Ironman St. George : Official Thread (Page 3)

2011-07-25 9:20 PM

in reply to: #3613661

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Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

tcovert - 2011-07-25 12:47 PM

ridingsdc - 2011-07-20 9:43 AM hey pbman, you live in the area. Even when they change the run its still has to be pretty challenging right? I didn't notice a whole lot of flat land in the area. Can you keep us up to date with any info you hear?

Actually, no. I've met a few runners who've done the SG Marathon and they are floored when I tell them how hard the IMSG marathon course is (or was, it appears). SG Marathon has a lot of flat stretches and is net downhill (starts at the north end of Diagonal and ends on the south end of town) and has a reputation of being very fast...if you look at the way the city proper is laid out, it mostly is in a valley with quite a few flat areas.

Looking at both maps, there is a fair bit of overlap between the new IMSG run course and the SG Marathon course.

It still has more elevation gain than any domestic Ironman course, no?

Edited by 3Aims 2011-07-25 9:21 PM

2011-07-25 9:26 PM

in reply to: #3612363

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Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

garrunning - 2011-07-24 2:21 PM I asked about the run change and I was told it was because of road construction on the normal run course. I don't know if it will be changed back but that is the main reason for the change.

I heard the same thing. I personally don't think changing the run course will all of a sudden attract tons of people to the race as some have mentioned. It's still hilly.

My theory for the light turnout for this race is the hills, but more importantly, how early in the year it takes place. Most people struggle to make CdA in late June. This race is the first week of May, which means you are tapering in early to mid April, and peaking in March. I can name 15 well populated states where it still snows in March.

2011-07-25 11:12 PM

in reply to: #3614514

Master

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San Francisco

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

3Aims - 2011-07-25 7:20 PM

tcovert - 2011-07-25 12:47 PM

It still has more elevation gain than any domestic Ironman course, no?

If you include non-mdot, silverman had about 2500' elevation on the run. Of course, who knows what will happen with silverman in the future after ITU worlds.

2011-07-26 10:24 AM

in reply to: #3614620

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Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

enginerd - 2011-07-25 11:12 PM

3Aims - 2011-07-25 7:20 PM

tcovert - 2011-07-25 12:47 PM

It still has more elevation gain than any domestic Ironman course, no?

If you include non-mdot, silverman had about 2500' elevation on the run. Of course, who knows what will happen with silverman in the future after ITU worlds.

I think you are right with Silverman, I bet it has more now. However, for the MDot races, I would bet this is still tops in terms of gain. My biggest worry about this race is the weather. It looks like a really sporadic area. Wind. Temp. Rain.

garrunning

2011-07-26 11:34 AM

in reply to: #3615135

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Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

I agree with 3Aims about the turnout, it is very early in the season. I am still on the fence about doing this race or CDA. After my HIM next month I will decide if I' am going to do an IM. The weather is crazy down there in the spring. I live in Utah and went to St George for a vacation in April to try and get warmer climit and it was in the 50's with a little rain. Great for hiking! The bad thing is it warms up quickly down there so it would have to be in May or late like Nov. I would be fine with Nov. that would be better to train for. I could be outside the whole time and not on a trainer.

zed707

2011-07-29 12:58 PM

in reply to: #3556416

Elite

3091

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

There's an updated post on ST from the digital marketing rep from the SG convention and tourism office explaining the change. Interesting stuff. Don't think it's OK to link ST so I won't.

2011-07-29 7:08 PM

in reply to: #3620879

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Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

zed707 - 2011-07-29 12:58 PM There's an updated post on ST from the digital marketing rep from the SG convention and tourism office explaining the change. Interesting stuff. Don't think it's OK to link ST so I won't.

Post content of article.

zed707

2011-07-29 9:45 PM

in reply to: #3556416

Elite

3091

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

My name is Paul and I handle digital marketing for the St. George Area Convention & Tourism Office- We put on the Ironman from our office, (in direct communication with WTC) and assist in the decision making along with the Race director, St. George city and others. It's great to meet you all. I hope to join you further on this awesome forum!

Let me set the record straight here. There sure is a lot of assuming going on... Let's address the elephant in the room.

As pointed out earlier, The Red Hills Parkway will be under construction for the race and prior to it (for training.) We decided it would be a worthwhile opportunity to capitalize on the misfortune and test out a new run course. The race hadn't sold out the previous year, and this was a great opportunity to test some new waters. Trust me-WE LOVE our IMSG course. We designed it. We know how unique it is. We know how tough it is. We know how special it is. We surveyed most every athlete that competed each year, and received stellar feedback. Yet...our course isn't selling out!? Hmmm maybe all the triathletes that said how great it was were lying? Doubt it. What was wrong?? Why would a $900 race in ~New Jersey~ sell out in 15 minutes and IMSG (one of the "most unique," "best supported," "favorite" races) couldn't sell out in a year?!?

