Musselman Half-Iron Triathlon : Official Thread

yo dex!

double for me.....cannot wait---we'll be my 3rd sprint, 1st half at the mussel......

I am in for a re-do on the HIM.

Welcome aboard.  You picked an excellent race for your first HIM.  If you are interested I'm sure the reststop on Saturday for the mini could use some help.

I enjoy volunteering so if I can get up there early enough I will definitely do that. Normally I'd say no problem, but just found out I'll be in DC for business that Wednesday-Friday.

I'm so excited

I am in for the HIM.  This will be my first HIM since 2010 and first MusselMan.  I know Fred and Don but hope I can meet some of you other BT'er up there.

I know a bunch of you have done this race multiple times, so this is where as a first-timer I ask for tips on the course. I know the swim will be challenging as I am not a great swimmer, but I have a good coach and I'll just do what she says. The bike course looks like it has a couple hills but nothing worse than what I do on group rides here. Not sure how that will compare to being on the (new) tri bike, but I will be finding out soon enough. And the run looks like it has two steep short hills but downhill for the second half. Obviously the real challenge is all three together!

So, please school me on what I really need to know. And thanks.

I did the race last year and it was my first time (and my first HIM for that matter).  Swim isn't so bad.  You can walk out ~50ish yards so it 'saves' you a bit on the swim leg.  The only issue on the swim is the sun coming up over the tree line makes it hard to see the bouys.  And the lake was fairly choppy last year - I heard from folks that the lake is usually calm.  oh well.

The bike has a few hills - one or two are pretty tough -  but overall a good course.  Aid stations at useful locations.

The run is interesting.  As you leave T2 you run along the lake for 2ish miles.  No shade.  Then the hills start.  The first hill is up somebody's backyard...kinda weird, but there are stairs too.  If I recall correctly, it's generally uphill to about mile 8.  The last major hill is a rocky gravel road (used for tractors) alongside a corn field.  Not an easy run.  There is a band 1/2 way up which is nice and there is an aid station at the top.  Once you climb that hill, then it's generally down hill.  And the last 2ish miles are alongside the lake with no shade.

Last year it was really hot (high 90s) and sunny.  A lot of folks suffered with the high heat.  Hopefully this year, it won't be as hot.  

It's a great race, the organisation is great, and the volunteers are fantastic.  

Here a link half way down you find some race reports to read through.  Can help a lot. 

Honestly, being from PA, you will probably consider most of the bike to be flat.  There is really only one place that I'd call a hill, and it's only 1/4 - 1/5 mile long, and you can mostly stay seated.

The run is a different story.  Flat for the first and last 2 miles, and almost all rolling hills between.

This will be my 3rd year at this race.  It's my favorite event.  I feel it's up there with my experiences at IMFL and Savageman.  It's just an all around great race.

Allright!

James, you should be able to crush this course!

How's training going for you?

Taking the week easy.  Just did the Flower City Half Sunday and letting thing heal up a little.  Maybe a bike ride this weekend.

IF anyone is available on Saturday morning.  I can use help for the rest stop on the mini-mussel.  It in the park from like 9-12 or so.  Fun way to spend the day before the race. 

Hey all - quick question.  What's the temperature of the lake?  I know we have a few weeks until the big day so the water can soak up more sun, but am just wondering.

Thanks.