Day before the race...

After a long day of flying we arrived in Catania where our friend, and race director, Giorgio picked us up. Got to the hotel which is right next to the race track (we are doing the bike and run on a formula one course in Pergusa). Did not even get to check in before it was time to take pictures. Sarka and I are the only two women racing so they shot pics of us, and then all of the competitors. They should be in the local paper today (need to find one and see). checked in, put Artimous together, and headed out to dinner. Some 20+ people including racers and crews swamped a local eatery where there was wine, tons of food, and great chatter. Finally got to sleep and slept deeply.

This morning was more photos and the prerace meeting. Then I did a lap of the course and a short jog. Day 1 there's a Ferrari club thing at the car track so we'll be biking on the road around it until they are done. There are a few slight hills, but generally it's smooth and fast. I guess there is also some uphill between the swim and the course (around 7k) which will serve as a bike warmup each day.

Resting now then off to the pool for a thing with the mayor and an opportunity to see the how the hills look.

Feeling pretty good. Hoping to stay easy tomorrow and come in around 15hours. Giorgio promises pizza around 9pm each day on the course which will be a great chance to walk a lap and eat well. The racers are all really nice, and the race has the feel of a family reunion with a bit of sweat.

Wish me luck. Drew will be posting pics and tweets from here on out...