Registered and the Parade of Nations
Awake at 4am(!!) having slept all night for the first night since being here. Felt much better for it and less jet lagged.The objectives of today were to get registered for the event and to suss out the top of the bike course.The ocean was very different today, it was overcast and the water was much more murky as a result. The swell was much bigger today too and the swim felt like harder work to yesterday. Just a short swim today - 20 mins then out for brekkie and to get signed up for the race.Quite glad it was a quick swim today as there were shark and manta ray sightings by other triathletes today!! Apparently there are dolphins playing in the waves too….It was quite a moment when registration opened and it was very efficient once it did. Firstly you are weighed, apparently you are weighed after the race too so they can establish if you need help rehydrating after the event. Then you fill out medical forms and various waivers and collect your race pack. I am athlete number 836.So now Kona is full of tagged athletes and suddenly the race is very very real.The ride today took us up to Hawi at the top of the bike course. The road up here is quite different to the highway and it is very pretty and much greener. It is rolling and much like riding in Kent( apart from the different temperatures of course). I very much enjoyed the hour ride spinning the legs and thinking about gear selection for this section.The afternoon sped by and at 4pm we all gathered for the parade of nations. As Team GB, IM UK sponsers Tri UK issued us with very cool team T shirts along with a goody bag. We followed Phil Graves in the classic car up the sea front road in the parade. Felt very proud to be amongst a load of ironmen (and women).The eve concluded with tea at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restuarant, very good food!Tomorrow I get to run again…fun, fun, fun!
