General Discussion Iron Distance Race Groups » Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread Rss Feed  
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2012-04-19 11:26 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

I did this race the first year and probably going back this year. I recommend staying at the hosting hotel for the ease of race day.   The bike coarse is extremely hard, but lots of fun.   The run is completely flat.  The biggest issue with the first year like said earlier was the temp got well over 90 with very high humidity and zero breeze. 

To give you an idea the difference in difficulty of the bike coarse I averaged 19.1 MPH in Branson and 23.9 MPH the very next month in Austin.   I Have to go back this year and improve on my first go around. 

The town puts on a very good race with lots of spectators. Running through the downtown area really gives you a boost when you need it.  The only way I would recommend against this race is if you are looking for a PR.  I talked to several guys after the race that where use to going low 5 to mid 5 hours and ended up High 5 hours to low 6 hours.  It may be different with better weather though.



2012-05-02 10:29 AM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

My 20-week plan starts next week. I'm going to use the Fitzgerald Level 6 this time.

 

How about everybody else? What training plan (if any) are you using? I'm starting to get that good feeling of "officially" starting to train for an "A" race. It really gets me focused and I enjoy the training more when it's geared toward a particular race.

2012-05-16 11:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
This will be my first HIM, so I am going with a 16 week intermediate. Looking forward to the challenge!
2012-05-23 4:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Here is a smoking hot deal on the entry fee for the next week - 40% off!!!

http://schwaggle.active.com/deal/10170/40-percent-off-ironman-703-b...
2012-05-24 6:11 AM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Are people that afraid of the bike course? Has anyone seen registration numbers so far for the race? It must be pretty low if they are offering a 70.3 for $120.00.
2012-05-24 8:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
^^The bike is pretty grueling, but I enjoyed more than other races. Very scenic, nice roads, and a blast going 50+ mph down hill. At 120 I may just sign up now.


2012-05-24 8:32 AM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

Hopefully others will be convinced to sign up. One of the reasons I picked this race was I wanted to do a MDOT 70.3 so there would be more people. I have done a non-mdot 70.3 and wanted to experience one with more racers on the course.

 

Everything I have read about the race has been positive, but everyone always says the bike is tough. I think people hear and read that and then see the average finish times and say no thanks.

2012-05-24 1:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
sulross - 2012-05-23 4:01 PM

Here is a smoking hot deal on the entry fee for the next week - 40% off!!!

http://schwaggle.active.com/deal/10170/40-percent-off-ironman-703-b...


I've been on the fence about this race (mostly due to the bike hills), but that discount might just seal the deal for me. I've driven a lot of the bike course before and it IS beautiful. I guess as long as I'm not expecting to PR, it could be a lot of fun.

Edited by LindaKC 2012-05-24 1:52 PM
2012-05-24 2:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Is this Schwaggle site legitimate?  Has anyone ever used it before?
2012-05-24 3:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Anyone have an idea how many have signed up so far? The participant list on the web site is 2011.
Thanks
2012-05-24 3:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
yes, schwaggle is legit. i have used it a few times, one of which was for this race registration. I am looking forward to it even though the bike is challenging. it will be part of my "get ready for IM Florida" training. Just finished IM Texas and enjoying the recovery for now...


2012-05-25 12:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

Thanks Anne,

I just registered using the Schwaggle discount and it was very easy.  This will be my first HIM.  Thanks for setting my mind at ease.  What a great savings for someone who was going to do the race anyway!!

Congrats on your great finish time at IM Texas.  I followed it online last Saturday.   Sounds like there are some questions as to whether the race will occur there next year?

Take care

Mark

2012-05-25 1:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
I'm in! Thanks for the heads up on the Schwaggle deal.  Going back for redemption after the bike course crushed me two years ago.  Still one of my favorite races.
2012-05-25 2:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Just less then four months to go!!! Howz everyone's training (or lacl thereof) going? This will be my first HIM race so I know I'll PR in it. I would like to finish in less then 6 and 1/2 hours (6:29:59). Every Tuesday night i do this group ride known as "Hills from Hell"..is pretty tough. Not as tough as the Branson course, but I think it'll get me in decent enough shape for it.

