Branson Pre-Race Analysis

So with a mere 5.5 days until the Half Ironman in Branson, it is my job now to be aware of what I am getting myself into. I'm looking into my race strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and race plan. I guess knowing my strengths and weaknesses is the best place to start here. I have a number of things going for me (some of them are odd, but they are indeed cleverly disguised strengths. There are also some things I have going against me, and I need to be ready for these on Sunday. Without further ado:

Strengths:

1- Ignorance.

Most likely my greatest strength going into this race (and sometimes life in general), I have no idea what I am getting myself into. Sure, I know all kinds of info about the distances, the course, and the ideas behind the race, but I have never actually done this distance before. This is good.

Had I done this before, I would have known exactly how badly this would hurt. I would know exactly how sore I would be the next day. I am glad I don't know these things.

2- Youth

I am only 19 years old, but I still have several years of experience in endurance sports. This means I know only some of my limits, benefit from lightning fast recovery and energy reserves, and am generally more flexible and resilient than I will be 10 years from now.

3-Weather.

The forecast is calling for a high of 81 in Branson on Sunday, which is perfect. Maybe growing up in San Diego, maybe some mental thing, I have no idea. Point is, I run better when it's warm. I know that I sweat better and that bodies run better when it's about 20 degrees cooler. Who cares. I like it to be warm.

4-Running

I've done it for a long time. Even if I demolish myself on the bike ride, I can still suffer through the half marathon. This is a good thing.

CONS:

1-Ignorance

I have no clue what I am getting myself into. Literally. This will be interesting.

2-Youth

The best triathletes tend to be about mid 30's. All the experience just builds and builds, and they can push themselves farther and faster. Check out the ages of most of the Ironman world champs.

3-Hills

There are a ton of them in Branson. The elevation profile looks like a sine curve on steroids (and it never goes beneath zero, either). The fastest way to kill a good run is to bike too much. I will find this out shortly.

I really need to study. More to come.