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2009-04-20 10:25 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
This will be my first HIM. Nerves are beginning. Training is going great and I feel ready.


2009-04-20 10:41 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread

This is my sixth time doing this race,one of my all time favorites for sure.

A few pointers for you folks that are doing this race for the first time.

1. Train in layers, especially if you live in a cooler climate. Nothing can replicate the heat and humidity exactly but wearing an extra layer or a long sleeve jersey can go a long way in helping your body to adapt to the heat.

2. Expect the worse and hope for the best as far as swim conditions go. Last year was by far the worst swim conditions in the last 6 years but you can never tell about the Gulf. Mentally prepare yourself for a rough swim and then when it isn't as bad it will be a bonus. If you get there early, go for a practice swim the day or two before the race so you can pick out landmarks coming back into the finish.

3. Make sure you drink on the bike and run. Your nutrition and hydration plan should already be in place and you should have tested them on your long bikes and runs. That being said Gu or Gatorade tastes different and goes down differently at 60* vs 85* so be aware of that.

4. Have fun! This a fantastic race, it's well put on and supported by the local community. And it has THE best awards party of any race I have ever been to.

See you all in a few weeks

2009-04-20 12:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
I'm feeling better, had a bout of bronchitis two weeks ago. 

Will you need a wetsuit?  Hopefully not, but if so that means I've got to dig mine up.
2009-04-21 8:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
This will be my first HIM too. I'm going back and forth between excitement and nausea when I even think about it. I've been putting in the time in training though, so hopefully I'll be prepared.
2009-04-21 10:04 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Anyone know how many racers are expected?
2009-04-21 10:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Rocket Man - 2009-04-20 10:41 AM

This is my sixth time doing this race,one of my all time favorites for sure.

A few pointers for you folks that are doing this race for the first time.

1. Train in layers, especially if you live in a cooler climate. Nothing can replicate the heat and humidity exactly but wearing an extra layer or a long sleeve jersey can go a long way in helping your body to adapt to the heat.

2. Expect the worse and hope for the best as far as swim conditions go. Last year was by far the worst swim conditions in the last 6 years but you can never tell about the Gulf. Mentally prepare yourself for a rough swim and then when it isn't as bad it will be a bonus. If you get there early, go for a practice swim the day or two before the race so you can pick out landmarks coming back into the finish.

3. Make sure you drink on the bike and run. Your nutrition and hydration plan should already be in place and you should have tested them on your long bikes and runs. That being said Gu or Gatorade tastes different and goes down differently at 60* vs 85* so be aware of that.

4. Have fun! This a fantastic race, it's well put on and supported by the local community. And it has THE best awards party of any race I have ever been to.

See you all in a few weeks



Great advice!! Thanks! We travel to the coast a couple times a year, so I know how bad it can be. However, it is easy to forget after 6 months of cooler temps. Thanks for the reminder.


2009-04-21 11:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
On the website they have a participant list. You can break it down in many ways to view the racers. I'm not sure the max limit for the race.

I'm curious, the swim is 1.2, but on BT it keeps saying 2639 yds. When using the conversion table 1.2 mi. is 2112 yds. What's up with that? I mean 500 extra yds. is significant don't you think?

Also, does anyone know if they will have any practice swims before the race. Like maybe a certain time that a bunch will get together? I really don't want to be shark bait before the race?

Oh yeah, another question is there a thread are can some people that have the knowledge give information to help with swimming in the gulf? Like how to deal with the breakers. dealing with big waves? dealing with jelly fish? dealing with currents? Thanks

I'm def. looking forward to it!
2009-04-22 8:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Not too hot here yet, but just wait. It is always cooler and then heats up race week. Last year we wre 93-94 degrees. Lately we have had a lot of wind for the last 2 months, hopefully it will abate.

Good Luck to all, Welcome to the Gulf Roast.
2009-04-24 2:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread

I live about 70 miles west of Panama City Beach.  Let's all hope that race day is like just today -- right now (around 3 p.m.) it's 78 degrees, 40% humidity, and not a cloud in the sky.  We can wish, right????

2009-04-26 7:02 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
The manatee's are racing. Marcy is doing the whole thng and I am doing the bike leg on a relay. I haven't been able to run for 4 months now and I can't walk that far.

We have done this race 4 times and its an outstanding event.
2009-04-27 10:23 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon

dpeeples - 2009-01-17 4:27 PM Did anyone here choose GCT over FL 70.3? If so, can you share thoughts as to why? thanks


I've done Disney twice & enjoyed both races. Most folks seem unhappy running the jeep trail, I didn't mind that and like a 3 loop course - felt more manageable to run in 4 mile segments. Make no mistake though, while it's an out & back, the run at GCT is also HOT!

I don't stay at the host Disney hotel or on the grounds so logistics for getting to the race site are annoying. It's also an MDot race so lots of people and nervous energy, fun if you haven't experienced it before. (plus you can buy MDot stuff til you go broke or they run out)

GCT is laid back, well managed and not over run with participants. It's a much longer drive from Jax but  just feel more relaxed at that venue vs Disney. I do think it is a good idea to race GCT if you're doing IMFL, I did that last year and helps to become more familiar with the area.



