Ironman Florida : Official Thread (Page 12)

Yes you could do that.  Lots of people make full wardrobe changes. 

Both times I've done IMFL it's been a bit chilly in the morning, so in addition to pulling off your wetsuit and stuffing it in your bag you may want to put on arm warmers or some sort of jersey / jacket.  helmet and shoes. skull cap, gloves. 

Many people would rather ride in cycling shorts rather than a wet tri pant. -- especially if it's cold.

I agree with you.  I swam it in 2010 in 1:07 and by the time I got in the hotel, there was not only nowhere to sit, but nowhere to dump my bag (if I wanted to be able to find my stuff).

The isles were ittered with the contents of dozens of people stuff and things were getting lost. 

Your sex and swim time can affect transition for sure, but rather than tryting to take 7+ minutes off my swim, I am eliminating quite a few things in transition this year. 

The Mens' change tent is definitely more crowded than the womens.  They get more space, but this is one of the most skewed mens to womens ratio races on the circuit.  I swear it's something like 15-20% women. 

So, yes, if you are a dude and you come out with the swim pack, my apologies.  It's going to stink almost no matter how you slice it.  Recommend doing the bare minimum in transition and practice it all standing up!

Oh, one more thing.  Just because you see people lined up outside the official area does NOT mean the inside is full!  We had this problem last year in the women's tent.  A few women started changing in the "hallway" area and the women that followed assumed that was the right place and started piling up there.  The inside was quite empty at that point actually.  We had to station people in the hallway to deliberately send them all the way into the tent so they would STOP piling up outside.

Bottom line, you have to go all the way through the changing area anyway, so you might as well run as far in as you can.  If the hallway looks packed, take a shot and see if the tent is packed too.  People also tend to drop their stuff as soon as they go in.  The far end of the tent is always emptier!

I signed up via Endurance travel. This will be 2nd IM and 2nd IMFL! I couldn't train much for the last 2 months before IMFL 2011 because of an injury.  I am hoping this year I can run the marathon.  I just couldn't resist doing this again.  It has a special place in my heart.

When does official training start for everyone?  I was going to use Fink's plan but I am training for a half in June. So I guess I am ahead of the game in terms of Fink's plan.  I will probably pick it up after my HIM which will be 22 weeks away from IMFL.  I think I will take it easy 2 weeks post HIM and then start at week 10 of 30 on Finks.

First month I have been able to swim, bike and run since November of 2010. Enjoying the early base building phase.

S:  12130.00 Yd
B:  285.23 Mi
R:  41.13 Mi 
Str:  4h 30m
Sp:  2h 30m

Plans this year are just as crazy as last year - however there are some twist that I'm starting to regret but such is the life.

IM St George

IM New York (US Championship mostly in NJ and how is this a Championship? I will wear the tee-shirt )

IMFL

Congratulations 

Congrats!

How did it go?

I don't think it has been 80 at IMFL for many years. Last two years especially 2010 cold was concern not heat.

Speaking of the cold ... the last two years I would go to the local Walmart there and buy a "throw away" jacket for the bike start and one for the later part of the run. This year I will buy once the summer clearance sell starts and pick 'em up at half price. I always need the bike one, never had a need for the run but I like the cheap insurance.

Yep, last year I didn't start specific training until July 11.  Probably about the same this year. 

The good part is it's not a lot different than what I do now, just a little longer.  The number of days and sessions will be the same, the main difference will be the length.  That will add about 3 - 4 hours to my weekly training.  But it is nice to pretty much keep the same schedule but that last month was just brutal though. 

I brought throw away stuff last year.  Needed it for the bike but was fine on the run.

Next race is Haines City. 

enjoy,

Duane 

Agree.  I stressed about stuff that I thought was important - most of it wasn't.  Other than clothes and nutrition, not much else mattered come race day.

welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.

Duane

I have family down there and I know the area very well.  If you want 60 miles, you will have to turn on 79 and do more of the course.  Resort to 79 is about 6 miles. If you go down 30a, you have more to see.  There are few long stretches were it will just be you looking at trees.  The headwind could be brutal on the way out.  However, you will have an awesome time coming back in.  Just becareful on 30a.  79 is a boring scene but safer in my opinion.

In addition to what the others have said, view each training opportunity as rehearsal.  Be sure to be conscious of your nutrition and clothing choices during your work outs - especially the long days.  That way when it comes time to make final preparations for the race you'll already know what works for you.

one last hint, have a plan 'A' and a plan 'B.'   Race day sometimes  usually brings a surprise or two.

Welcome to the long distance and to BT.

You could also join a mentor group.  Searching the message boards will usually yield good answers to any questions you might have.  You can also ask here.

What plan is everyone using? I am thinking of using endurance nation advanced 20wk plan.