Two reasons (or so we assume)

1. Too early in the year: Hard to train over the winter in most states. etc...(you all have your reasons- I'm sure I have read 100's)
2. Too tough: Or so we heard from a ton of you...

Time to address the problem.

1. We can't change the date. Part of what makes our Ironman SO spectacular is our volunteers. 3 to every athlete! Well, we have St George Marathon (8,000 participants) Huntsman World Senior Games (10,000 participants) You can imagine how we couldn't house all of you, and our volunteers would probably be tapped out. Less likely to help in so many consecutive events.
2. Make the course easier. "Should we or should we not" was the question. The construction allowed us to at least try. It wasn't ideal for us, but it was a chance.

So here we are after weeks/months of deliberating- Launching our new course!
Now we have to prepare ourselves for all the comments from everyone claiming that they loved it (yet it didn't sell out.)

So the conclusion? We can't win? Or can we? You can't please everyone I guess... Its too tough. It's too easy. It's too loopy. It's too boring. It's too hot. and on, and on, and on.

As to the choice of the new course-
There are about 3 streets in St.George that get you basically everywhere. St. George Blvd, Bluff St. and the Red Hills Parkway. Losing one too construction is already big enough. You can't close down St. George Blvd. Its the heart of the city, and Bluff plays an almost similar role. So sure we could close down all the streets and make everyone struggle to get around town for your race. OR we could compromise.

We took into consideration EVERY complaint (within our control) we read in surveys, twitter, facebook, forums, etc...
Shade- You got it!
Spectator support along the run- You got it!
Less hills- You got it!
Heat...Seriously?

This new change for the run course is temporary...UNLESS you all love it. Then what's the harm? If it's better, it's better.
If response is bad, then back we go to OUR favorite course.

In conclusion- We love IMSG. There is nothing I want more than to please all 2500 of you each year, and to actually get 2500 of you each year.
If you have done the race you know we can put on one heck of an event. We aren't here to sabotage our own course, and our own jobs, and our own event.

Can you bare with us for a year? I know you can push through anything. Right? Who knows you might end up loving it. Don't knock it till you have tried it.

I am no Ironman (but hope to be) and I can tell you one thing...after that bike ride, the scenery, the challenge, the thrill. the last thing I am going to do is complain about an easier/shadier/more supported/ less hilly run. (maybe my batteries are different than yours...)

The new course has been run by an Ironman, approved by Ironman, and will be run by Ironmen and women alike.

Lets all smile and remember why we do triathlon.
-Paul Jewkes
Internet Marketing
AtoZion.com

ETA: this was posted from another forum, I'm not Paul Jewkes

Edited by zed707 2011-07-29 9:47 PM

2011-08-03 2:18 PM

in reply to: #3556416

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STATESBORO, GA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

add another hat to the ring and bring it on!!!!!!! i'm in - just registered. Lets get the party started so when March hits we have some momentum to make it through the peak of training lol.

trinitwit

2011-08-16 5:18 PM

in reply to: #3556416

Regular

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Newbury Park, CA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

I guess I can be on the fence with this one until next year, maybe even until the day before! I'll wait & see how my build phase goes. I am getting my hotel reservations nailed down now, however.

2011-08-16 5:43 PM

in reply to: #3646372

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STATESBORO, GA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

Any hotel reccs

2011-08-16 5:59 PM

in reply to: #3646388

Master

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San Francisco

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

kstater39 - 2011-08-16 3:43 PM Any hotel reccs

I just went to the accomodation link on the ironman st. george site and stayed in the Best Western Travel Inn which was totally fine and within walking distance of the finish (which is also near where you have to catch the bus for the swim). There are quite a few hotels in downtown St. George in that area and you don't get totally screwed on hotel rates (like the dump I stayed in Lake Placid last year and it was the host hotel).

2011-08-16 8:58 PM

in reply to: #3646404

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STATESBORO, GA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

thanks man. Did you finish your race report from Ultraman? would love to read it when your done. Again congrats on a great race!!

2011-08-16 11:48 PM

in reply to: #3646621

Master

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San Francisco

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

kstater39 - 2011-08-16 6:58 PM thanks man. Did you finish your race report from Ultraman? would love to read it when your done. Again congrats on a great race!!

close. it's very, very long, but I should have it soon.

OnYourLeft

2011-08-17 2:24 PM

in reply to: #3646754

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Grand Rapids

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

I'm thinking about signing up for St. George. I first have to see if I can get work off for the race. For those of you that are flying in for the race are you flying to St. George or Vegas?

