neurosis of a triathlete (ironman cozumel eve)

Like Dustin Hoffman in Rain Main, I find myself walking around mumbling numbers –  sleepless and restless, thinking about numbers. What are the target numbers, what’s a stretch goal, what is an optimistic number? Can I swim in average time or am I going to be the last 10% again? Is the condition good to do an amazing fast time on the bike or will the wind damping any numbers there? Run training has ranged from 6:40-8:30 long runs. What pace should I do in Cozumel’s humid and hot conditions – after a 112 mile bike? What time should I get up the morning of the race day? How many calories should I consume – day before, breakfast, during the bike and run? How about electrolytes? What about frogs? I like frogs. Number, number, numbers.

The Scene

El Cozumeleno resort is situated at the northern part of the island. Its classic Mediterranean architecture is dressed in peach tones and pastel stucco of the Caribbean. It sits on top of its own private and well-manicured beach. The northern beaches are very rocky and El Cozumeleno’s beach probably being the least rocky of any near-by resorts. No matter what, the palm tree lined beach with the warm turquois water can’t be beat. Although showing its age (probably dating back to the 80s), El Cozumeleno is pretty amazingly well kept. A legion of staff keeps this place humming all day, from cleaning to preparing for meals to hosting to entertainment. With an all-inclusive, a drink, snack, or meal is at your whim. Everyone is amazingly friendly and helpful. It’s roughly a three-mile walk to downtown Cozumel or an 80 peso ($7 US) taxi ride. From what I can tell, this is probably the best option (amenities, beach, and location) of the race host hotels, which is on the run race course.

Downtown Cozumel also has a bit of past prime feel, but more authentic then say Cancun or Playa de Carmen -- just on the other side of the water. The streets facing the sea are lined with restaurants, bars, jewelry, Cuban cigar, and souvenir shops all designed to attract the cruise ship passengers. Although vocal, the hawkers of goods are not as aggressive as their counterparts in Playa de Carmen. Booze flow freely here and is extremely affordable. It is a key ingredient to the lively atmosphere at places like Senior Frog or Margaritaville. For a more genuine Mexican experience, walk back a few blocks to where the locals live.

Ironman Cozumel is a clear boost to the local economy and the locals will tell you it’s important. More importantly, they celebrate the event as though it is a national holiday. Everything gets a fresh coat of paint and decorations go up. Energy begins to build at the center of town as all the preparation for the races begins a few days before the race. People are genuinely supportive of the athletes. I’ve arrived a week before the race and every bike and run I did was met with claps and cheer as I went by with shouts of “Ironman.” With only a day to go, I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like with the majority of the island descending on downtown Cozumel.

The Numbers

Less than 24 hours now. I’m feeling dazed from several days of sleeplessness (less than 4hrs of sleep each night) trying to force myself to the “Ironman time” with no success – last chance to bring this together tonight (or totally be in a bad state). In my current haze, even the neurosis of numbers begins to wane. So what are my goals? Truly, I would like to set a new personal best time for an Ironman and at each leg. How that would break down is something like this, including transitions:

• Swim – 1:30
• Bike – 5:40
• Run – 4:50

Now on to the final gear check and check-in.