Swim Start

Sorry....going a bit crazy w/ the clips. This shows the chaos at the swim start. Can't believe I'll be doing that in one week.

Billy's Escape from Alcatraz 2006

Ran across this clip. Gives a good feel of pre-race day through post finish.

A bit of an adrenalin pump

2004 Olympics triathlon silver medalist Bevan Docherty of New Zealand lives up to his motto of "He who wants it most wins!" Here, he sprints from behind to clutch victory from the grasp of compatriot Kris Gemmell at the 2005 New Plymouth ITU World Cup triathlon.

Final Race Tip via IMG (co. organizing the race)

Conquering the Sand Ladder by Chris McCormack

The key to the sandladder is to take your time. It comes at the critcal part of the run course and that is the halfway point. Your legs are tired and you are really fatigued by now and then you are presented with the biggest challenge of the course. The best wy to appraoch the ladder is to remind yourself that once you are at the top of the sand ladder, it is downhill all the way home. This gives you a positive mindset before you even start. I always walk up the sand ladder. using my arms i use the sandladder wire rails to help pull me up the ladder but primarily just walk on the wooden beams that are submerged beneath the sand. This will give you extra leverage. As you approach the top of the ladder it is all completely soft sand. Stay close to the sides of the ladder trail, as some grass and compounded soil tends to be around these areas and this will give you slightly beter footing. Overall really just take your time and dont over exert yourself on this climb. It is difficult but do not feel the need to run up the ladder at all. Walking gives you more control and a more even exertion rate that will get you to the top feeling much better. You still have a long way to go and even though this is down hill you want to keep some energy in reserve for the 3 miles home.

Training Winding Down

9 Days Left!! Yesterday I put in a non-stop 1.5 mile and it felt pretty good. I did it in 38 minutes, so if the Bay had the same conditions as the pool, I'd have 22 minutes to spare before the one hour cut off. Unfortunately, I'll have a few more obstacles, but I think the 22 minutes will be plenty of time to get me to shore under the cutoff.

This morning I did my Capital Hill loop (about 6 miles) and the loop is certainly getting easier each time I do it.

And then this eve my master's swim group had us working on core work for freestyle and I fine-tuned mine a bit more which felt great.

Workout for this Saturday is a 2 - 2.5 mile swim in Lake Washington followed by a one hour bike and 8 mile run. Then post Saturday, it's definitely tapering way down til race days.

That's that low-down, latest and greatest.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

I'm absolutely overwhelmed at the donations I’ve received and I want to thank every one of you who has contributed with your incredible generosity. Not to sound sappy, but it seriously chokes me up every time I think about your contributions. Your donations have already created an extra fire in me to push it that much harder on race day, so I (and LAF) thank you for your donations and creating that extra fire.

Fight Against Cancer

In addition to my physical commitment to this race, I've also made a commitment to raise funds in the fight against cancer and in memory of three incredible loved ones I recently lost to this terrible disease. Their names are Brennen Maynard, Ann Quill and Carleton Peterson.

I am raising funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Founded in 1997, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. My fundraising effort will go directly towards LAF's Grassroots component which inspires and empowers people affected by cancer, providing them with the practical tools and resources they need to live life on their own terms. The foundation believes that in the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. I'm targeting a goal of $2,500 between now and race day. All donations are tax deductible and go directly to the Foundation and you can donate under your name or anonymously.

As I swim, bike and run in the race, your sponsorship will definitely inspire me to race stronger and faster to the finish line. If you feel like contributing, just click here. http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2008/perrysescape

Thanks much for your support.

- Perry

Race Start Simulation