F*** it’s hot!
It’s a beautiful day in Furnace Creek, Death Valley. We rolled in yesterday evening and have spent the last 20 hours getting to know each other and getting ready for the race. Blake’s wave goes off in 19 hours (10am local time).
We’ve been getting to know each other on the crew, getting the supplies and cars ready and trying to learn as much about this race as we can. Blake looks good and seems really relaxed. I think that we, on the crew, are probably more anxious than he is!
I went for a short 4.5 mile run this morning. Went out about 7:15am and it was already over 100 degrees! The run felt good and it was great to get a very mini sense of what Blake’s going to encounter tomorrow. This afternoon, we just drove a segment of the course – it’s pretty crazy. It’s so desolate. We passed a few “towns” but “town” out here means a gas station, restaurant and motel. At places you can see down the road for miles and miles.
There’s absolutely no cell phone service here and limited internet service, so this is probably my last post until after the race. I’m psyched to write more about the race after it’s done.
Bike – July 11
Distance: 44.5 miles
Time: 2:30
Average heart rate: 113
Course: Home to Hermosa via Ballona Creek +
Conditions: Sunny and nice, high 60s
Run – July 12
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 40 minutes
Average heart rate: 143
Course: Furnace Creek, Death Valley
Conditions: Sunny and hot! 7:15AM. 103 degrees, 13% humidity, some wind