Ford Ironman Wisconsin : Official Thread (Page 16)

1. Is this your first IM? Yes
2. Have you done IMWI before? No
3. What are your goals for the 2011 race? To finish strong and to enjoy the experience. I do have a specific time goal but that is only being shared with myself.
4. How/Why did you select the Ironman Wisconsin race? I chose IMOO because the time of year would allow for adequate training, it's close to family/friends, and I heard it is one of the best events for racers and spectators.
5. Do you have any specific questions that you wish addressed about IMWI; the race, training etc...?
Is the bike course as tough as people make it out to be or will it be like a Sunday ride through the mountains topped off with a painful marathon? 

FYI . . . They are not changing the course

1. Is this your first IM? Yes
AWESOME!! This is a great choice for a first IM race! It was my first in 2007.

2. Have you done IMWI before? No
No worries! The crowds will bring you up when you're struggling! (There WILL be some struggling)

3. What are your goals for the 2011 race? To finish strong and to enjoy the experience. I do have a specific time goal but that is only being shared with myself.
You are in it for the right reasons, don't push too hard for the time goal. If you're on top of your nutrition and you control what you can control, the time goal will work out on it's own.

4. How/Why did you select the Ironman Wisconsin race? I chose IMOO because the time of year would allow for adequate training, it's close to family/friends, and I heard it is one of the best events for racers and spectators.
You heard correct!

5. Do you have any specific questions that you wish addressed about IMWI; the race, training etc...?
Is the bike course as tough as people make it out to be or will it be like a Sunday ride through the mountains topped off with a painful marathon? 
It's nowhere near as bad as some make it out to be. The "mountains" are rolling hills and the marathon is a blast! The volunteers and spectators are world class!!

I am doing Racine also, as are lots of others here. My coach says it lines up great in the plan.

I'm with you Pam! I have been on "spring break" for school, wish the weather would have cooperated. Only got outside 1 day (Monday) for my first outdoor ride of the season. The rest of the week has been indoors. Now back to school and the weather is looking better for this week...

Good info thanks for posting.

What's power?

Fred Doucette - 2010-09-24 6:40 PM Kristen you know that *I* have very strong opinions on bike gearing for ironman course racing.

Quick summary of the 'Fred' view of Ironman Bike Rules:
1. Bike MUST be comfortable. Whether it's a road or a tri bike, it has to be comfy. This includes the saddle. For those who get uncomfortabe, consider a Cobb saddle. I don't ride one, but personally feel as though they are the bees knees for people who have troubles in this area.
2. Bike shoes are very important. I don't use tri shoes, but ride regular road biking shoes. It's what works for me. Feet swell on ironman distance rides and comfort here is paramount.
3. Gearing! I suspect a majority of riders are improperly geared for ironman course racing in relation to their bike split time. What I mean by this is that people don't have 'enough' gears to allow saving their legs enough for a realistic chance at a good ironman run. That is to realize their potential for the run.

Interestingly enough the people responding so far in this thread seem to understand this stuff extremely well. ie; they are using 12-27,28 with and without compact cranks.

There ARE drawbacks to using a compact or a 12-28. But imho there are far more plusses.

I hope we can continue this sort of discussion! Thanks

HOWEVER NEVER ANY MENTION OF WHAT FRONT GEARS YOU’RE RUNNING........ THIS ALSO HAS A HUGE FACTOR ON YOUR CASSET AND IT SESMS MOST PEOPLE ARE REFERING "COMPACT" TO THEIR CASSET NOT FRONT GEARS, AND CRANK LENGTH ALSO HAS AN AFFECT ON GEARS......