Steelhead 2011

I did my first half this year.  Start running and then run some more, if you are not running then bike, after getting off the bike run.  Tacking those distances together is a whole lot different then doing them on seperate days.

I'd suggest looking at one of the HIM training plans on BT.  You can also check out some of the race reports.  I've done Steelhead twice (last year and this year) - its a great location.  With the swim, you always go in the direction of the current, so even if you have waves its not that bad.  In fact, my first year we had pretty rough surf and it felt like I was body surfing the entire way.  This  year, it was pretty calm and it felt a lot harder.

Like Puppetmaster says, though, run and bike then  bike and run....IMHO that's where the bulk of the training should be, especially if you're pretty comfortable in the water.  The bike can be pretty tough depending on winds.  My first year we had 20-30mph winds that were a killer.  I was fried by the time I finally pulled into T2.  This year the winds were light and it wasn't bad.  The hills around there aren't bad, but there are several long slow uphill grades, especially the 18 mile home stretch.

The run is very nice though the Whirlpool campus.  Just a few hills to contend with.

So as far as training tips, bike, run, bike, run, bike, run, and then bike some more.

Grungir,

I was in the same boat as you a year ago this time: did 2 sprint the year prior and signed up for Steelhead without doing an OLY first.  My training was so so and I did a couple more sprints and an OLY leading up to Steelhead 2010.  

Rehashing what others said, practice alot of bike/run bricks.  I concentrated on doing too many individual disciplines when training instead of bricks.  I felt great after the bike but about 3 miles in major cramping in my quads happened during the run. 

I signed up for Steelhead 2011 too so I'm hoping to train a bit smarter this year. Stay positive and you'll have no problems crossing the finish line.  It's a great feeling.

Good Luck!

I'm kind of in the same boat as you.  I did 4 tri's this year, 1 indoor, 3 outdoor, this was my first year doing runs and tri's.  I just started the Oly Training program about 3 weeks ago from BT, then in about March when it finishes, then I'm going to start the 16 week HIM BT Training program.  I'm planning on signing up for Steelhead, but probably will wait another month or so.

Thanks for the tips
I have only done a few 5ks and a 10k since Reed's Lake Tri... I need to get off my arse!



Oh and if you sign up before the end of the year i think its $50 cheaper.

I signed up for my first 1/2 last year after only 3 sprints and nothing longer than a 10K. I followed one of the BT training plans and felt great on race day. Just being consistent with the training and getting in all of those long weekend runs or bikes was what helped me. I also did a lot of experimentation with nutrition in the last 2 months of training. That really gave me a chance to learn what my body could and could not handle after 4-5 hours.

Follow a training plan and have fun!!! 

I'm in!

Goal of 5:30.

I'm signed up too. Will be my first HIM and first season of tri's. Have two sprints and an oly on the schedule before hand. Goal of under 6....with a hope to go under 5:30. Having not done a HIM yet I don't know what's realistic.

my goal is to not require an ambulance to finish :D

for folks familiar with the race...

what hotels are close? Any recommendations?

Depends if you want to make a weekend out of it or not.  There are some nice hotels right downtown St. Joe's, and a few further south on the beach.  They area of course a little more pricey for the weekend since it is an "event" weekend.

I stayed at the Red Roof Inn off of 94.  It is cheap ($90/night).  It is about a 10min car ride to the park, and pretty close to Lake Michigan College (where the expo.packet pick up is).  I reserved a room there again this year, but I might change it depending on what my wife wants to do.

For the folks looking at their first oly and him this year ...

I did the same thing, as most of you describe...  a couple sprints, then wanted to step up the following year.  I used one of the BT oly plans, then used the silver oly to him bridge plan.  I felt very well prepared.  I highly recommend the combo.  

any hotels within walking distance?

I havent found one.  If you stay at the silver beach hotel, you are about a 1 mile from the park.  Thats the closest.

I am looking for a Beach Rental House that is within walking distance from Jean Klock Part, but no luck.  If you find rental properties, please share.

Train like you will race. Have fun. It's all mental. Don't let your mind over take your body. You can do this. Just make sure you are prepared and put the time and mileage in to complete it!!!!!!!!

