5:09:43:38

5:09:43:38 until Ironman Texas, or so my countdown timer says as I began this post.

Thus far I feel good at where I am in my taper. I am feeling the basic aches and pains that often come during the taper, some of which may be real and some might not. Things seemed pretty good during my last long bike ride yesterday at least until the last half hour where I got a flat tire--my first in a few years!--and then noticed my brakes were slightly misaligned a few miles after that! Perhaps this was for the best, I now have recent practice at changing my tire and the bike store was able to tighten up my brakes and check over the bike as well. I figure I will take it on one last ride during the middle of the week just to make sure the tire is good.

Mentally, I'm also feeling pretty good. I know my training has been good, much better than last year--not to mention that I am one year better as an athlete than I was a year ago. I may not be setting any records (except maybe a personal record) this weekend but I am ready to go out and do my best and see what happens from there.

I don't typically worry about the things that are beyond my control, such as the weather. The forecast for the day is quite warm and humid (high of 80's and humidity in the upper 60's), so I will plan my day accordingly and go from there.

Later this week I will be posting my tracking information in case anyone is interested in trying to follow me on or after race day.

Just a little over 5 days left until Ironman Texas....