Ironman Florida : Official Thread (Page 36)

Welcome Justin...great group of BTers here training for IMFL.

Anyone consider if they move the swim that it will be likely not wetsuit legal?

I love my wetsuit for ows and races. I think I need to plan and do some training without it just to be prepared plus find something to wear that doesn't wiggle around at my waist.

Hadn't thought about that, but good point.  Anyone from Florida know what lake temps might be in early November?

At this point, as long as they have the swim, I will be happy - wetsuit or not.  

Did louisville NO WETSUITS. It was difficult for me  but doable. It was my worse swim and you can trust me on this most of my swims aren't really swims I prefer to consider them near drowning experiences.   Saltwater plus wetsuit makes for excellent flotation and  hydrodynamics!
I've been taking swim lessons the last month and it has help significantly. So whatever they come up with (as long as its a triathlon) I'm good with it!
BRING IT ON!

Edited by dkrrt 2010-06-22 1:33 PM

Having just finished the warm waters of Eagleman - I would say that no wetsuits would SUCK.  But, I suppose it's better than swimming through oil.

Nice to have you on here Justin.

As far as I am concerned, if they told me the swim was on so long as I wore a speedo and did the backstroke the whole way, as bad as it would be for all of you ... I would fine as long as there is a 2.4 mile swim. 

***By the way for any of you flying in for the race, Southwest Airlines (which now does directly into Panama City) is offering really low fares for those dates but only if you book by Thursday of this week.  For example, I am coming in from Kansas City, and the fare is only $79 each way. 

Hello!! First I want to say good luck and have fun!! Second does anyone know how long it took to sell out this year? I want to race this Ironman next year. Im trying to make up my mind if I need to come and help out or I can wait till it gets onto active.com. Thanks and again GOOD LUCK!!

No idea how long it took to sell out last year, but I did attend the race and volunteer. Overall I had a great time and it was nice to see the race to see what I was getting myself into. If you can afford it time and money wise I'd highly recommend coming and volunteering to sign up.

It sold out in about 1 hour online. 

Huh... I guess probably not... I really don't care about wetsuit legal or not, but I guess it might change what I am planning on wearing.  I started tris in 2001 and didn't wear a wetsuit until I bought one in 2007.  I'm a strong swimmer and was raised swimming OWS all summer.  Hopefully the alternate location won't have any swimming reptiles!  I am terrefied of crocs and alligators!

Guess for some people it would be more of an issue.

Edited by Daffodil 2010-06-22 6:52 PM

CJKelly0729 just wanted to thank you for the heads up regarding Southwest Airlines! Gotta great deal- best price we found since I registered for IMFL in NOV... whoo hoo! Thank You!

I booked my to PCB on SWA a month or so ago and it was $109 from Providence now it is $117 each way but we can book our return flights now as they are taking reservations into January.

We've been watching the prices and they are always within $8. My family is flying down Thursday and we haven't gotten their tickets yet.

Wish my flights were $79.

Coming from overseas AND with a bike it's going to cost considerably more! Going to wait a bit before I book anything as I want to be confident that we still have the full Ironman taking place.

Hmm...it might cost me $79 in case over the course of the week driving back and forth from my house.

The bike rides free in the cab of the truck.

Thanks for the answer! Good luck and hope to see some of you there in 2012!!

Well, crap.  Family is loading up the moving van today to leave Panama City and head up to DC.  My follow on orders didn't work out to stay in FL.  So now it looks like I'm out of luck for my easy plans of racing from home.  Once I get back to the states this fall, I'm going to have to figure out how to get down to the race in November and be a dirty, nasty tourist in the town I've called home for three years!!!  Wonder if my renters would be upset with their landlord crashing the house for a week or so....

I'm trying not to think about the alligators or water moccasins.  I'll just be glad if there is a swim.

Glad it worked out, I have been watching the fares as well, and this price was great.  Only thing close on price was on other airlines and had us flying into Pensacola or Fort Walton Beach. 

While of course I'll just be excited that the race happens at all I will miss the famous beach start that has always impressed me.   I imagine they would have to wave start a smaller swim venue, but who knows.  I just hope they get it figured out and release an official contingency plan so I can stop bitting my fingernails.  

 

In case anybody hasn't heard the latest "good news" from the WTC...

Thanks for your email regarding Ford Ironman Florida. We recognize your concern and interest as it relates to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Ironman Team continues to closely monitor the oil spill developments and potential impact to the Panama City Beach area. We are currently working with government agencies and local partners to identify possible swim venue options. Our team remains committed to ensuring the safety of all athletes and providing an Ironman experience that includes swim, bike and run.

"Contingency planning is part of our day-to-day operations," said Steve Meckfessel, WTC's Chief Operations Officer. "While we can't forecast swim and beach conditions in November, we are evaluating several course and venue options which will enable athletes to complete the entire event."

Communication relating to contingency plans for Ford Ironman Florida will be released as soon as they are finalized. Ironman will reach out to all registered athletes via email, on www.ironman.com and through official press materials.

Richard Sanders, Vice President of Sports Marketing for the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor's Bureau comments, "We understand the concerns our visiting athletes have and consider their health and safety to be a top priority. We are working with Ironman and local officials to provide alternative plans for the swim portion of the race if the Gulf Coast oil spill does affect the waters currently utilized. If the swim location has to be moved, it will not impact the caliber or integrity of this year's Ford Ironman Florida. We look forward to welcoming this world-class talent and the event back to Panama City Beach."

Catwomen my sincere empathy and compassion. I had Pneumonia late April didn't even know i had it. Was doing Xterra Las Vegas (april 27) and couln't figure out why I was so short of breath figured it was   the dust ...low energy gettin passed left and right ... thought it was the terrain ...maybe wasn't  training right?  The next day still short of breath dry non productive cough... figured it was residule from dust ... tried to swim a bit but the energy wasn't there.Figured it was cause of the race the day before. Next day muscles and joints weere soooo sore ... tired very tired couldn't get outta bed. Went  to  doctor; chest xray cofirmed pneumonia (as well I was  dehydration) - Levaquin - antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections is good stuff. Within 2 hours of starting the antibotics I was feelin better after 4 days of starting the antibotic I was doing short 4 mile walk runs within 7 days I was on the bike with out issue. A little inflammation persisted in the bronchioles so I started using an inhaler called Advair. That lasted bout a month - I no longer need it.
I'm 100% back now and training like I was never sick.
Hope its not serious get well soon!


Edited by dkrrt 2010-06-25 9:22 AM

Sorry to hear about the sickness, hope it's nothing serious. Training is going well for me and I've put together a decent month thus far. I'm happy with where my bike and swim are at, now just need to start focusing on the run on top of those.

I did have fun swimming with you Rene..hope it isn't the cause you haven't shaken this crude you have. Crude is medical term my retired internist Dad uses for what you have.

Hope meds start helping recover.