Boise or Bust

After 24 hours of what seemed like two long days of driving but really wasn’t (exacerbated by a teenager in his crate who voiced his objections loudly the entire route), we are in Boise!

I have road-tripped cross-country many times but this was the first time I’ve done a trip where most of the drive was in such isolated areas.  No gas stations for 100+ miles at a time, and almost no food from Winnemucca, NV until we reached the Boise area.

Headed from northern Nevada into Oregon

Interesting scenery near the Oregon-Idaho border

We rolled into town around 3pm local time and checked into our hotel.  We’re in a WONDERFUL location right near the race expo, finish line, run course, and right where the bikes go by into T2, so this will make spectating easy on Jeff.  The dogs are happy because our room has stairs they can run up and down.

After FINALLY getting some lunch with Jeff at a local brewpub, I headed to the Qwest Arena for the race expo.  I think the majority of people are arriving/checking in tomorrow so thankfully it was quiet.  I picked up my race packet, did a little shopping at the expo and then sat around waiting for the athlete’s meeting.

Positive things I learned in the athlete’s meeting:

• Rather than the maybe-if-we’re-lucky 60 degree water we were told to expect, it is likely going to be 65 degrees for the swim.
• Wetsuit strippers!  I waste so much time in transition already out of breath from the swim trying to pry a wetsuit off my body.  This will save me so much energy!
• Changes made to the run course to accomodate the high levels of the Boise river do not affect the scenic or flat nature of the run.

Here is the aforementioned river, along which we will be running on the paved, shaded paths on both sides.

I have a fair amount of gear sorting and packing and logistics to work out tomorrow.  I have to put all the right things in all the right bags.

For Melissa, the race T-shirt! (click to enlarge)

 

In terms of expo shopping, I got a bike jersey and visor at Vineman so I thought I should do the same for Boise.  I could not resist the plaid!  And then that pullover looked so cute I had to get it too.

On that note, I need to get some sleep as tomorrow is a big day!  Sleep in a little (or at least past 5:30!), do a short brick out on course, check in my bike at the reservoir and drive the bike course.  Then it’s off my feet for the rest of the day and a big pasta dinner with Jeff’s friends.

Oh! I almost forgot. My race number is 1021 and you can track me live Saturday at Ironman.com!