Ford Ironman Wisconsin : Official Thread (Page 40)

gwenbert - 2011-08-25 11:02 AM

mndiver - 2011-08-25 8:42 AM

Whizzzzz - 2011-08-25 7:59 AM

Heading off for my LAST LONG RUN! 

The Observatory hill is huge. We will run it 2x. There are other little inclines here and there, as I recall, but Observatory hill is the biggest by far. It feels like climbing Mt. Everest when you're that far into an Ironman. It's shortish, though, from what I remember. 

Way to calm everyones fears . I just look at Observatory hill as a great time to take a walk break and reasses how the day is going. Or, if I'm all ready walking, a time to walk even slower.

You can think about the fact that when you come down that hill, you will be going up to the state street turnaround where there are TONS of people to get you moving again!

Oh - and I am bib#618

I'm heading up to Madison (from Chicago) mid day friday.  Any ideas on types of meals to have?  Also, if you're familiar with the area, suggestions on where to eat, too.

Thanks,

Dan

What happened to the morning swims on Thursday and Friday? They aren't on the schedule. I'm guessing that tons of people will be swimming regardless, but it sure would be nice to have a gear check.

I did IMOO last year and it was my first IM.  I spoke with friends after the race who completed the race both last year and 4-5 years prior.  Hands down the opinion is that the swim has gotten out of hand.  The event start years ago with about 1200 participants and has steadily grown to 3000.  No matter where you start you will be impacted by the masses and experience some of the conflagration, it is simply a matter of numbers.  About the only way not to is to hang at the back and wait a minute or so and then swim at the tail end.  If you are in the 1:15 range you are going to be in the thick of it for awhile.  Other strategy is to go out fast to get clear of it a bit and then back it down. 

Big picture you have 3000 people all heading toward the first turn without much separation.  After the first turn things tend to clear out a bit.  Not trying to scare anyone but this is the reality of it and it helps to be mentally prepared.  Out of my entire IM last year the most difficult part for me was literally the first 5 minutes of the swim. 

I really think Ironman needs to look at having a couple of waves for this race, even if they are 5 minutes apart, similar to the 10 minute head start the pros get.  They could base it on cap color etc, but I think it is becoming a safety issue.  Just my opinion.    

Athletes racing that year register the Sat. before the race for next year's race.  Then on Mon. morning, the day after the race, volunteers will sign-up prior to all those waiting in line on-site.  They try to register all on-site persons prior to the online opening time.

I haven't seen on-site registration sell out yet, even though there were a lot of persons waiting in line.

However, when online registration starts, it doesn't take long for the race to sell out.  It's that popular.

Good luck.

I didn't save the link, but if someone is curious enough they can check in last year's Official Thread (2010) and the discussion started on Page 22 about the Gatorade swims no longer being available.  F.Y.I.

EDITED/UPDATED:  Here -
http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=180748&start=421

Fred, me and my wife will be attending.  It would be nice to hook up with you guys.

Greg

Garfoot is probably the most deceiving.  The steep downhill on Timber you see coming and have time to brake.  Garfoot - the 1st right turn is MUCH sharper than you think it is going into it.  I believe from what I heard, there were several crashes in this area this year with people coming to do course recon.  If you have never done the course - I think that is the trickiest section - but if you ride it smart -- it is so very fun too!