Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon (Page 3)

Flat, by any standard, not technical. One hill at mile 50. Nothing big. I did it with 11-21 and was fine, and way back when (2 years ago), turned a 21.9 average on it.

The entire trick to the race is the lack of shade...there is ZERO shade on the bike or run, it hits a lot of folks hard if they don't hydrate or nutritionate.  Yeah, that's a word.

You could killit. But the competition might, too...now that it's 70.3, and in the midwest, lots of folks are there to go fast...it's local (low cost to reach for most of the midwest), and it's a qualifier.  And it's a tune-up for the wisconsin, kentucky, and other IM'ers. There will be good talent here. 

I know these races tend to be very competitive (the main reason I enjoy this series) and toeing the line with this fast dudes is what motivates me to train/race. It won't be a fun or a pretty showing that's for sure but I can only try! (and pray that Alaina and Dan don't whip my azz to bad, lol)

amiine - 2008-07-25 8:57 AM

trixie - 2008-07-25 7:55 AM You're Mexican?

Yes, how do you think I start with the traithlon thingy! just ask Ryan/Alaina they will tell you why

Oh, I know 

I raced it last year and trained on it a couple of times leading up to that race.  I also rode the bike course last week.  Definitely not a technical ride.  Some rollers but nothing major that hill at ~ mile 50, while not huge definitely makes you work.  My racing HR was about low-140's and got up to 159bpm on that sucker last year.

There's a good hill right out of the gates in the first 5 miles.  During mile 4 you gain ~125 feet (~2.5%grade).  Miles 5-40 have rollers but nothing major and have a net decline in elevation.  This will be the fastest portion of the ride.  Miles 40-53 have a greater density of rollers and a net elevation gain, including that one hill that seems to sneak up on you at around mile 50.  The last 2-3 miles have that mile-long 2.5% grade descent that allows you to spin nicely into transition.

There are not a ton of hills, but it's rolling enough to keep it interesting.  I think they've done a good job limiting the turns/technical nature.  There are, however, very few long flat stretches.  Its very typical of the terrain I ride on throughout southwest Michigan.

While riding the course last week, which they have marked pretty well with white arrows spray-painted on the roads (they also painted the potholes), I noticed a couple of important changes vs. 2007. 

1. The east-bound section on Haggar Shores Road has a sizeable section that is recent Chip&Seal from about miles 13 though 19.   This is pretty rough road, so expect greater vibration/rolling resistance.
2. Miles 36-43 were re-routed to use southwest-bound Blue Star Highway instead of southbound 76th to west-bound CR376 as described on the website.  The postive is that this section of Blue Star Highway is newly paved and heavenly to ride.  The downside is a few more rollers and more elevation to gain (and loose).

Here is the course from 2007 and what's on the website today.  Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Bike - 7/31/07 Update

Here is what I observed riding it on 7/15.  Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Bike - 2008

jazz82482 - 2008-07-25 9:54 AM

mbmoran2 - 2008-07-25 10:50 AM Damn! I just gave away my homecourt advantage...

Haha, we are all very greatful I remember the course feeling sort of flat- no major climbs, but more of a false flat at times. I do remember some crappy portions of pavement, but then again, I wasn't used to the lovely MI roads yet Nothing technical, a few turns, but if the course gets crowded, you have to watch out for some major a$$holes trying to cut you off at a few of them.

Thank you for the info everyone, that's very helpful; now I can continue to stress over the weekend as to how the h3ll I am supposed to do this and on top of that avoid Alaina beating me to the finish line 

amiine - 2008-07-25 11:07 AM

jazz82482 - 2008-07-25 9:54 AM

mbmoran2 - 2008-07-25 10:50 AM Damn! I just gave away my homecourt advantage...

Haha, we are all very greatful I remember the course feeling sort of flat- no major climbs, but more of a false flat at times. I do remember some crappy portions of pavement, but then again, I wasn't used to the lovely MI roads yet Nothing technical, a few turns, but if the course gets crowded, you have to watch out for some major a$$holes trying to cut you off at a few of them.

I was reading on ST that the course gets very crowded and drafting was an issue last year. I can see this happening as for instance I am on wave 13 (out of 15-16?) so it will get interesting...

Thank you for the info everyone, that's very helpful; now I can continue to stress over the weekend as to how the h3ll I am supposed to do this and on top of that avoid Alaina beating me to the finish line

You know where she'll be staying.  You could just lock her in her room. 

I guess it's fine time I join in the smack talk!

First things first... I am bringing up a Chef.  A honest to Gawd, have my own personal cooking business on the side Chef...so there.  BUT...I'd like to see what Mexican Pasta is like.  How does one make bowties out of tortilla shells?  :P

Secondly...Battle of the sexes huh...  Granted I have only seen Alaina's avatar, but I might not want to pass her.  Pace booty and all.  Just sayin...  But in that same vein, I might not want to pass the likes of Robyn for the same reason either.  I think that's Jorge's trick/strategy...

What is the time between waves anyway?

Oh...and I"m in for the swim.  Since I only have to walk 300 meters to transition!!  Don't hate.

In regards to the water temperature.  The lake can "turn over" in a matter of hours so it's not a weather thing.  it's about the currents.  It can drop 10 degrees in a couple of hours.  But last year it was good to go.

Considering you all will be finishing the race an hour before me, I'd be happy to provide the pace booty... just don't stay behind me too long or you'll lose your Clearwater slot.

Oh, and save me a beer at the finish line.  Thanks.

Thanks.

Noon works well for me too!