Ironman Coeur d'Alene : Official Thread (Page 43)

Mike, any recollection on the % grade for the hills (long or short climbs)?  I'm trying to get mentally and physically prepared for the hill work.  Thanks, Cam.

I am curious if any vets have any tips for us IM newbies?  I'm getting ready to start BT 20 wk beg. program.

Tips on biking CDA would be greatly appreciated?  Is training on hills necessary/required/preferred?

Thanks!

Ride lots, and ride hills lots!

There were 3 climbs right around 11* for up to about 1 mile.  4 more in the 9*-10* range.  And a fair number of times climbing 4*-5* for up to 1.5 or 2 miles max.  That is in ONE LOOP.  On the computrainer, the climbs were nearly impossible in the seat, while I know I can manage them in real life.

However, I respond to fear quite well, so I am going to stay scared and keep working on my bike (and weight).

Today I turn the big "40".  My sweet wife gave me full clearance to do what I wanted this weekend.  Rode 60 on Sat with some friends and then went out to dinner with my wife at the nicest place in town.  This morning she surprised me with a new tri bag and a special bracelet that she and the kids want me to wear at CdA.  I cleaned the whole house as a thank you and disappeared on a 90 minute run.  I'm starting to get really focused now.  Alarm set for 4am.  The second half of my life begins tomorrow.   Cheers!!!! 

 

Congratulations and a very Happy Birthday!!! 

Congratulations and welcome to the 40-44 age group!  

Welcome to the baddest AG in endurance sports.

Happy birthday.  Sounds like you had a good weekend.

hellz yeah its a tough AG but nice way to join it!

From my experience at the much hillier IMLP... proper pacing can make a HUGE difference in this perception.

I'm not in it yet, but I agree with this.  40-45 is tougher than 25-40, even though in theory we peak in terms of endurance capacity in our 30s.  But:
1) more people in this AG can afford to participate than in the 25-35.
2) more people in this AG have time to participate than in the 25-35 (career established, kids grown up some, etc).
3) it takes a couple years to get really really fit... lost of people start in thier late 30s and kill it in their early 40s.

4) rarely mentioned... I'm31 and I'm not competing against the fastest people in my AG... because they are all racing pro/elite trying to live the dream.  I'm racing agains the rest of the people my age who aren't quite talented enough or committed enough to go for the dream.  By 40, you are racing those people who were talented/committed enough in their 30s, but they are now in the AG ranks.  They've either retired from, or given up on, the dream... but they are still wicked fast.

Happy birthday and congratulations... as long as you don't die on the bike, chances are you are not quite into the second half of your life yet... and endurance sports is a contributor.

I will be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras week and need to know if any shops rent TT or road bikes so I can continue the training.  Any suggestions?  I also would like to join in any group training sessions in the area so if anyone knows about regular sessions please let me know when and where.

Thanks

A)  I will be in Orlando for a week.  I am planning to just run and swim my ample butt off.  I will sandwich the trip with some semi-epic bike volume.
B) Good luck sobering up enough in NOLA during Mardi Gras to ride.

Awesome!!  Happy 40th!

I suspect the CdA thread is not the best place to get exposure for your question.  Try the LA forum.  Here's a starting place, however: http://www.bicyclemichaels.com/rentals.php

I was just hoping maybe someone from the area was doing IMCDA.  The only place that rents bikes (bicycle Michael's) is closed for Mardi Gras so it looks like I will be lugging my bike down there or have my coach make a plan that does not involve biking that week but it will be hard.

There's a RnR Half-Marathon and Marathon down there the weekend before.  I will be there but do not plan on riding...just running...and indulging  

Happy Birthday!!!  Welcome the the 40 is the new 30 club. 

Especially if the bear does not want to be picked up

Nice.  I was gonna go with:

clearly you need to chew your bear more thoroughly.

I don't remember a pitcher name "Bear".  American or National League?