TRAINING- 5TH WEEK...ALMOST COMPLETE

Friends, after 5 weeks training...and one open water swim race 1.4 kms, almost 5 kgs less (as of this morning 110kgs). Friday, morning 6.40 am I went for a short run of 29 mins following my beginner triathlon plan...and I wanted to maintain a pace below 4.45/km...it was quite hot and very humid 92%. I started quite well 4.35 to 4.40/km first 2 but after 3.5kms...I realized I was totally dehydrated and my gatorade was at the entrance of my home 1km more to go to get a sip...in Spanish, we say ("coger una buena pájara¨) and I needed to walk during 300 meters to recover myself...finally 29 mins 5.5km, really below my starting expectation!! (btw, I don´t like to run during the mornings...I am much better after sunset). Today, I did (97 mins 45.5kms using Program 2)...maximum time in my life above a fitness bike and I had time to watch ¨Grand Torino¨ DVD movie....quite interesting!! After that, I almost could not walk...I am just wondering, how will be in a real race after a real biking of 40 kms. Tomorrow, 48 mins run. Talk to you in my next post..., probably from Brazil...we are leaving next Wednesday from Hong Kong to Goiania, via London and Sao Paulo, (just flying time more than 24 hours) and we will stay in Gurupi with Elaine´s family for almost next 2 weeks.

"XTB" Xavi.

BIKE FINALLY SELECTED-CANNONDALE SLICE HI-MOD 5

Dear Friends!
Finally, I have made my mind about bike selection...and I decided to choose, after consulting some tri experts, specially, Bikeman (over 100 triathlons), Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod 5. I went, yesterday night to Flying Bike in Mongkok district and made deposit to order this bike to the US with size frame of 60 cms, following Bikeman and Manuel Clavel's suggestions. Bikeman, explained and gave me many tips about triathlon, how to swim (totally different style for long distance compared to what I learned 25 years ago), how to prepare transition, what to eat (banana during first transition) and of course...best tip about drinking and start hydrating myself one night before the race and don't stop during all competition, specially in Hong Kong, with over 30 C and 90% humidity...anyway, finally, after my vacation to Brazil and Spain, i will have my bike ready to start learning how to bike using a tribike. Ups! I don't want to forget to explain that have also reserved my bike shoes because my size (47) is not easy to find in Hong Kong, but, I was lucky and he reserved for me. Bikeman, many thanks for your yesterday tips and excellent explanations. Now, I can say I am starting to understand how a triathlon works...in theory. "XTB" Xavi.