Ironman 70.3 Syracuse : Official Thread (Page 2)

Well I have begun training about a month ago, and my entire training schedule for this upcoming race season is gear towards this race. I am still not able to 100% commit to this race due to employment obligations, but it is on my schedule and I am training as IF I am going to do the race. I hope to actually be able to sign up for it in the coming month or so, hoping it doesn't sell out before then!

I'm surprised it hasn't sold out yet.  The week it opened a fellow BTer told me he thought it'd sell out that week!

I decided to go with the Athena category, so hopefully there are other BT Clydesdales and Athenas on here!

My 20-week HIM training program starts 1 week from today.  Can't wait to have some additional structure to my workouts rather than, "hmmmmmm... what do I feel like doing today?"  I'm assuming that this hasn't sold out yet because it's the first time it's being held.  I've heard that first time races can be a little ugly from a organization-perspective.

Good luck with your IM training!

Just had a real bad experience in NOLA 70.3 with 1-2 foot swells in the water. Any one know what the swim is like?

I don't think you'll have anything like that to worry about.  It is not a large lake and from what I've heard, it's pretty shallow.  Here's a link to the swim course on the IM Syr website...

http://www.ironmansyracuse.com/1swim-course

 

Aww, sorry for the swells, that's CRAZY!  I've never seen anything like that in a NY tri.  There's another BT person on the IMLakePlacid thread (JackJack) and she was down in NOLA too!

p.s. the water can get unpredictable no matter where you go...the weather and the # of swimmers would make a difference, I'm assuming.  Lake George tri had decent water one year and last year I was tossed around quite a bit!

I pulled the trigger and registered yesterday!

What are people's thoughts on the course maps (any locals?)?  Run looks like a nice cruise, Bike also seems pretty straightforward with a nice downward slope for the last 8 or 9 miles.

I'm midway through training for the NYC Tri, so I'm picking up my training schedule to 5-6 days/week and going to get back on it after a short recovery from NYC.

-matthew

Starting the BT plan next week as it looks like that will be 20 wks out...or my math could be off a bit. I followed the BT IM plan for Lake Placid last year and thought it worked out well.  Been sitting around for 8 months though so I need to get back out there. Should be a fun race

Hey all, I'm a newcomer triathlete, but not new to running or swiming. I just finished my first 1/2 marathon last week, and I signed up for the Syracuse HIM. My training program started today, and I officially registered today. Also, if you haven't registered yet, fleet feet of syracuse NY has a coupon for $50 off for the first 500 people that sign up... just google it and you'll find the code. I'm really excited and looking forward to the race...although I am def a little bit nervous. Any advice would be great... has anyone done this race before? Any local advice? The bike ride looks pretty intense, 56 miles of mainly uphill...

Welcome, Brian!  This is the first year for this race.  Have you done any other triathlons before?  If not, I would highly recommend signing up for a sprint and an olympic distance before taking on this HIM.  It will give you a good feel for what to expect on race day, as well as help to build up your distances.  If you come from a swimming and running background, you should do fine.  Stick to your training plan, do a couple warmup races and enjoy... that's my only advice.  Good luck!

is my Math off...i saw next week as 20wks out?  I'm probably wrong..usually am but just want to make sure

20 weeks from this Sunday...

you will not encounter a single wave.  and if you do, you should be more concerned about the wind on the bike course.


this is a small resevoir, I swim in it weekly during the summer.  The seaweed is a mess, but I imagine they will clean that all up before the race.

this will be an easy swim conditions wise.

first year of the race, though Ive ridden the bike course a few times.

first 15-20 miles is rather challanging.  the back side of the course is very beautiful and the last 15 miles is FAST FAST FAST.

all down hill the way back!

the run is basically all down hill.

Michael... thanks for the information.  What is the anticipated water temp that time of year?  Will it be a wetsuit legal swim?  Thanks.
Bill

Is the course technical enough that a road bike with compact cassette is best or will tri bike be ok? Thanks

Cusetri- thanks for the advice, I'm going to do a sprint and maybe an olympic between now and the Syracuse HIM. Thank god the bike course sounds a little more manageable. How many miles per week are you riding to build yourself up to that? I feel like for me, that is going to be the most challenging part. Right now my training program is 20-35 miles 3 times a week so about 60-70miles per week for the first few and then gradually increasing. Also, there's only a few places around here (Durham/Raleigh NC) with courses that are long enough so I've been doing a mix between on the road and on the trainer. Do you think being on the trainer half the time will affect my training negatively? As far as my goals for this race, I just want to finish and feel good finishing, not in it to win my age class or anything... not yet at least!

Maybe we should plan a meetup when we all get to the event or expo?

it should absolutely be wet suit legal.

mid september, my guess is right around 70....

no, Tri bike would be best.  no huge climbs (well, there is 1, but it is very short and is preceeded by a HUGE downhill, so your momentum will get you 1/4-1/2 way upit.  More gradual climbs. 

I have a standard crank and a 12-25 cassette, and I never wished I had more gearing.

I think most would be OK with that set-up, though some should consider a compact crank or 12-27 as to not blow up in the first 12 miles or so.

another cheap option is to swap out your front chain ring for a smaller option.  much cheaper than getting a new crank.

take a look at your anticipated bike time...if you will be MOP, you probably want a 12-27.  BOP, consider even esaier gearing.

 

How many miles per week are you riding to build yourself up to that?
everyone is different.  For a HIM, *I think* to get your best current potential, a few max weeks of 130-150 MPW would be great.  This is certainly not remotely necessary to finish with a smile.  2 trainer rides of 1 hour with intervals/tempo work, and 1 long ride of 3-4 hours would be fine. 

I think starting out at 60-70 and gradully increasing is smart.  Keep in mind, a long ride is key.  I would try and do several  (5 or so, more is better) 60 mile rides, or 4 hours, whichever comes first.  This will give you a real good idea of how you are going to feel off the bike, and the right effort in order to run.

Do you think being on the trainer half the time will affect my training negatively?
not at all!  In fact, it will probably help it.  I'm on the trainer 2 times per week.  Interval/tempo work is much easier on a trainer as there are no stop signs, no hills, no lights...you are constantly pedaling.  I prefer long rides to be outside.  the key is to ride, there is no "better" way.  the best way is to just ride, doesnt matter where it is.

THERE WAS A FREAKING COUPON FOR THIS THINGS?!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FWIW - I followed the BT plan for the Musselman HIM and it was perfect for me (I made some swims more challenging since I come from a swimming background).

My trainer was the best investment for bike training!  I agree with cusetri guy on this one. =)  Nothing negative about that other than a little wear on your tires.

If all goes well I will be registering for this race this weekend! I am really excited as not only will this be my first HIM, but I will also be doing the race with an old high school friend that I have seen in over 20yrs!

No tri-bike for me, I will still be riding my trusty old Trek 1000. I have done a lot of 50-60 mile bike rides on this trusty bike over last summer and well, I am hoping that it will suffice for this race as well.