Ironman Florida : Official Thread (Page 16)

We usually meet at 8am on the boardwalk to do a group swim.  It will be my 7th IMFL and its a lot of fun.  we usually set it up in the weeks approaching the race.  

I would book a hotel sooner rather than later if you want something walking distance.  Yeah you could luck out but I prefer being closer.  Some people like being a few miles away but not having to deal with parking before and after the race is pretty nice.  I don't feel there is much chaos around the venue.  Honestly one of the strengths of this race is the amount of close housing.  You probably won't get into boardwalk, but Sunbird, Long wharf and shores of panama are all close.  THere are a few going the other way too but I do'n teknow those as well.  Go on http://www.vrbo.com Please be aware even tho that site may SAY something is open IMFL week it doesn't mean it actually IS open so send out a bunch of emails

Anyone doing BSLT IM 70.3?  I've finally decided to do it even though my long run to date is 8 miles.  The run will probably be a suffer fest, but I think I won't hurt myself.  The swim and bike should be ok.  After that I start the 1/2 to Full training plan. 

I learned last year to take my own nutrition and, especially, drink.  The new Power Bar Perform they're serving I just cannot handle.  Got dehydrated last year.

Could be pancake flat or 5 foot waves.  VERY weather dependent.  Itsi usually windy at PCB so usually SOME kind of waves.  The two loop thing ROCKS....get upright wash the salt water out of your mouth (They have a water station between loops) Get back in and GO.  Breaks up the monotomy but that is just my opinion. 

The BEST advice I can give you is get some tinted or mirrored goggles.  When you come across the top of the course the sun will be DIRECTLY in your eyes.  If you don't have tinted goggles you will be near blind.  Swim the course before the race and stop and pick out land marks to look for.  Its much easier to see a 20 story buliding than a 12 foot arch way from 1/2 mile out in the ocean in swells.  Also swimming beforehand will give you a feel for current etc.  Learn how to body surf too.  I have taught many a BTer this and happy to do it again but it makes it more fun and faster coming in esp if there are bigger waves.  Usually we have group BT swims at least thurs-fri before the race so you can go in with a group of people. 

You should be good.  Lots of time to get all the little things done and not get in any hurry.  Time to enjoy the event that way.

You'll still be busy.  I'm always amazed at how the time just escapes.  One thing you do want to be aware of is how much you're walking.  You will be super trained.  you will be super rested.  Walking a mile or two will be nothing.  BUT watch out.  Time on your feet takes its toll, and at the end of the marathon your feet will remember if you overdid the walking and standing around.  Especially the day before (you'll read this advise everywhere) stay off your feet as much as possible.  

I still walk down the beach a 1/2 mile and swim and go to the expo once, but it's easy to overdo with the excitement.

17 weeks actually.

I did the 1/2 IM at Buffalo Springs Lake last weekend and survived.  I cannot believe that I was able to do it on only about 6 weeks of training.  The swim and the bike were ok, but of course I ran out of training at about mile nine on the run, but I didn't hurt myself - and that's a key.

Found a great massage therapist this week and she really helped my muscles relax and loosen up.

Think I've finished the base building part, now to start the ramp up and start adding a little speed work.

I remain hopelessly optimistic.  17 weeks, heck anything is possible, eh?

Originally posted by rjrankin83

Originally posted by jashac

Originally posted by rjrankin83

Originally posted by jashac

Originally posted by rjrankin83 Schedule of events hasn't been announced yet. I'm booked to arrive Wednesday the 30 because things seem to get started on Wednesday last year. Safe assumption?

You should be good.  Lots of time to get all the little things done and not get in any hurry.  Time to enjoy the event that way.

Thanks. That's what I was hoping to hear. This being my first I didn't want to rush anything

You'll still be busy.  I'm always amazed at how the time just escapes.  One thing you do want to be aware of is how much you're walking.  You will be super trained.  you will be super rested.  Walking a mile or two will be nothing.  BUT watch out.  Time on your feet takes its toll, and at the end of the marathon your feet will remember if you overdid the walking and standing around.  Especially the day before (you'll read this advise everywhere) stay off your feet as much as possible.  

I still walk down the beach a 1/2 mile and swim and go to the expo once, but it's easy to overdo with the excitement.

Solid advice. Hadn't heard that before. May get my sherpa to push me around in a wheelchair all week

I was jealous of the people that brought chairs to stand in the registration line. :D