@Dennis Doherty great question. Weight seems to be one of those taboo like issues and should be discussed- not like the backlash that followed from what the winner of tdf femmes said. We are happy to drop a few extra quid on the next model of a bike or components which save x amount of grams or kilos. Some on this forum may have purposely cut weight for taking on hillier or mountainous races, or simply to run quicker where weight, at a certain point, can be a huge advantage. But sure people on here can share experiences of it becoming a fixation or suffering injuries or illness or fatigue from under fuelling which leaves you in a hole you don’t get out of especially if long distance endurance training. Hopefully it just works itself out naturally, and what @Alan Cardwell says as ever is right on point. No point being super light but failing or missing sessions as a result. I for one will not need to worry about a deficit as we approach Christmas….

Think 5 IMs done Lanza Majorca (race now retired) Tallinn (1st year so course now different) St George Utah (think race now retired) Cork (who knows, but don’t think will see that one again)

Looking forward to the post race review of this one

@Alan Cardwell FFS too soon

@Alan Cardwell subject to mechanicals, sudden injuries, crashes, shit support crew, food poisoning, being a total idiot not knowing what you are signing up for, and weather, absolutely agree - the common factor is people not doing the work. Doing the work helps protect against injuries/illnesses. It creates a mindset or environment that builds resilience, which we all need tonnes of in Xtri. With the explosion in IM participation in particular, certainly in Northern Ireland, the amount of people who late year say I am doing x next year, and only a small percentage make it to the start line. Usually excuse after excuse, training sessions missed, then injury, then you never see or hear from them again. Do the training, and that feeling 4-6 weeks out when you have hit everything the coach has given you, the body and mind ready to go knowing you can do the race is one of the best feelings. However, I am sure I am not the only one who has been at an Xtri briefing and listened to some of the pre-race questions, and thought WTF are you doing here. And a shout out to Bobbys Blaster. Doing this for the first time I didn't know what it was, and it made me think what way to face the toilet when I got off the bike if you know what I mean (too much info!).

PF90 gels. Finally one I can tolerate, at least for now

@George Noble dream combination Tailwind Dauwalter drink and PF90