Do I have enough time?

[Jones]

I am not a running expert but I think it is totally doable. Just build from your three mile base, a mile more per week or 5 min more on an out and back course should get you an extra mile every week. So in two weeks you should be running 5 miles. Also remember your brick work, that first run off the bike is always a killer.
I have always heard that if you can get a wet suit you should use a wet suit. They keep you more bouyant so you swim faster.
I'm really excited for you a 1/2 IM is a big accomplishment.
Jones

[knapplaura]

V,
I did wear a wetsuit for the swim; I am not a great swimmer and will take any help I can get!

However, they don't have people to help you take it off, so you gotta practice doing that yourself and then stuffing all of your swim gear into a bag in the transition area. For Barb's race, there are 2 transition areas: 1 is by the river and the other is at the High School. So plan to separate your gear.

make sure you have at least 2 towels in the 1st transition area. A big beach towel on the ground to stand on, a smaller towel or 2 to dry off and then clean your feet. Bring a water bottle to squirt your feet; they will be horribly sandy/dirty and you gotta clean em before you put on shoes /socks or you will blister badly.

The bike course starts up a short but very steep hill, so make sure your bike is a granny gear in the rack so you can climb easily at first. Don't be scared by the hill, but you will see many women walk the bike up b/c they did not set the gears correctly and were in the big ring or something.

Also make sure to put on some sunscreen in transition. There will not be people doing it for you. With that tank top, you risk getting a nice back/ shoulder burn if you don't put on the sunscreen. I used sunscreen there and still got sort of red, but I am horribly pale always.

The run course is hilly, if it feels really tough you can walk up the steep hills. There are some pretty steep ones! Suggest you have a hat or visor on the run to protect your face, and more sunscreen in T2.

I always put blister shield powder in my socks (running socks) and that really helps keep blister down.

Good luck!
Laura

[Veronica]

Thanks for all your feedback on the course. I wish visors didn't have logos on them.

Yesterday was my second run day and I'm not really sore at all today - a little tight in my hips, but that's it.

Today is my first swim today. I'm sure I'll be feeling my back tomorrow.

V.

[Wahine]

I can't believe I didn't see this until this morning. It's been a busy weekend.

You can definitely train up to 13 miles running with your base. And you will likely have to do a run walk type of program. As long as you're not looking to do some blistering times on the swim and bike you'll be fine.

I'm really excited for you. Keep us posted on how your training is going.

[Veronica]

Drat - I can't find my cloth swim cap. And who knew I had 4 one piece swim suits?

The pool at the gym is kept at 83 degrees. The maintenance guy said it was happy medium for the lap swimmers and the water aerobics people. I did find an old latex cap. I think I bought in 1992.

I honestly think I'll swim with no cap today. I switched to a cloth cap because I was getting too hot in pools that were 78 degrees. My hair is short enough that it shouldn't be too annoying. Unless of course it's posted that caps are required.

V.

[roadie gal]

I have short hair. When I'm in the indoor pool I don't wear a cap. When I'm outdoors, I wear a silicone cap. They're much more comfortable and a bit warmer than the latex.

[Veronica]

My swim didn't happen. I broke the strap to my goggles. I wear contacts so I kinda need the goggles. Friday I'll try again.

Tomorrow is another run day. I'm going to up the mileage a bit.

V.