About 3/4ths of the run happen on the sand. When you get to the hard packed stuff it is actually a very nice surface. The biggest problem with it is that it is not level. That slant really wears on you. They also route the course through some deep stuff in spots just for giggles.

I’ve been working a lot on the bike trainer lately. It is pretty hilly where I live and that’s my strength for sure. The trainer helps me to settle into a specific heart rate and cadence and just camp there for extended periods of time. This course is nearly flat. The wind makes it seem uphill/downhill if it is blowing, but it is really flat positioned right at sea level. I did 20 miles of it in about 45 mins last time I was out there, so it is going to be fast. All that’s nice, but it really is going to be a pacing and fueling game on the bike.

It is all a work in progress. I have a pretty good plan, althought it is starting out a lot easier than I’d like so I’m adding to it when I think it is not hard enough. Looking ahead, there is plenty of hard stuff coming up.

Thanks for stopping by. Nice to hear from you!

I can’t speak directly about the SuperFrog course or the cold aspect, but I’ll just reiterate what you seem to already know – the success of your race rides 100% on your ability to properly pace and fuel on the bike!!!! Figure out your appropriate zones on the bike and stick to it. I can’t remember the exact quote – but when I was preparing for my HIM (Patriot, June ’09) I read some advice along the lines of: Go out too hard on the bike, and you’ll have 13.1 long and painful miles to think about your mistake. Pace and fuel properly on the bike, let the speedsters go, and you’ll have a great run.

The sand aspect of the run sounds absolutely brutal. It is ALL on sand? Yikes.

Enjoy!!!!! The HIM distance is really fun! Good luck – I look forward to reading more about your training.