Stone Cutter - 2010-02-04 11:42 AM
miami9296 - 2010-02-03 12:22 PM
Maybe we can organize some "first 1/2 IMers" rides???
I plan on riding the course a few times and would definitely be up for a BT group ride.
This is also my first HIM and indeed, it will only be my second triathlon
(I'm planning on doing an Oly in spring
). I'm doing it simply because it is the closest 70.3 to Chicago. I had entertained thoughts of doing Steelhead, but that falls on my bday and I figured that if I bonked or performed poorly it would be a pretty rough way to spend a bday.
As for my goals, I am doing this first and foremost to get myself fit. Performance is also a top priority- I will be racing and have a certain time that I will be trying to crack.
Someone mentioned that the run goes through a zoo. I did not know this...if its a hot day, can you imagine having to run through pockets of elephant dung stench?! Seems like a good way to get participants to puke...
Hi Guys!
I am in again.... this will be my 5th time doing the race... did it 2006/2007/2008/2009. I'm excited that it's finally become a 70.3 event because I'm hoping someone will be able to measure the swim accurately. That *should* be included in the $300 entry fee... shouldn't it?
Times have been historically fast due to a chronically short swim. It's always been a good 8-10 minutes fast.
The water can be chilly, but not that bad, so don't worry about it. I've done it all 4x in a sleeveless wetsuit. No problem.
The bike is flattish. Some very slight rollers, but it's easy to draft. Don't do it. One of the main problems many people have with this race is the tendency of a PELOTON to form. Not much in the way of hills to break up the waves of racers. If you are slower, stay to the right, if you are faster,
PASS. Don't suck wheels!
The run is mostly flat... out and back x2 to a turn around near a lighthouse. You will see all of your friends several times on the run. Make sure you high 5 them as you go past each other! There are a couple of pretty steep hills on the run... one almost right out of transition, and the other... not long after the first one, if I remember correctly. Bur other than that, pancake flat. You will have to go up each hill 2x, as it's an out and back x2.
As far as the zoo is concerned... it's no big deal... you don't even get to see any animals, really... which is kind of a bummer. You run around the back of the zoo... it almost seems like a service access walkway to me... or something.
One of my favorite races! I'm excited to be doing it again this year!