Galveston - Expectations

Whenever anyone asks me "What should I expect for this race?" I usually tell them not to have expectations.  A lot can go wrong, and frequently does.  In preparation for this year's Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3, I went back and reviewed last year's results.  Ouch.

So what should I expect for this race?

I want to go out there on Sunday and swim faster than I did last year.  I remember the wind and water were rough, but I'm a stronger swimmer than I was last year.

I want to ride faster.  As mentioned in my previous blog post, I had five flats and I'd like to avoid that entirely.  I had a good split in the Longhorn 70.3 last October, and I'd like to do better than that.

I'd like to run faster than I did last year.  I messed up my nutrition by not carrying enough to handle the extra hour I spent changing tubes.  This hurt my run split.

And I want faster transitions.

But what should I expect?

I don't really hold any expectations.  I've learned through experience that anything can and does happen.  I know what I want, and I usually go out to a race with three goals in mind.  One time goal that I'd be satisfied with, another that I'd be very pleased about, and one that I would probably do cartwheels after finishing the race if I met the goal.

I have learned quite a bit since the last time.  I've learned about training, I've learned about equipment, I've learned about racing...

And I've learned about me.

But I don't hold expectations. Except to expect the unexpected, and to pray that the Tri Gods smile.