Thursday, September 9, 2010

5 Star

Well if there is one thing I am apparently really good at with regard to Ironman (aside from fueling;-)) it is finding myself some incredible homestays.  Gail and Greg in Lake Placid were spectacular hosts, great people, and I am glad to now call them friends.

I arrived in Madison yesterday and for the first time in my 30yrs was actually "that guy" with his name printed on a sign in the hand of my host awaiting my arrival.  Awesome.  A quick trip from the airport and my homestay was dropping me off to pick up their minivan they are loaning me for the duration of my stay. First class?  I think YES.

I felt awfully rude just taking the car and leaving my homestay Adam with all my gear, but I knew I needed to do something to shake the travel out of my legs.  Lucky for me Hillary is racing as well so I met up with her and we shot out to the lake to test the waters.

This was my 1st swim in my new Zoot Prophet wetsuit and I must say I am STOKED on this thing.  Floatation is incredible but the flexibility is even more impressive.  I have worn a few suits in my day, this is the best yet, by a sizable margin.  If you are struggling with a stubborn suit, when this thing makes its debut, I HIGHLE recommend it.

The water was a little warm. Hillary swam in a skinsuit, and we were of mixed opinions after as to whether we will be donning the rubber on Sunday or not. After wearing my suit, I sure hope so.

After the swim it was dinner time and I had some great conversation with my homestays.  Obviously it takes a rather outgoing, generous sort to open your house to random athletes, some of whom may not even speak English, and give them run of your home for 5 days just to have them up and take off right after the race.  But so far I am 2 for 2 in getting some fantastic people who truly go above and beyond the call of duty.  Jackpot x2!  Not only have they been incredible people, but the homes... WOW!  I came home and cooked breakfast in this kitchen this morning.
Just a tad bit nicer than the Holiday Inn Express!  

Cheers from Cheesehead land. 

5 comments:

  1. You did hit the jackpot of homestays!! Well deserved! :) Hope you get to wear you wetsuit on Sunday!!

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  2. Cha-Ching! After the last couple of blogs you've posted, all I can say is that you are now getting your revenge on my sabbatical. I want your new bike, your new wheels, your new wetsuit and your new homestay. You can cap it all off by making me want your new ironman PR come Sunday.

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  3. Midwestern hospitality! Bring the pain on Sunday brother. Hope to catch up with you sometime during the weekend.

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  4. That is a sweet house! A most excellent beginning to a fabulous weekend. Charisa loved her Prophet too - must be one great suit! Good luck Sunday!

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