Ironman 70.3 Florida : Official Thread

My training plan for this race hasn't started yet, but I had thought about the heat and humidity.   (Since Colorado will be cool and dry during the entire training!) I am planning on doing some leg lifts/planks/core work, maybe jumping jacks/running in place if the floor isn't too slippery, in the steam room at the gym.  That's the best thing I could think of so far.

I live in NW Ohio and did this race last year and signed up for this years.  I did make some changes in my training as when doing treadmill and trainer work sometimes I would turn on a portable heater in my basement to get the heat up.  I also swam in our "hot" pool at the local ymca (about 85deg) I was alittle hard to adjust be we got there a few days early and just hung out in the sun to try and get used to it. Good luck and see you there

Did this race last year. I trained in the heat (Alabama) & still almost died on the run. I got rained on almost the entire bike. The sun came blasting out at mile 1 on the run!!! Probably the most miserable I have ever been in my life! How's that for positive motivation

PS-the swim & bike routes were great!!!

You won't be able to swim in the lake prior to the race (at least that is how it has been the past few years).  You might want to check out www.LuckysLakeSwim.com.  They have open water swims every morning but Sunday.

Be prepared for limited visibility.  The water is not dirty, just very dark.  You won't be able to see anything past your hand (actually, you won't be able to see your hand that well).  That can be a little disconcerting if you aren't prepared for it. 

This will be my first HIM also.  I took a look at the Luckys swim.  Lighthouse1123, have you ever done this one?  It says there are alligators and some slime monster...although this "thing" hasn't done anything more than swim up against the swimmers.  I'm not sure this will help with my OWS anxiety   Hopefully all the OWS I did last year will still help and the long winter break didn't undo any of that training?

Also, I've been hanging out in the steam room at the gym and already notice that I can stay in there longer.  I've been doing some stretching and leg raises...I did 60 straight through today, yesterday I had to stop after 30 and do 2 sets.  I'm hoping to do some jumping jacks or jogging in place if I can ever get it to myself.

Happy New Year everyone if I don't get back here before 2009!

Andria, i've lived in Florida all my life.   There are alligators in practically all lakes and ponds here.....don't sweat it.   Alligators are like most animals, they are scared of humans and won't bother you.   I've been meaning to go over and do the Lucky Lake swim, but haven't.   I think the "slime" monster is more of a fun story than being anything real and the gators will not bother you.   Just think about it.....this guy has been swimming daily in that lake and has never had a real issue (that i know of).

I did an Oly on the same course as the 70.3 this past year and the swim was great.   The water is very dark and you won't be able to see much if anything in the water.   However, it's a good swim and nothing you should be concerned over.   And no they won't let you have a practice swim the day before.

Enjoy yourself and remember at worse there are plenty of volunteers on boats to help if you get nervous.   Go do Lucky's and the 70.3 will be much better.

After MELTING at last year's race (coming from Virginia) I WILL be heat acclimating this year.  This will include:  (sadly, not a joke) trainer rides w/ the heater on and time spent in the sauna.  I don't think my body even knew how to sweat properly last year by May!

Holy guacamole... someone please explain why I picked this as my goal race for 2010? haha

Best of luck to all of you, you are rockstars!!

My trainer is front of my fireplace.  I may have to light it up for a couple of rides.  I sweat enough as it is.  Doing this would require a mid-ride wardrobe change.

I will remember to apply sunscreen and bring sunglasses no matter what the skies look like in T2!  That sounds miserable!  Thanks for the tip.