Pika!!! You're so ready!!

Yes the aid stations should have fluids for you but be careful in the handoff zones, it's a prime place to have a crash. Good on you for getting your nutrition and hydration down, that's really tough when the weather changes so drmatically like that.

I had the same problem you are having with my polar HRM. I haven't had it with the Garmin but I would suspect that it might be a transciever battery issue.

I can't wait to hear how you do!!