Ironman Coeur d'Alene (Page 5)

Question.... are arm warmers a good idea for the beginning of the bike? What will the temps be like around 8:30.

Need to know if I need to buy some cheap throwaway ones...

If you can predict that you will be the next billionaire!  As I'm writing this, it's 50 degrees (at 0730) and the forecasted low for tomorrow morning is 45.  That being said, it could be in the low 60's, heading for a high of 97 that day too....never can tell.  Most likely, by around 0830 on race morning it will be somewhere in the mid 50's...give or take...maybe. 

On another note, the lake temp was between 53-54 last evening and there have been quite a few people swimming in it the last few days without a problem.  Good news!

I agree. 0830 on June 22 will likely be from 50 to 60 degrees, give or take a couple of degrees on either side.

I think I am going to the lake today!

I will be bringing my arm warmers for sure. Although the air temps sound like they will be near perfect, getting out of the chilly water and riding my bike in the morning air while still wet might not be that comfortable.

It's gonna be a long day and whatever I can do to make myself at least a bit more comfortable will be a very good thing. I don't have to wear them, but having them with me will provide a good option. I did wear them for LP last year for the first 20 miles of the bike and the temps (Water and Air) were a bit warmer.

And it does sound like the weather is going to be perfect. I prefer cooler race temps and have had some of my best performances at winter races.

I knew there was a reason I picked CdA

I'll bring my armwarmers. I am kind of cold natured. The other morning I thought it was cool and it was in the upper 60s. I don't want to spend $$ for throwaway- I couldn't find cheap ones. Sooooo. I guess I'll figure out a way to take them off and tie them on my bike or something. Wait- I should have room in my jersey since 1/2 of my nutrition will be in special needs. I've been carrying 100 miles worth of nutrition in my bento box and in my jersey and there is not much room for more. I forgot I only have to take half!

I just placed my order for all my nagging little things I needed to order. I can't believe that 2 weeks from tomorrow I'll be on a plane!

I think I can suck it up enough to get through the swim but 60 degrees and wet on the bike is going to be FREEZING since I'm dealing with 98 right now.  I barely go ride when it's 60 in the morning during the WINTER. ...I'm a wuss.  On the other side of the spectrum I'm hoping it doesn't go above 85 for the high.  However whatever comes our way will be dealt with.  Suck it up buttercup will be my theme for the day. 

FYI...An idea for others, I normally don't swim with ear plugs but in March when the water was really cold I used them and they seemed to help.  I definitely plan on using them for the swim.   

I'll be there Thursday morning to swim and will try to come down Friday morning if not to swim to say Hi.

Here's a tip:  Buy a pair of cotton, knee high tube socks and cut off the toes/foot so they fit the length of your arms.  They make cheap, throw-away arm warmers that you won't worry about losing.  Toss them at an aid station when you warm up and you're done with them.

You will DEFINITELY want to wear earplugs with the water on the chilly side.  I won't go into all the physiologic reasons, but if you don't, you'll likely be staggering around like a drunken sailor when you get out of the water. 

My mind is racing so fast if it could do the IM for me , I would be 4 hours and done.  The rides are harder now, even if they are short. Don't know why.  But I have a question: What is the most important thing you are taking with you?

 Thanks Jitka

I just read an article in Triathlete Magazine about "trailing fatigue." After months of hard or long training, fatigue builds up so that even when you cut back on training, fatigue is still catching up with you. According to the article it can take 5-10 days of light activity for fatigue to peak and trail off and is most commonly experienced during taper. The mistake to make is to think you need more training which only serves to keep the fatigue level elevated.

The most important thing I'm taking with me is positive attitude and the idea that I won't quit until I'm "there."

 jitka asks: What is the most important thing you are taking with you?

Even though I am making to-do, to-buy, to-pack lists based on race reports submitted in 2007 (cold and windy race year with a scary swim) and 2006 (hot race year with a do-able swim) my most important piece of baggage will be the knowledge that I've already done the hard work. I'll keep my race plan simple, and take what the day gives me.

See you in CdA!

Sharon McN 

My most important thing I'll be taking is my nutrition.. I must have my nutrition. 

 No nutrition makes Teresa a dull tri-girl

Absolutely the most important thing I am taking to the race is my family

They have been through just about every step of my training with me and spending a bit of post-race quality time with them is the very least I can do for their support. (We are making an extended family holiday out of this)

It's call gonna come around nicely since DW is going to start training for Nike Women's Marathon when we get back. (It's her turn to train hard) She needs to run her BQ so we can both go to Boston next April

Here's a suggestion. Some of you know this and some don't, but we'll get five transition bags for T1, T2, Special Needs Bike, Special Needs Run, and Dry Clothes. We'll also get five race number stickers, one for each bag. For T1 and T2 bags only, I suggest finding or buying some colorful ribbon, or even some bright pink survey or construction ribbon that you can tie around or have sticking out of to help you find your bag quickly and move on. With 2200 bags it can take some valuable T time looking for yours even if they're in numerical order. It can be hectic and crazy and anything you do to get out of the madhouse will only serve to help you.

#2037

i am super glad to hear that, i am definately feeling sluggish, good but sluggish.....

Yep.  Water is down to near normal levels and is warming up.  It won't be balmy by any means but I think it'll be in the 56-58 range, maybe even a bit warmer.

Next Sunday, you are here.

And hopefully here.

Hi VikingMan -- I appreciated your posting those photos of last year's race. I noticed there seemed to be a big jam-up at the bike mount line. How much crowding did you experience on the bike course, and was it difficult to avoid drafting?

Also, it's hard to believe how crushed that crowd is on the beach at the swim start! Based on last year's race, where do you think you'll position yourself for this year, and why?

 Thanks,

 Sharon McN