Advice to newbie doing race out of state

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2014-08-20 12:31 PM

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Tempe, AZ
Subject: Advice to newbie doing race out of state
I am competing in my first out of state race later this year. I live in AZ, but will be doing the Austin 70.3 in October. I am using tribike transports services to get my bike there.

My current plan is to fly in on Thursday, get to my hotel and get situated. Maybe even drive around the area to familiarize myself with it. Athlete check in is from 12-7 on friday and 9-5 on Saturday...bike check in is also on saturday.

I am trying to cut down some costs of this trip. Would I be ok flying in on Friday instead of thursday, or would having that extra day help? I am looking to hear from what others have done that helped them but was also cost effective.

In addition, my good friend lives 3 1/2 hours from austin. Would I be better off staying in Austin Friday night as opposed to driving to Dallas after check in and driving back to Austin saturday morning?

Thanks in advance for any input/advice. My goal is to go into the race as stress free as possible but also looking to shave a few bucks off. I have never been to austin.


2014-08-20 1:25 PM
in reply to: amills1210

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PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state

I don't think there is an issue with arriving Friday given that you aren't going to be dealing with Jet Lag.  If you can arrange to travel so that you arrive on Friday mid afternoon and can check into a hotel right away then I don't see that as an issue.  I don't think I would want to be doing any 3.5 hour drives if I could avoid it though.

2014-08-20 1:39 PM
in reply to: axteraa

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Boise, ID
Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state

 

Really depends on you and what you are comfortable with, how well you handle travel, etc.

An early Friday arrival sounds like plenty of time for a Sunday race for me, especially a 70.3. Is it your first HIM? 

I like as much time to settle in as I can get, ie I went to CDA for my first IM on Tuesday before a Sunday race, but I had a free place to stay so it was a mini vacation as well. If I was trying to save some money on the deal I would think Friday would be fine for an HIM, especially given I have experience at that distance and with WTC events. Might be different if it was my first HIM and first WTC race, I might consider an extra day in that case. 

2014-08-20 1:45 PM
in reply to: Aarondb4

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Tempe, AZ
Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state
This is my 4th HIM, but first on the Ironman Circuit I have done the entire course a few times over now via Computrainer, so I know what to expect, weather conditions aside.

With the way my training has been going, I feel like I could race it tomorrow and be happy with my finish time. Thanks for the input.
2014-08-20 1:52 PM
in reply to: Aarondb4

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Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state

is it safe to say this is your 'A' Race?  Seems that traveling to a race is usually done for an important race.  If that is the case, and it were me, I would not do it on the cheap.  Make yourself comfortable.  Get there early, and stay close by.  The whole idea of an A race is this is the most important race of the year.  Don't take chances.

 

2014-08-20 2:15 PM
in reply to: velocomp

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Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state
I would go to the race location on friday and get checked in. use saturday to drive the bike course just to get a feel for it. If possible stay the night after the race as it will help you a ton mentally. I once booked a flight that required me to finish by a certain time or I would not make the flight home and it stressed me out all day

2014-08-20 2:17 PM
in reply to: amills1210

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Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state

Originally posted by amills1210 This is my 4th HIM, but first on the Ironman Circuit I have done the entire course a few times over now via Computrainer, so I know what to expect, weather conditions aside. With the way my training has been going, I feel like I could race it tomorrow and be happy with my finish time. Thanks for the input.

Ah, so you have plenty of experience at the distance and with tri in general. I would say early Friday is more than doable. WTC is very efficient and getting you through the registration and setup process, you don't need a ton of time to get everything set up for your race. 

2014-08-21 5:44 AM
in reply to: amills1210

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Subject: RE: Advice to newbie doing race out of state
i would look at price of tickets for Thursday vs. Friday - what you save in a hotel room - you may end up spending on a Friday ticket which is normally more expensive
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