2011-08-19 8:35 AM

in reply to: #3647739

Master

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San Francisco

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

cornerofdivision - 2011-08-17 12:24 PM I'm thinking about signing up for St. George. I first have to see if I can get work off for the race. For those of you that are flying in for the race are you flying to St. George or Vegas?

When I did it this year, I just flew into Vegas (as I know many others did) where flights and car rentals are plentiful. It's an easy drive from Vegas. Flying into St. George meant flying through Los Angeles anyway so it wasn't worth it for me.

2011-08-19 8:37 AM

in reply to: #3646621

Master

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San Francisco

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

kstater39 - 2011-08-16 6:58 PM thanks man. Did you finish your race report from Ultraman? would love to read it when your done. Again congrats on a great race!!

It's done and it's super long. Link here. Apologies to the IM SG folks for the mini-hijack.

trinitwit

2011-08-19 1:29 PM

in reply to: #3650329

Regular

124

Newbury Park, CA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

enginerd - 2011-08-19 6:37 AM

kstater39 - 2011-08-16 6:58 PM thanks man. Did you finish your race report from Ultraman? would love to read it when your done. Again congrats on a great race!!

It's done and it's super long. Link here. Apologies to the IM SG folks for the mini-hijack.

Wow. Thanks for superb RR. Fantastic achievement. Congratulations.

LittleCat

2011-08-21 1:26 PM

in reply to: #3650329

Expert

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Marin County, California

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

enginerd - 2011-08-19 8:37 AM

kstater39 - 2011-08-16 6:58 PM thanks man. Did you finish your race report from Ultraman? would love to read it when your done. Again congrats on a great race!!

It's done and it's super long. Link here. Apologies to the IM SG folks for the mini-hijack.

Congratulations!!! So happy for you!

2011-08-31 12:05 PM

in reply to: #3556416

Veteran

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STATESBORO, GA

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

CHANCES are I will come out and ride the course prior to the race. Just watching the vegas flights for a cheap rate. Is there areas to stop and get water etc (gas stores) along the route. No matter the route in georgia we always have a store at some point. However, buddy of mine went to vegas and rode part of the silverman route and said there was nothing out there. Also any suggestions on a bike rental store in St. eGeorge. Thanks guys and gals

LittleCat

2011-08-31 6:38 PM

in reply to: #3556416

Expert

1258

Marin County, California

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

Veyo Pies, its shortly after the wall once you hit the main drag. Whether you need water or not, you will find that you seriously need a piece of pie!

The main loop is only 45ish miles if you start in town, so if you do, say 2 laps, stopping in town to refill is a snap.

As for a bike rental, I'm not sure if they rent, but Red Rock bicycle company is a 'go to' for IM stuff and if they don't rent, I'm sure they could tell you who does.

2011-08-31 7:42 PM

in reply to: #3668159

Master

1588

San Francisco

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

LittleCat - 2011-08-31 4:38 PM Veyo Pies, its shortly after the wall once you hit the main drag. Whether you need water or not, you will find that you seriously need a piece of pie! The main loop is only 45ish miles if you start in town, so if you do, say 2 laps, stopping in town to refill is a snap. As for a bike rental, I'm not sure if they rent, but Red Rock bicycle company is a 'go to' for IM stuff and if they don't rent, I'm sure they could tell you who does.

x1000 for Veyo Pies!!!

LittleCat

2011-08-31 8:22 PM

in reply to: #3668230

Expert

1258

Marin County, California

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

enginerd - 2011-08-31 7:42 PM

x1000 for Veyo Pies!!!

I had an entire apple pie as my 'recovery' food last year.....oh it was goooooood! Ate part of it Sunday night, the rest for breakfast Monday morning.

OnYourLeft

2011-08-31 9:31 PM

in reply to: #3667516

Regular

118

Grand Rapids

Subject: RE: Ironman St. George : Official Thread

kstater39 - 2011-08-31 1:05 PM CHANCES are I will come out and ride the course prior to the race. Just watching the vegas flights for a cheap rate. Is there areas to stop and get water etc (gas stores) along the route. No matter the route in georgia we always have a store at some point. However, buddy of mine went to vegas and rode part of the silverman route and said there was nothing out there. Also any suggestions on a bike rental store in St. eGeorge. Thanks guys and gals

I was wondering the same thing as you. I figured it would be cheaper to rent a bike if I went out there for a training ride. Is the elevation change a concern for anyone? I know the elevation of St. George isn't very high but you are climbing to almost 4,700 ft. I can't find anything even close to 1,000 ft where I live.