rather overpriced Hamburger, but it was good nonetheless. I with drew $20 from the ATM figuring I would exchange some currency before I left. But upon hearing they were charging $5 and giving me a crappy rate compared to the current exchange rate. (they were paying $1 NZD = $0.93 USD when the rate at the sites I saw on the Ironman NZ website had the exchange @ $1NZD= $0.76 USD like I said the Kiwis do shit right!). All that said and done I went to a socket to charge up my laptop. As this segment is being written I am waiting at the gate for my Flight to the land of the Kiwi Bird and the Long White Cloud.

Phase 5: Air New Zealand Flight 5.
After much ado and hoopla, We finally boarded at about 9:15PM, apparently some Air France Jet docked at our gate and well there was a whole shit show. It was about this time I ran into Justin (American 2 of 3 in the 18-24 age bracket.) Dave, the Iron Vet. ( Veteran not Veterinarian, please refrain from talking to Dave about your sick little puppy.) I bumped into Paddy, Britain crankiest traveler, granted I would be a little cantankerous after paying 1500 quid, for a 12 hour flight and having half my luggage lost. But irregardless, I boarded the plane and made myself ready to enjoy my aisle seat. It was about that time the LOL and LOM (little old lady and little old man.) Little old Lady made the comment that she might be getting up often so I voluntarily moved to the window seat. Now I’ll tell you once again that the Kiwis do shit right…plenty of leg room, a personal entertainment screen, the food was somewhat descent…seriously I regret they don’t fly out of Bradley because the service was terrific. Little Old man apparently suffers fainting spells, hence why LOL want the Aisle seat, sure enough he suffered one mid flight give the stewards “dreadful fright.” I slept through the whole thing, LOM recovered from the incident that might have been enough for LOL to have an MI and be RIP.anyway the flight was good, 5 to 6 hours of sleep and two meals later we touched down in Auckland and the next phase began.

Phase 6: The Bus Ride
After leaving the Airport and meeting a couple of otther triatletes, most Notably Jonathan from USC ( He's alsoa blogger so I should have hhis link posted shortly.) Itt was time ffor thhe 2-3 hour busride from Auckland to Taupo, Now I will tell you tthis, the countryside even on the North Island is beautiful. Our "guide and driver were hysterical. After about 3 hours wwe arrivved in Taupo, annd tthe next part of my ironman journey was ready to begin.

The Jet Lagged Triathlete
R.D.