Ironman Coeur d'Alene : Official Thread (Page 122)

Thanks.  As a firstimer, I've been asking other IMer's about their pacing strategy and what major traps I need to focus on. 

Today I was at my masters class and someone that did CdA in 2007 said our race has two major traps: (i) the swim on the left side of the beach inside the bouys is only for the fasties and (ii) The bike loop from miles 20-40 and 76-96. 

I was told to stay slightly right, mid way back on the beach for the swim and really watch the load during those two bike portions.  He said people have nice bike averages at the 20 mile mark and spend too many pennies trying to keep it in the hills.

Agree?             

It's the material.  Some tops do it do me too.  I'd find a top that does not do it as much or at all for race day.  I have one brand that never does it.  My Zoot tops are razors. 

I think people go out too hard for the first 20 on the bike anyhow, due to the excitement and all the spectators, AND THEN push it into the hills.

I always turn off my speed display when I'm racing distance.  I don't want to know and I don't want to react to it.  Power yes, speedometer no.

Great link, Thanks!!

Josh,

I know you won't be racing CDA, but are you going to be there?  Doing any of the run, bikes or swims?

All,

I finally updated my blog (link below)

*gasp*....18 days!

Taper?   What taper?

Due to a certain 22 month old deciding she wanted to be up all night last night, she promptly passed out in the jogging stroller, so I figured "what the hell"  and ran 10 miles (instead of the 6 I was planning).  Felt awesome.  Spent the whole run going over race day execution...which really seemed to put my mind at ease.

The wife is out of town this weekend, so I'll be stuck putting time in on the trainer, but I'm really looking forward to slacking off a bit next week. 

x2!! I was reading my RR from last year this morning... and then got a little misty and a lot of excited!! Looking forward to reading these RRs now when I have a few minutes here and there!!

Thanks for posting.  I found this one last year, and I agree that it's a gem.  I'm still working on the conversation between body and mind when I hit the line. 

Thanks.  Good stuff. 

I plan to soak as much of it in as I can.  I just hope I remember all of it after the race.  By the way, your 2007 finish photo has been in the back of my mind for months now.  I hope I feel/look the same way as you did in 2007.  The emotion in that picture is priceless.     

I caught whatever was going around here and have not felt well.  Luckily for me, it's not a case of the babies (maybe some day) and is just some sort of evil virus.  After three nights of almost 10 hours of sleep each, eating only soup and crackers, and no exercise, I'm starting to feel much better.  Honey badger don't give a $h1t any way!  I keep reminding myself that staying healthy and uninjured is #1 right now.

It's so fun to read through all of these race reports!  Even though I've read them all before, they're more meaningful now.

I'm in for a Friday am swim and maybe some other activities.

Home stretch, HBs.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=140722
 

That stinks.  Hope you feel better.  I just sent this email out company wide...(fro context: I own the company and we're a tight group..)

Subject: You germy little people...

I know everyone right now is OK but there is some form of cold/flu going around town.  With less than 2-1/2 weeks till the big race I cannot afford to get sick.  So, if you are not feeling well... stay the f*&% home!

I feel exhausted as I enter taper.  Normal?

I have to skip this am bike.  Dealing with daughter's hurt ankle and doctor's appointments.

I will swim this pm after work.

Signed,

Kenyan HB

Dear Kenyan HB,

  Taper is sort of like getting bit by a cobra. At first, it sort of causes you to pass out cause your body is worn from the load you've been putting on it and needs time to recover and peek for the race.  But, soon enough you're right back at it, eating cobra.  But you can't eat TOO much cobra cause you're not exercising as much as you before the taper...so watch your cobra intake.  You're also likely to be angry at cobras as well, cause they did bite you after all, but do not think that putting in extra time chasing the cobra during the taper will be beneficial. It won't. Ironman promises a plethora of cobras to chase and eat all day long, and it's best to reserve your energy and true abilities for the ultimate hunting day. 

  Taper is an emotional experience. Some are adept at dealing with it, and others go stir crazy. Get good sleep, good food, plenty of water, prep all your gear, and mentally walk your way through race day (i.e. hunting day). The highest quality cobra, mice, and larvae--and if you don't taper right, then some jackal or bird will take it from you while laughing and calling you stupid.  The taper helps prevent this occurrence.

  You are also likely to experience some odd aches and pains during taper week too.  But, just like the cobra venom, it causes some initial reactions, but in the long term it is nothing.  Again, just don't spend extra time chasing unnecessary snakes, especially ones that require you to climb trees, during taper time, and you should be okay...HBs are a resilient lot.

  So taper on HB!

Sincerely,

Dear Abby HB