Monday, September 2, 2013

London schedule - lots going on!


Thank you, dear family, for letting me head off to London next week especially considering it's not exactly a super convenient time. Work is crazy for hubs and he just started his third semester teaching a senior level electrical engineering course. The kids begin school this week in a new and unfamiliar building and the fall activity schedule is in full swing. A big heap of gratitude goes to my mother-in-law "Oma" who will be doing most of the work to keep the Martin family "machine" moving smoothly! I have quite a bit left to do to leave everyone in good order.

I just finished putting things into my calendar for next week. It'll be a pretty busy one for me too and this is what it's looking like:

Monday, September 9
  • 10 pm: arrive at Heathrow, find pre-arranged ride for self, bike, suitcase to hotel
Tuesday, September 10 - Get Organized
  • Assemble bike, have Team mechanic check it over?
  • Training: Easy ride (with Team USA I hope -- where??), easy run, easy swim in Serpentine Lido
  • 1:30 - 2:00 pm: packet pickup for Team USA Aquathalon (can get Oly packet too)
  • Hit the expo - find a race hoody!
  • Get some groceries
  • Get organized for the next day's race.
Wednesday, September 11 - RACE DAY Aquathlon
  • 7:15 - 8:45 am: Aquathlon Transition Open
  • 10:45 am: Aquathlon start time for my wave. 1k swim + 5k run
  • Noon: Aquathalon transition check-out
  • Afternoon: rest, work
  • 8:00 pm: Opening ceremony, Trafalgar Square (team photo before?)
Thursday, September 12 - Meetings, Prep for Paratriathlon
  • Training: Day off
  • 9:00 am: Team USA Athlete Meeting
  • 1:30 pm: Paratriathlete handler introductions and meeting
  • 3:30 pm: ITU Paratriathlon meeting
Friday, September 13 - Paratriathlon
  • Training: Morning Pre Race Brick (Ride + Run) and swim? 
  • Watch friends in sprint tri
  • Time TBD: ITU Paratriathlon - T2 Athlete races at 4:30 pm
Saturday, September 14 - Rest and Get Ready
  • Training: Day off
  • 8:30 - 10:30 am: watch pro women
  • Bus tour sometime today, stay off feet as much as possible
  • 6:00 pm - Bike Check in Gate 1 (take helmet, number, and suit to be checked)
Sunday, September 15 - RACE DAY Olympic Distance Triathlon
  • 5:00 - 6:30 am: Triathlon Transition Open
  • 9:25 am: Triathlon start time for my swim wave (1500m swim + 40k bike + 10k run)
  • Time?: Transition Check-Out
Monday, September 16
  • Fly home!

I took the team suit out for a test ride, run, and swim in the past week. I always thought open back suits were neat looking but in this particular not-very-stretchy carbon material it is a royal pain to get on and off.  Once it's on, it's comfortable, and I really like the stars and stripes design of it, but I don't think I would generally race in an open back suit. The potential for sunburn, and for looking like a laced ham, is too great.

I'm glad that my last name is "Martin" and not some unfortunate word that one might not care to have upon one's posterior.



This week will be about working ahead, getting kids settled in school, and packing. Lots to do because once Monday hits it'll be nonstop!