Tempe International Triathlon...Part 1

Sunday was my first race of the season. My intention was to get my feet wet, literally and figuratively, and get the bugs out. I think I successfully did that. The Tempe International is an Olympic distance race: a 1500 meter swim, 40K bike, and 10k run. It was required that we check our bikes in on Saturday so I got it all set up Friday evening. Races wheels on, tires aired up, bottle cages tightened and adjusted, blood sugar meter secured and attached, test strips filled, bike computer mounted, gel packs taped to the frame for easy access. Saturday morning I did one last check and took it around the block for a final test drive...why is it so noisy? Why won't it shift into the big ring in front? Ugh...bug number one. At most races one of the local bike shops has complimentary mechanics on site so I load it into the car and hope that is going to be the case today. Sure enough, I check in, get my race number, bike number and swim cap. I head up towards the transition area and Landis Cyclery is set up right next to the entrance, Ryan from Landis adjusts the front derailer (shifter) and says was getting stuck on the big ring and it is most likely from the cables stretching as the bike breaks in. I take it for a spin and it seems good to go. My bike is hung on the rack to sleep for the night and wait for me to return in the morning.

Race Morning

My alarm goes off at 4am. Even though I went to bed around 10 I didn't fall asleep until at least 12:00. Pre-race jitters I guess. PLUS, I had a low blood sugar of 67 around 2:30 or 3:00. Is that another bug? I think it is...bug #2. My age group is set to go off at 7:09. I like to eat 3 hours before a long workout or race because I have to take insulin when I eat. Humolog (the insulin that I use) peaks around 2 hours and stays in my system 3-4 hours. Since exercise lowers blood sugar, if I still have to much insulin on board when I start the affects will be multiplied and I would be risking having my blood sugar plummet really low. The result could be as simple as nausea, jitters, disorientation etc. or could be as bad as passing out, or seizure. Add that to the fact that the first 40 minutes of the race I will be in the water and well, I think you get the idea. That's why I like to eat and take insulin 3-4 hours before, I want the insulin cleared. It eliminates the variables. So back to breakfast...I ate 2 power bars and had two cups of coffee. I like to eat things that I know will be consistent from race to race and workout to workout. I want to know EXACTLY how many carbohydrates are in my breakfast. Again, eliminating the variables. Fueled up and off to Tempe for the race.