Hi guys!

Kerry: I'm sorry to hear about your foot issues. The only advice I can offer is to work on your flexibility in your hamstrings and calves. If you're not donig that already, start gently.

FM: You will finish GFT. You have the right mental attitude. You're determined. Just stay healthy. I think riding hills regularly does help with speed on the flats. It sounds like the NC hills are perfect training for GFT.

Kerry, do you remember the grade on Sugarloaf? Is it 7%? The great thing about Cherry Lake is that at least part of it has new tar. That helps a lot.

Tri-animal
About every other week I do a brick with a 10% run after a ride e.g. 30 miile bike 3 mile run, and I have ohter swim bike bricks in my schedule as well . IN the iron I met all my expectations -- I did the swim in 59:30 and my goal was an hour! as I mentioned the bike I averaged about 18 mph for the 56 which was faster than my 17 mph goal which saved me time overall as I had a sneaker issue in the run, but after fiddlin with the shoe laces every other mile I took them out and was OK --My right foot kept falling asleep??!!? any idea why --it only happens after 4 miles or so and just right foot--its happened a few times in training lately ---

Fe Man,
I have nothing to add to your post. Looks to me like you're right about where you need to be this time of year. I'm not a coach or an expert, but your workouts so far impress me, and you have some nice hills for bike sessions. Jusy my .02: you're on solid ground. But don't ever forget to respect the race.
As for me, I'm a back of the pack age grouper, but I keep coming back for the whole GFT experience. I think Clermont is a neat town, the volunteers are the best, and the race director nearly nails every detail.
Pix, yes, I think the grade is 7%. Maybe one the high tech experts around Clermont can vouch for it.

FM: I have no idea why your right foot would fall asleep while running. Kerry: any ideas about that?

Have you checked out KC's posts? I think she's going to be the overall women's winner.

thanks
you're all getting me psyched up for the GFT ultra even though it is months away --- I am taking it easy this week for training to rest up for a race this Saturday, but I can't wait to get back on th bike for I think 60 miles I am up to next week. A shoe store guy gave me some inserts to put under the balls of my feet to see if that helps the tingling feeling - I'll also try that next week.