Ironman 70.3 Racine : Official Thread (Page 16)

A few more logistics questions.  It's probably been covered earlier, but I'd rather not have to go back through all the pages.

Is there an easy place for my wife to drop me off at transition in the morning?  Or are most of the streets close to transition already closed?  Similarly where do spectators park?  My wife may not arrive until closer to 9am or so.  Where have your family and friends parked in the past?  Thanks!

Can't believe race week is actually here!

The current water temp map is showing a refreshing 35 degrees .  I am assuming that can't be right.

http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/michigan/m61.html

From what I remember you can get right by the transition area to be dropped off.  Parking was very full on the surrounding streets but there were some pay parking lots.  We were able to find a street spot around 6:15am* but that took a while. 

*and yes I was completely unprepared last year as I thought transition closed at 6:45am.  I wish someone could have taken a picture of my face as I was walking into transition and heard -"Transition will be closing in 1 minute".  After having to basically get yelled at a couple times I was able to get set up but my HR was probably in Z5 for about 15 minutes haha.  This year I will make it on time!

I was carefully reading the Athlete Guide.  On page 14, it says that "pumps will not be accepted in transition or allowed to remain in or around your designated transition spot".  Makes sense- would be pretty dangerous with 2,000 pumps in trasition.  I'll assume this to mean that we can pump up and then get rid of the pump.  Some have mentioned how small each transition spot is.  I usually bring a trasition bag with all of my stuff - not big at all and never been an issue at any other shorter race I have done.  Not sure what we'll (my wife and I are both doing this) do with our pump, but will they kick our bags transition?

I'll remember not to bring my transition bucket though. 

This doesn't make sense. I've done 3 WTC events and there was always room for my bag. Not a lot of space, mind you, but as long as you stay in your defined space there isn't an issue. Hopefully this is not any different.

On a totally unrelated topic. I would like to get a swim in on Saturday. Is it possible to do this on the swim course? If not, any other options?

Sorry, I posted while you were responding. This makes sense. Mine normally goes under my bike, so I'm glad to hear this.

Thanks.  I'll check it out Saturday when I rack my bike. 

Wait, the race is this coming Sunday?

Last year there was bike tech inside the transition area.  I forgot to bring my pump and took my bike over to them to get some air in my tires. The line wasn't too long, bBut as transition got closer and closer to closing, the line got longer and longer for bike tech.

You can absolutely swim in the lake on Saturday.  Not the exact course just because of boat and jet ski traffice, but you will get the idea.  There is a section that is buoyed off or you can always go outside of that.  My only caution if you do that are the jet skis.  Either way you can get in and get a good feel for the temps.  There will be plenty of people out there doing just that too.  It's a really great beach.

Amy

Great! Thanks so much! I've not been in water that cold very often, so it will definitely be helpful. Appreciate the response!

Scott

The temps lately have taken some getting used to that's for sure.  Take your time going in because it can take your breath away but then just get moving!  It's been a toss up what is the coldest- your face or your hands (only because your feet are numb). My hope is that it will warm up enough to not be painful.  Either way it is what it is and we'll all be wishing for the cold water by the time the run comes!

WOW!  I just found this thread (actually the link was given to me)... what a gift. I'll certainly be busy reading tonight .  This will be my first HIM and I'm already getting fun nervous butterflies... I know I can do it but I'm going back and forth in my mind about how hard to push (or not).  I've done Sprints & Olympics (did Pleasant Prairie Oly 2 weeks ago) and hadn't thought of an HIM until my friend pointed out Racine being on my birthday this year... So, I'm doing it!  I figure no better way to feel alive on my birthday than actually feel every fiber of my body...right?  Anyway, I'll be reading all your great posts to get every tip possible... If there are any tips you think weren't mentioned, feel free to add them on...I'll get to them soon!!  If not, I'll see you (or maybe you'll see me) at the race.  I'll be the one with something on my back saying something like "It's my Birthday, I can cry if I want to" and/or "birthday Racer" - and, as you might guess from my user name, I have Zipps on my bike... not that those will stand out at this venue- lol.

Anyway, GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Hey CYNDI !!!  I met you (and a friend of yours) at the Lake Andrea Open Water swim just a few weeks (right before the Pleasant Prairie Olypmic a few weeks ago!  You both were so sweet and you were the one that told me about this site!!  Thanks!  It's been a wealth of knowledge!  Looking forward to Racine now - Only a few days away now... eeeeeek!

I knew you looked familiar too... I met You and Cyndi at one of Lake Andrea's open water swims a few weeks back (prior to PP Oly).. You guys were GREAT!  Hope to see you up at Racine!