Team -
 
Congratulations on completing a tough swim in very cold water. Hopefully you’ve regained feeling in your extremities. And what a beautiful day for a long run. The air was crystal clear creating spectacular views of the East Bay and the city skyline. And did you notice the nice set of stairs going up the hill right before the park? I think we’ll have to visit those sometime soon.
 
Lots of information in this email so please take note of it all.
 
This week is a taper week as we prepare to take on the long course at Wildflower this Saturday. Don’t worry about the weekly totals for yardage and miles. We want you rested and ready to go on Saturday morning. There’s a taper workout for each day on the calendar this week. If you can’t do them - don’t worry. Err on the side of rest - don’t add workouts. If you miss one - let it go.
 
There is no coached workout on Wednesday this week. Start your packing!
 
Tomorrow night (Tuesday) there will be no spin. But we will still meet at 6:30 pm to go over the course, the weekend details and answer any questions you might have regarding this important training milestone. We’ll start promptly at 6:30 pm at Sports Basement. And Donna is having a 20% off party there as well so you can get a good deal on any supplies you need.
 
This weekend is not a race. Yes, we will run it like a race and encourage you to move through transition quickly and ask you not to linger at the water stops. But it is more about a long workout on a tough course. We will have enforced time limits for each discipline. If you don’t make the time cutoffs - don’t worry. We’ll SAG you forward and you will continue on with the next event. I have no doubts about any of you completing each portion within the time limits.
 
*** RACE PLANS ***
Start writing your race plans. See the attached race plan as an example.

*** FOOD AND DRINK ***
Everybody please bring 2 gallons of water to be used for waterstops and SAG support.

Friday dinner: Dinner is on your own.  Bring your own main course and if you like - something to share.
Saturday breakfast and lunch (i.e. race food): Bring your own breakfast and race nutrition. There will be some supplies at the waterstops but please remember to be self sufficient.
Saturday dinner: Catered!
Sunday breakfast: Cooked by your Ironteam staff!

*** WEATHER ***
Expect Lows in the 40’s at night and highs in the 70’s during the day. Bring some layers for the cool nights, and sunblock for the warm, possibly hot sunny days. So far it looks like we’ll be rain-free, but pack some rain gear, just in case.

*** DIRECTIONS ***
The best directions can be found on the Wildflower site: http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/Wildflower2009-directions_and_map.htm

When you get to the gate, tell them you are with TNT.  They should direct you to the campground (based on previous years: Redonda Vista “G” campground).

*** WHAT TO BRING ***
See the attached packing list which contains just about everything you could want to bring, and more.

Wildflower here we come!

Go Long, Stay Strong, and Prepare Well!

Your Coaches -
Ann, Ron and Dan