On the other hand, while I think I can race an Ironman, I’m still not sure I will execute as well as I should.  I tell myself that the race rehearsals I have coming up will give me experience, but you never know until the day comes.  I think the great training program and helpful support from Endurance Nation have really set me up well, but as my track coach used to say “the proof is in the pudding”.

Today I was supposed to bike 4:30.  I ended up doing only 3:00 as I blew a tire on the way back through Belgium, WI.  My car was in Shorewood, so I was happy to have a spare tube.  I was unhappy to find out:

1. I suck at fast tire changes
2. Still haven’t mastered getting the wheel out of the chain (horizontal cutouts)
3. My combo pump/CO2 thing was cheap – it physically blew apart into 2 pieces when I cracked the cartridge.  I have pictures of the mess I’ll post sometime.
4. My spare tube had a slow leak, or my pump couldn’t get enough pressure into the tire.  Either way I was screwed.

Luck for me I have a loving wife who loaded the family into the van to pick me up.  I had a nice burger and beers from Curly’s; if you are ever riding the bike trail and need to stop for something to eat I highly recommend it.  Nice people, good food and cheap.