Ironman Wisconsin : Official Thread (Page 12)

The bike course was not marked last year when I rode one loop prior to the race (which I volunteered for).  I took a map and just used that.  I did get "lost" but it was only a quick detour before I was back on track.  Sounds like you either take a map, a friend/acquaintance who knows the course, or buy a computer with the map preloaded (that would be sweet).

Good luck!

If it helps I made this little 3x3 bike card that I am gonna carry with that lists all the turns - not great but better than pulling out a map.  I just cut it out and used some of the self laminating sheets and it works perfect - although you might go blind reading it cause its so small haha

Tim - I've heard they are doing construction on the stick.  Not sure when it will be done though. Can anyone confirm this?  And thanks for the handy dandy card!  

The last time I drove the stick there were construction signs going up but I don't know if it is for the whole of Whalen rode or just a section.  I'll see if I can drive out their today for a look.

here's the map of the Devil's Head hill.  It doesn't look that bad on paper but it is a heck of a lot harder then anything I have done before.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/81682897

You have heard correct about the "Stick" on the way back, as there are still hills, but to ease anyones thoughts about riding up Monona Terrace at the end, do not stress over it; it is not a hard ride up. Honestly, I never rode the stick before my first IMWI, and I live here, and I still do not ride it. 

Nicole

I know that hill very well and it is tough. For more fun, take Tower to Neuman and do it a few times

OK, I just started the 20 Week BT Intermediate IM training plan for IMWI and have a question.

It obviously has structured workouts every day of the week, but with my schedule I'm planning to shift a lot of the workouts around throughout the week.  So is that generally ok with the important factor being that I get the total volume for the week in per the plan?

Also, my base training is already higher than the weekly plan in the early weeks so I'm assuming it's ok if I go over on hours the first few weeks.

Just checking to see how things were going here and noticed the Rev3 & Devil's Head came up. I rode that course a few weeks ago. That hill is a beast. Much of the difficulty comes in the first half of it where it's always up at some angle and changes grade noticeably and frequently. Can't get much of a rhythm. The second half is less difficult with some false flats in there spacing it out, still going up but possible to catch your breath better. I have a video, but it wobbles like crazy.

The loop up there would make a nice alternative to practicing on the IMWI course all the time. If you can make that, you can handle the Wisconsin course. They have similar enough terrain with lots of up and down with not much really flat. The loops are within a couple miles of being the same size too. I did make it around twice with a 42 x 23 bottom end, but would highly recommend people go lower than that. Quite a bit lower. Use what you're thinking for IMWI.

Tuwood,

This is only my second year of triathlon training, but I read a lot.  Nevertheless, I am not a training coach or certified YET. 

What I have read in Gale Bernhardt's book is the following:

-It is fine to flip flop your workouts.  Just make sure your "Breakthrough Workouts" and strength training sessions are 48 hours apart.

-Do not try to make up missed week day workouts on your weekend workouts.

Others can chime in if they agree, but that seems to be safe and sound advice.  As far as base hours go, I'd see no reason to cut down on the hours.  I'd make sure you are implementing a step-back week every 4th week or so.

To healthy training!

If memory serves me correctly, I believe I've seen some posts about group rides of the IMWI course on this forum. I suspect if you post a date that you had in mind to ride the course, there would likely be a local (or 2) that would know the course and accompany you for a ride. Otherwise, there is a free group training weekend the weekend of June 22 through Team Evotri. I'll upload the link later this evening.

http://www.visionquestcoaching.com/coaching/clinics-seminars/madison-rides/

Here's the link: www.wisconsinbrickadventure.com/

If you know when you are planning on being in Madison/Verona for the ride post the date here.  I am sure there are a few people who would go on the ride with you that know the course.  I, for one, would be happy to have another reason to ride the course.  I know a few other non-BT'ers who would most likely join us as well.

X2... I mapped out a route leaving Verona that takes you into the west side of Mt. Horeb that has some killer climbs (one at 22% grade).

Well, I did my longest ride to date on my bike yesterday.  54 miles on the KK trainer.  So much more to come

You are definitely much more manly (that includes any women who accomplish this as well)  than I am.  54 miles on a trainer is a nightmare come true.  

lol, I actually prefer riding on the trainer.  I feel I get a much better workout and its far less boring because I can watch movies, chat with my and kids.

On this ride I watched two movies.  Kick-A$$ (good) and Volcano (kinda dumb) on netflix.