Ironman 70.3 Florida : Official Thread (Page 4)

Alicia....I have done the Disney Oly there twice and 70.3 last year as my first 70.3. It was a GREAT learning curve going thru the Disney B.S. (parking lot, buses, etc.) 3 times.. I like to arrive eairly, and keep it reallllll relaxed all weekend....
I plan on picking up my packet on Fri. After staying with a friend thrus night and a light sunrise 10K on Fri morning, drive to Disney around noon/1pm, ride the bus over to Fort Wilderness, jamming to the iPod, get the packet (takes about 45mins to go thru the weight-in/check-in process) Then checkout the event store (spend to much $$ on M-dot crap) and expo. After that make my way over to the hotel and check in. Have a nice dinner by 6pm as I like to wake up on sat morning at sunrise and do a very light swim in the pool for about 45mins.
I like to prep the bike on Fri afternoon so Sat is just to easy. I head over to Disney around 11am, get there just as bike check-in opens, (ride your bike over to transision from the parking lot as the buses are a joke, its only about 1.5 miles, dont forget your helmet) drop the bike, laugh at all the people stressing to p/u packets, prep bike, check in bike, etc. (long lines on sat afternoon as most arive on sat).
Im back at the Hotel relaxing in the shade by the pool by 1:30pm, dinner at 4:30-5pm (2 glasses of red wine)
then off to bed by 7:30-8pm, zzzzzzzz 3:45am wake-up call sunday morning!!!

FM

Last year you could pick up your packet on Saturday when you checked in your bike - that's what I did.  I hope they haven't changed it, because that would be complicated. 

Registration at 2620 as of this morning.

FM

Hi!!  This is my first HIM and I am SO excited.  I will be the one at the start with the big, goofy smile on my face poking everybody who is trying to concentrate on getting in the 'zone' and saying 'I can't believe I'm here!!'  

it's my 1st HIM also, so i'll be right there with u. i'm sending my bike by tribike. they said u can p/u on sat at transition area. it seems that they put it back together for u and make sure it's all good before sending u on ur way.

FL is my first HIM...  Newbie question - how do the bike aid stations/bottles work at FL?  Thx!

Last yr they gave out gatorade in the sport bottels that fit into your bottle holder on your bike. There are, I believe, 2 stations on the bike course. Its listed on the website. They had gatorade and bottled water, porta johns, etc at the stations. Its nice they think ahead and remover the safety seals from the bottles beforhand...lol

Dont start off the bike without something on your own!!
only use what they have at the stations to "top off" your own supply. Dont ever want to count on, on course items.

FM

They have three listed on the maps at miles  20/31/43.

My dad and I are doing this as our first 70.3.  I've been batteling injuries and didn't get the bike distance I wanted, but still looking towards having a fun time.

Ok, here is ANOTHER bathroom question, do they have toilets in at or near the transition zone?

i have a question, i know we have to check in our bikes on sat, that's when we p/u our packets? also can we take a swim in the lake on sat?

Answers:
Guppy....YES there are johns IN and just outside of transision (T2) as you head out on the run, BUT last year there was a line so some (myself) used the woods.
Erin...YES, you can p/u your packet on Sat as well as Fri. Times are listed on the website under the info tab, under F.A.Q.
Just a heads up, if you by any chance can get your packet on Fri its MUCH less crowded as everyone seems to arrive on sat and the afternoon is (fun to watch) but a zoo. as everyone seems to try and:
1) pickup the packet (takes about 45mins to weight in..etc)
2) entertain the kids
3) prep the bike (if you have it with you)
4) put race number on bike
5) entertain the kids.
6) check in the bike
7) apologize to the wife/husband for having to watch the bike for 45mins while you got your packet.
8) entertain the kids
9) ride the bus back to the Grumpy or Doopy lots.
10) get back in a HOT car.
11) Listen to the kids/wife/husband about the HOT car.
12) stress about how late it's getting.
13) try and grab a good dinner
14) try and relax, check gear again for the 50th time.
15) go to sleep. ahhhh

FM

sorry...not sure about swimming in the lake as I think theres a kids Tri that day (sat).
but trust me, you got enough to do as I listed above...lol

FM

thanks for the info. i unfortunatly won't be as busy as u. i have no kids n no husband to entertain.

Last year there was no swimming in the lake on Sat.  We got our 1st OW swim last year at luckys lake on Friday and Sat.  Coming from OH its tough to swim outside.

Erinmac...
Trust me, NO KIDS here. Thats why its soooo funny to watch others doing the Chucky Cheese 2 step.
On Sat, im back at the pool relaxing with a garotade I.V. by 1PM.
Just FYI, the Comfort Suits where im staying is in a plaza with a Winn Dixie Market Place (Publix .5mi down the street), Fridays, Outback, Cracker Barrel, GREAT Shushi place (post race dinner) and a Carrabbas.
Dinners at 5 at Carrabbas Sat evening if anyone is interested!!!!!

FM

thanks boston for the offer, but i'll think i'll pass. i will consider myself "lucky" for the day. i'm staying at the marriot. i got it for 50 bucks a night. i'm going down on wed night. hoping to get used to the heat.

where is that luckys lake???

They had portolets in the transition area and at the bike water stops and run water stops. There are "real" restrooms
in two locations around the transition area: one near the lake and one near where you pick up your packet.

Hope that helps

I do have kids but they won't be with me, which makes MY experience even more entertaining!

Cube - can you give me more specific info on Carrabas?  As in street/address/crossroads?

I'm coming down alone, so I 'd love to meet up with all of you BTs.  

As for OW swim, I am from Michigan.  There will be no open water for me until I hop into that lake on May 17th!!

 

guppie i'm planning to visit lucky's lake on friday at 6:30 for an ows. boston gave the linke. they have a group that swims on weekdays. it looks good check it out.

erinmac - You mean 630 am, right?  I won't be down there until 11am Friday.  Maybe Saturday morning...