Thank you so very much for the experienced advice!!! I truly appreciate your insight and help! Coming from someone normal, like me, I take your advice much more to heart than from an elite who does this for a living (it's hard to take advice to heart from someone who doen't exactly have the same body types/fitness level/genetics). I'll plan on eating and working out exactly half of what I do pre-race.

I need to join WW again (was lifetime with a 30 lb loss- now I'm at only a 15 lb loss )! Seriously, I'm working my butt off (you know, 13-16 hour workout weeks- and it's early in the race season- just wait until July when I'm up to 17-20 hour workout weeks). I haven't lost a pound in 12 weeks (in fact, I've gained some). I know some of it's muscle, but really, I should've lost something by now. It's hard to eat the way a "real" athlete does. I love crappy food way too much! Grrrrrr... frustrating.

I grew up in Yuma, so I understand what those hot summers are like (heck, hot winters, falls, springs, etc...) Even here, summer training is not so much fun, but I keep telling myself that I'll be racing in the early morning cool, during the heat of the day, and into the cool at night- so I need to train in it all to get acclimated (especially the heat). I ran trails today in 98 degree heat- but you're probably well over 100 on a consistent basis by now. I have sympathy for you. I remember back in 1989 or 1990 when we expereienced that crazy summer of some 120+ degree days. I sure don't miss that at all.... stay cool!!!!

I would LOVE to see your IM tape!!! I feel like I've gotten to know you (and I was following you on race day), so I'd love to see you at the race. It makes me all the more sure that I can do this when I see another normal person accomplishing this goal. Our RD said that the finish line will be open until the last person crosses, and their time will be official. Last year the last person to finish was at 2 am. At least I know I can take as much time as I need, although I REALLY don't want to be out there exercising for more time than I have to. 17 hours will be enough, thank you very much. I usually don't stay awake for 17 hours a day, let alone be moving the entire time.

Thanks again for your insight! I will take it and store it in my ironman training journal.
Have a great week, and thanks for all your help!!!

I'll send you my e-mail addy right now. Thanks!