Since this is my first HIM race...I know that there are aid stations on the bike course every 15 miles or so. My question is this...do you just toss your empty water bottle before aid station and grab on from a volunteer as you bike on by (slowing down of course)?

Edited by pgp306 2012-05-25 3:00 PM
2012-05-25 2:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
g_shotts - 2012-01-25 9:55 AM

TriBoilermaker - 2012-01-16 8:48 AM From those that have done the race before, where did you stay and would you stay there again? I have been looking at the host hotel, but I normally like to stay away from all the pre-race hype. I have enough of my own anxiety!!

I stayed at the Hilton by Branson Landing. Nice location and room. They let people do late check-out on Sunday so you could walk over and shower after the race. Was able to walk over and set up T2 on race morning, then caught the bus to the start! A little spendy, but I thought it was worth it!



That is were we'll be staying as well. I was able to get a military discount...so not too bad on the price (about $110 per night).

As far as setting up T1 is concerned....I know you have to rack your bike on that Saturday, but do you have access to your transtion set-up to put the rest of stuff there (shoes, helmet, etc)? Thanks!!
2012-05-26 2:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

Did a couple loops on 465 to the turnaround today.  Here is the data from Strava for one lap if anyone is interested.  It really doesn't show anything you dont already know though!  Very tough, but doable.

http://app.strava.com/rides/9371471

Happy training.



2012-05-28 7:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Thanks for posting this discount link! I went ahead and spent 2 bucks on joining Schwaggle for 30 days trial membership to receive an even deeper discount. 96 dollars total! This is my first HIM and am very excited to compete in such scenic surroundings.
2012-05-29 5:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

On 2010, race day was unseasonably hot, but this will be my second time doing HIM Branson and it kicked my butt the first time around, so I'm going for revenge. Like everyone says the bike course is challenging, but this triathlon will make you earn that finisher's medal. I would recommend anyone who wants a great experience and challenge to sign up and with the Schwaggle deal it's a no brainer. The swim is in very clear water and the is flat with lots of spectators on the landing. 

Wanna have something to brag about other than a full IM? Do Branson HIM. 

2012-05-31 11:26 AM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
I'll be in Branson June 30th-July 5th if anyone would like to hook up and ride the coarse. I'm wanting to ride the loops a few times that week to see where I can conserve more. I cooked myself way to bad on the bike 2010. Think if I come off the bike with way better legs and some cooler temps I could get into 1:40s on the run even if I have to give up 15mins on the bike.
2012-06-01 5:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Signed up... the reviews of this race seem too good to pass up. Got in on the schwaggle deal. I expect to have my handed to me, but that makes the finish that much better.
2012-06-03 12:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
Got the Schwaggle deal, I'm in!  Mainly because I broke my collar bone 4 weeks ago and can't do Kansas next weekend.  Looking forward to the hills, the heat and the hops (beer) afterwards.


2012-06-03 1:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

EKH - 2012-03-20 12:33 PM
TriBoilermaker - 2012-03-20 10:33 AMWhy do you think the numbers are low for this race? Are people afraid of the bike course?
I'm sure that is the main reason. It is ranked as the hardest 70.3 put on by Ironman.

I think the numbers were low also because the 70.3 World Championships (out west somewhere, Vegas I think) were either the week before or the week after.

2012-06-13 1:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

In week 6 of the 20 week plan. Getting tougher but feeling good so far.

 

Hope everybody is having good training weeks. Can't wait to hit those hills!!

2012-06-26 7:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread
I'm wondering if I should throw my name in the hat? I've been pretty lazy since st. George....
2012-06-28 10:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread

I did Branson last year as my first HIM.....great race!  The bike is an absolute hoot.....either 45+ bonzai runs downhill or 10mph climbs for 10-15 minutes.....almost nothing in between.  Still, the bike course is absolutely beautiful on a closed 4 lane divided highway through the Ozark Mountains.

I had one training ride over 50 miles because I spent most of my training riding up and down any hill I could find....it served me well and made for an enjoyable race.

I'd do it again in a heart beat if I wasn't a "been there/done that" kind of person.  But I've never been sorry I did that race.
 

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