When I got off the bike after 112 miles under the 95+ F sun burn at Ironman China, I realized that the only way to stay in the game or even continue the race, is to find ice, sponge, and stay in my nutrition plan, i.e. salt, eletrolite, and whatever I can use to keep me cool and not cramp in the last leg of the race, the 26.2 mile marathon. That was exactly what I did, and that was probably the only thing I did, or the only thing I was thinking to do. Coming from MN, lack of swim/bike/run time in its unusually long winter and cold spring, I never dreamed of racing in the mid 90s temp and high humidity (which was also unsual for this time of the year in Hainan Island, China). Heat did get to a lot of competitors, even for those who live and train in Australia, Argentina, and Southern CA, USA. All I can say is that one should have a plan for an unusually hot race day. My heat and humid race experience will for sure help us in the desert stage of 2008 RAAM -- as it is going to be a lot hotter, 120+ F temp. We'll melt a lot of ice and use a lot of sponges, for sure. Wish you all have a great summer, and God blesses us and is watching for us, the TEAM STRONG HEART Forever -- as we have committed oursevles to do this for CAMP ODAYIN KIDS -- NO MATTER HOW HOT AND/OR HUMID IT WILL BE, WE, TOGETHER, WILL GET THROUGH IT. -- Amy