2009-04-27 3:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Praying for overcast skies, light wind and no rain on race day. Just came back from St. Anthony's and the run was a hot one plus the swim was cancelled (bummer). I did part of GCT last year (the swim and the bike) but I have heard the run is a hot one!! I love this race for the same reasons stated above: laid back, well organized, beautiful location and FUN!!

Its all about the fun...right?? Lord knows...for me..its not about the speed

Edited by trihardathena 2009-04-27 3:25 PM
2009-04-30 8:45 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
trihardathena - 2009-04-27 Its all about the fun...right?? Lord knows...for me..its not about the speed

Ditto that here on the speed comment
2009-04-30 9:14 AM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
We're inside 10 days. . . As of now -- weather forecast for Panama City on May 9 is scattered t-storms, 40% chance of precipitation, high of 82 - low of 67.

Of course this will probably change significantly (one way or the other) in the next 9 days.
2009-05-01 2:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Glad to know that I am not the only one looking at the weather forecast. 60% chance of precipitation now ... uggh.
2009-05-01 4:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Anyone down in the PCB area know about water conditions?  I heard "red flag" warnings have been up for the last few days.  Is that true, or is someone trying to get my nerves up?  (not that they aren't already)


2009-05-01 6:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread

Havin'Fun - 2009-05-01 4:09 PM Anyone down in the PCB area know about water conditions?  I heard "red flag" warnings have been up for the last few days.  Is that true, or is someone trying to get my nerves up?  (not that they aren't already)

Unfortunately yes, we have had red flag warnings.

2009-05-01 8:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread

Conditions change day by day down there. I was there in April and it was double red flag one day and as calm as a bath tub the next day. 

2009-05-04 12:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
Alright, so i'm really about to freak over this ocean swim. I know I can do it. I'll just have to make myself relax Saturday morning.

Here's to easy water and low winds in PCB this weekend!!
2009-05-04 1:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
The last weather report I got was from a friend who works for NOAA. Winds from the west at 8 and high temp of 84 to 89 degrees. According to the NOAA website which I will link here, the sea temp is 79 degrees. Current winds are 15 mph with 4 foot swells at beaches. Use this link below for NOAA weather.

Hope this doesn't freak you out but this is the site I watched prior to Ironman Florida last year and, of course, talked to my friend at NOAA alot!!

Just a few more days

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/validProds.php?prod=SRF&node=KTAE


2009-05-04 1:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
trihardathena - 2009-05-04 1:08 PM

The last weather report I got was from a friend who works for NOAA. Winds from the west at 8 and high temp of 84 to 89 degrees. According to the NOAA website which I will link here, the sea temp is 79 degrees. Current winds are 15 mph with 4 foot swells at beaches. Use this link below for NOAA weather.

Hope this doesn't freak you out but this is the site I watched prior to Ironman Florida last year and, of course, talked to my friend at NOAA alot!!

Just a few more days

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/validProds.php?prod=SRF&node=KTAE




Nah. Thanks. 79 degree water would be wetsuit illegal!


2009-05-04 2:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
stateu - 2009-05-04 1:30 PM
trihardathena - 2009-05-04 1:08 PM The last weather report I got was from a friend who works for NOAA. Winds from the west at 8 and high temp of 84 to 89 degrees. According to the NOAA website which I will link here, the sea temp is 79 degrees. Current winds are 15 mph with 4 foot swells at beaches. Use this link below for NOAA weather. Hope this doesn't freak you out but this is the site I watched prior to Ironman Florida last year and, of course, talked to my friend at NOAA alot!! Just a few more days http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/validProds.php?prod=SRF&node=KTAE
Nah. Thanks. 79 degree water would be wetsuit illegal!


I thought 78 was the cut off?  The race starts early though, so that might help the water temp.
2009-05-04 2:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
irondreams - 2009-05-04 2:14 PM

stateu - 2009-05-04 1:30 PM
trihardathena - 2009-05-04 1:08 PM The last weather report I got was from a friend who works for NOAA. Winds from the west at 8 and high temp of 84 to 89 degrees. According to the NOAA website which I will link here, the sea temp is 79 degrees. Current winds are 15 mph with 4 foot swells at beaches. Use this link below for NOAA weather. Hope this doesn't freak you out but this is the site I watched prior to Ironman Florida last year and, of course, talked to my friend at NOAA alot!! Just a few more days http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/validProds.php?prod=SRF&node=KTAE
Nah. Thanks. 79 degree water would be wetsuit illegal!


I thought 78 was the cut off?  The race starts early though, so that might help the water temp.


It is. That's why 79 would be illegal.
2009-05-04 6:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
79 degrees would feel really nice. But I was counting on wetsuit bouyancy to help me through my first ocean swim.

2009-05-04 7:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
And not to totally freak anyone out...but if you would like to see part of the beach in Panama City for yourself, here is an active webcam to view. The Webcam I have used in the past is at Spinnaker's down the street from the Boardwalk Beach resort but it is currently being serviced and wont be back up until Friday. I am not sure where this webcam is, but it might give you an idea of the conditions!! Enjoy!!

http://www.earthcam.com/usa/florida/panamacity/
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