I think I've done this event- I don't even know how many times. It is truly one of the great races in the world. I've raced on all seven continents, including Antarctica, and Steelhead is an icon, a classic.

A few tips:

- Because it is popular and the host city is small, it is crowded. Book accomodations early. Restaurants are crowded. If you go with that understanding- that a huge race is coming to a small town- you won't be surprised.

- Try to make time for a beautiful dinner at The Boulevard on Lake Boulevard in Saint Joseph. Get reservations 45 minutes before sunset. This is one of the best dining experiences in the U.S. and a fitting reward for completing a tough race.

- Get to the race start very early. If they are still using shuttle buses those get crowded. It is worth getting up early enough to be on the first bus or two.

- The bike course is awesome but the wind can pick up. Keep something in the tank for the last 8 miles where the elevation gain and the wind off the lake take its toll.

Good luck in your preparation- this is one of the classics in the sport.

A couple things to add:

- x2 on Tom's recommendation of The Boulevard. And it's the nicest hotel in town as well, if you can get in.

- The hotel option that's best is, as mentioned, the bunch of hotels at the intersection of I-94 and Pipestone Road. There's a red roof inn, a courtyard, and maybe a baymont inn. Lots to eat within walking distance. 10 min drive to Jean Klock part.  Do not leave your bike in your car overnight.

- No hotels are really within walking distance. The Silver Beach hotel is the northernmost one, closest to the park...but is still probably > 1 mile away. And this hotel is just ooooookaaaaaay. Just OK.

- Riding your bike the mile from downtown to the park the morning of might work; just make sure they don't make you rack it the night before.

- x2 on Tom's comment on getting on the Shuttle early, or alternatively, take a leisurely stroll down the beach to the start. It's about 3/4 of a mile, so plan your time appropriately. Lots of people miss the start or are forced to sprint down the beach because the later busses are full...

I'm in. This will be my first 'Ironman 70.3' event. I believe Capri Events manages it, which does the Chicago Triathlon... Which is an awesome Tri.

Did this last year.  My parents live just north of South Haven, so no hotel but If I were to get one I would stay in South Haven (preferably a B & B) and drive the 1/2 hour down Blue Star Highway (as opposed to 196) which was relaxing with little traffic.

I'm not going to be able to sleep the night before anyway, so what difference does the hotel make :-)

Reservation made at the Holiday Inn!

Same about the sleep so I just got a reservation at the Motel 6
Looks like most of the closer hotels are booked.

Are they going to send out more information on this? If we have to rack bikes the night before, that would be fine. Otherwise I am worried about driving in the morning of, parking, etc..
My wife will most likely be coming down later in the day... do they have parking areas set up?

Can you tell im already starting to freak out? :D

if you are awake in your room, isn't that reason to have a nicer room?   

My suggestion is to rack your bike the night before.  That morning you won't be able to get anywhere near the entrance with your car.  If you drive yourself and park, you'll have to park in the lots that are a long ways away and either take the shuttle or ride your bike.  I drove myself the first year I did it and its so dark out that I didn't even know where I parked my car.  At the end we drove around for quite awhile trying to find it.  The second year I did this I had my dad drive me and dropped me off at the corner of Blue Star Hwy and the road that leads into the entrance and I walked. Except for the rain that morning that worked out a lot better.

As for parking for spectators, that's hit or miss.  They shut down the shuttles as soon as T1 closes.  And they put up no parking signs everywhere on the streets.  Last year my wife was able to scam herself into the parking lot right there at the park.  They had the road blocked off, but told the person she was going to park at the boy scouts lot (which were charging something like $20).  She continued on to the main lot and was able to get in there....that  lot was virtually empty because they'd had the roads closed.  And I certainly appreciated her being able to get close.  I'd tweaked my IT band so was in a fair amount of pain - the thought of walking to the offsite parking was not appealing.

Edited by ericcooper 2011-02-17 9:16 AM

Yes. Rack your bike the night before. Also keep in mind that the swim start is a billion miles away from the bikes. It's a workout through the sand just to get there. I was early and ready to go with plenty of time  but was still late for my start.