Subject: RE: Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas : Official ThreadGreat questions! No, you don't have to grab water while on the move on the bike. Though, it is actually easy to do so and I'd encourage you to consider it when you aren't having to stop to pee. Regarding pee breaks, every race I've been in of the longer distance has port-potties available out on the bike course. Feel free to stop and take advantage of them. Here is a hint for newbies regarding the "bottle hand-ups" on the bike course. Before the race, buy yourself a couple of Gatorade bottles that have the twist top. Fill them with whatever you want to have to start your bike on race day. Then, at an aid station, when they go to give you bottles, you can throw the Gatorade bottles out and not have to worry about throwing away a sport bottle that you might like. My first HIM I hadn't thought of this and wound up throwing away two good sport bottles. What you do is pitch your empties just prior to the aid station. They will stand with an open bottle standing out on their flat palm. As you zip buy, you just scoop it off their hand. You either rack it right away, put it in your jersey (so you can grab a second), or set it on you aero bars (assuming you are trying to grab a second bottle). It is easier than it sounds. Just requires a little thought ahead of time. If it is your first time at this distance, I STRONGLY recommend practicing your race day nutrition on your long bike rides. Find out what works for you. Buy whatever drink they'll be using at the race (assuming you plan to drink it). I personally do water only (and lots of gels). I need to get better at being able to drink a carbo drink while biking. I would also strongly suggest doing at least three brick runs coming off your longest rides. The runs don't need to be long (30 minutes or so). But that gets your body (and mind) accustomed to that sensation of running off that long ride. If you've never done this distance, it is different than Olympic and Sprint. I hope these tips and suggestions help. I know as I have approached a new race distance I have benefited from the experience of others so I share it in the spirit of passing on what I've received from others. I hope you have a great race day! Brian
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