Ironman Louisville : Official Thread (Page 13)

Originally posted by davidamitchell

I just don't know how in this day and age so many different elevation figures can be quoted. I've seen everything from 2,100 ft to 6,300 feet. How is this even remotely possible?

Originally posted by rjscott

I rode the course with my Garmin and showed similar elevation (6467 gain). I realize Garmin is notorious for faulty elevations, but this course is ANYTHING but flat. Pace, pace, pace.

Originally posted by rjscott

Becky, I've only raced IM Louisville once (2010), but grew up off Hwy 42 and know the area well. In my opinion, there are a few things that make the bike course challenging, and it's not really the hills. The roads, in particular River Road and 42, are not in the best of shape. Lot's of pot holes, cracks, pavement breaks, etc. that you need to look out for. Be especially careful around the first aid station at River Road and 42. It gets pretty packed that early in the bike, people are screaming down River Road, and the aid station is immediately before you make a left onto 42. I saw a guy go down very hard at this aid station in 2010.

To sum up the course I'd say it's up, down, up, down, up down...for 5 or 6 + hours. The hills aren't that steep, or long, but the rollers require you to constantly change gears and it can become pretty taxing mentally if nothing else. If you're without a compact crank, like me, I would recommend using an 11-27 rear cassette so you can spin up the hills and power down the other side.

My "for whatever it's worth" advice for the ride...take it easy on River Road heading out of town, even though you'll be getting passed like mad. Save it...you'll need it. The climb up 42 to the out and back can be challenging so don't overdo it. I personally think the outback is a fun section of the course and you can really build up some speed coming back toward 42....until you hit the hill of course (not very long though). 393 is what I would watch out for. This section can really take it out you if you're not careful. Nice and steady on the first loop and push a little harder on the second if you're feeling good. The last 30 miles are ever so slightly down hill and, as long as there's not too much wind, can be quite fast. Most of all enjoy the awesome scenery, great fan support in LaGrange, and be ready to run!

I hope you have a great race.

Originally posted by clemson05

The biggest piece of advice I have been given by numerous people who have done Louisville is pace yourself. I was told for the first 60-90 minutes try to go easier than you think you should. When you get to that pace, click down one more gear. After the first 90 min or so pace is everything. Pace based on hr, power, effort, or whatever method works for you but don't look at mph. I did 2 flat HIM races last year and my bike split mph was an average of 22-23mph. My coach told me not to look at mph because if I did I would probably see 16-17 average mph for most of the race.

My thought is an extra 30 minutes spent on the bike because I took it too easy will likely save me an hour of walking on the marathon. No one ever finished an IM and said I should have gone harder because I have plently of energy left. Worst case scenerio is you go too easy on the bike and run a faster than anticipated marathon.

Originally posted by pmtaylor621

Any word on the water temp?
Since it's been a pretty mild summer, is there ANY chance the swim could be wetsuit legal?

I did my first OWS without a wetsuit last night, and I just didn't feel as comfortable (granted, Lake Michigan feels much more brisk sans wetsuit).
Maybe I'm freaking myself out, but being able to swim in a wetsuit would be one less concern.

Then I focus 100% of my "freaking out" energy on the bike (nutrition, hydration, mechanical failures).

9 days people. See you in Louisville in a WEEK!!!!

Originally posted by scottyr7



I would say 0% chance of it being wetsuit legal. Look at it this way, when you signed up, you pretty much knew that it wouldn't be wetsuit legal, so just put that out of your mind. If it just so happens to be so, you get a bonus on race morning.

There is a chance of the temps being in the "wetsuit optional" range (76.2-83.8). Personally, I would not consider wearing one when the water temps are that warm. Even without a wetsuit in warm water, you are going to be dehydrated after that swim. I do not want to start my day in a bigger hole just to save a couple minutes on the swim.

Originally posted by SEADOCHA

more questions....

Do we check our bikes in on Sat or Sun? What time? I don't see it in the guide

Do we check gear bags and special needs bags in on Saturday or race morning?

Originally posted by CCS_56_EX

Just got notified by the Marriott Residence Inn that they are overbooked, and my PAID reservation from FEBRUARY is cancelled. Did anyone else get booted from there?

Originally posted by scottyr7



I would say 0% chance of it being wetsuit legal. Look at it this way, when you signed up, you pretty much knew that it wouldn't be wetsuit legal, so just put that out of your mind. If it just so happens to be so, you get a bonus on race morning.

There is a chance of the temps being in the "wetsuit optional" range (76.2-83.8). Personally, I would not consider wearing one when the water temps are that warm. Even without a wetsuit in warm water, you are going to be dehydrated after that swim. I do not want to start my day in a bigger hole just to save a couple minutes on the swim.

Originally posted by riplash



I think there is a good chance it will be wetsuit legal. A lake in Columbia Maryland (We call it Goose Crap Lake) has normally been 86 or 87 each year, and today the temperature is 78. Tomorrows race may be wetsuit legal if it is a cool night. I think streams, creeks, and rivers tend to be a little cooler than lakes anyway.

I haven't found any river temperatures listed around Louisville yet. But even if it is wetsuit legal, I am not sure I am going to wear mine (if I even take it). I get pretty toasty swimming in 77 degree water without a wetsuit, and don't want to be overheated before I even start the bike.

-Rip

Originally posted by Calvin386

Ironman's FB page says that if the temp ends up in the gray area, athletes choosing to wear wetsuits will start after the last non-wetsuit athlete enters the water.

I'm not wearing a wetsuit no matter what the temp is. I didn't train with one so I'm not changing it up in the last week.

Originally posted by CCS_56_EX

Just got notified by the Marriott Residence Inn that they are overbooked, and my PAID reservation from FEBRUARY is cancelled. Did anyone else get booted from there?