Whirlpool Michigan IM 70.3

You probably want to put this thread over in the Ironman race groups so it doesn't get lost.

I also want to do that race but not until next year. A useful tidbit I have heard that might help you is that they switch the swim direction based on the current.

Good luck!

Thanks-

I  tried to , but somehow you have to qualify it that is was the "official thread" or forum- I am not that savvy at this stuff, so hence why it is here!!

Randy

We have 8 people from the findlay area doing the race, I am doing it as a "warm-up" for IMKY.  I have never seen the course or know much about the race other than it is one of the best ran races.  I think it will be fun to swim in the lake with some nice waves coming in.

Steelhead is a great race. The swim was cancelled last year due to strong undercurrents and a whipping wind that prevented safety craft/lifeguards from getting into the water and maintaining their position.  That said, it was still a good race.

Note that you will want to stay in St. Joseph's, Silver Beach or some other locale that is not Benton Harbor (some of the area can be kind of rough). 

As to the race itself, the bike course is not flat yet it is not exactly hilly either as it contains rollers ... but none that you would particularly remember or talk about later.  The run course does have two hills that you have to traverse, the later one twice on the two loop course.

Work on your hydration as it the run was baking hot through what was in reality a glorified industrial park that housed Whirlpool's facilities.  The run ends with a run through the sand just before the finish line ... those are the longest yeards of the entire race!

Lastly, there is more information on the race here: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/directory/link-detail.asp?linkid=4901