Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread (Page 5)

No kidding.  I forgot the sunscreen, though.  Four hours of bright sunshine beating down on my back took it's toll.

I think the bridge with carpet is at the Lakefront Airport.  If I'm not mistaken, there is a draw bridge with metal grating.  They will lay carpet across the metal grating to make it safer for bikes to ride over.

I LOVE the run course.  This is going to be AWESOME.  The course takes the runners along the Lake, throught City Park, up Esplanade and finish in the French Quarter.  I think anyone who has not been to NOLA will be impressed with this run course.  It should be beautiful. 

This will be my first HIM and only my second tri. I was wondering if I'll be able to listen to my ipod during the run. I know it's not permitted during the bike. Also, what are y'all doing about getting your stuff out of transition after the race? My husband wants to go get mine during the run, but according to the rules on the website, it doesn't sound like they're gonna let anybody but participants & volunteers in there. But since we have until 7, it really shouldn't be a problem for participants to retrieve their own equipment, right?

From the race website, Most Common Rule Violations . See No. 8.

BTW, what they've lined out here are the penalties, as they are different in the IM races than in USAT-sanctioned races. The unmarked document from the USAT is here.

The race website says 5pm, also says your husband won't be allowed in:

The transition area opens at 4:30am, and regardless of your wave, your equipment must be checked into transition by 6:30am. All bikes must be racked in the proper position between 2:00pm and 9:00pm Saturday evening. The racks provided will be individually numbered. Your equipment must be removed from transition by 5pm after the race. The event is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment.

Only participants and race staff and volunteers are allowed in transition. An event wristband is required for access.

Hey, you can't expect me to read my own posts!

I did 8 on Sun. Put water out every 1 &1/2 - 2 miles with a Gu @ mile 3 which I ate on the way back in. I felt pretty good. 9 mile beach run scheduled for Sunday. I won't be able to space out water, so I guess I'll have to stick to a 2 mile loop. Haven't invested in a fuel belt or hydration system yet. Sunday might not be too bad, though. It's supposed to cool off a little and there will be a breeze off the water. Good race prep, though, with the warmer weather. I'd rather get used to it now than have cool temps all the way to April & then get smacked with an 80 degree plus high for the day of the race.

Anybody been able to get any open water swimming practice in yet?  My wetsuit came in last week, and I tried to go out.  Felt good but the water couldn't have been over 55 degrees, so my hands and feet felt like ice.  Didn't stay in very long or get much swimming in. 

It was my first time in a wetsuit, and it definitely felt odd.

I have to say, it was a really strange feeling going from having my hands, face, and feet feeling like ice to getting out of the water into 80 degree air temps.  

skipg - 2009-03-12 5:38 PM

sesh - 2009-03-12 9:40 AM

Anybody been able to get any open water swimming practice in yet?  My wetsuit came in last week, and I tried to go out.  Felt good but the water couldn't have been over 55 degrees, so my hands and feet felt like ice.  Didn't stay in very long or get much swimming in. 

It was my first time in a wetsuit, and it definitely felt odd.

No...I always seem to do well in lake swims so I hardly ever practice for em.

Same here.  I love the open water, but I really gotta get used to this wetsuit.

Had a very scary start for last Saturday's brick..

Started off early 6:30 am for my 30 mile bike ride and not maybe 1/2 mile into it almost got hit by a drunk driver.... saw my life flash before me...  We can be as  visible as we can but this jerk was either drunk or sleep or both.. Just glad I'm still here

After that wakeup call...continued on my 30 miler, hopped off and practiced my transition and went right into my 8 mile run.  Felt good...legs were a bit sore afterwards but to be expected.  I tried to take advantage of the good weather as much as possible.  Stretched and then enjoyed the afternoon with the family, thank God I'm still here....enough of that

I'm excited cant wait to see you all there... I've never been to NO and I hear its as wonderful as you all say..

By the way thanks for the good info Bear

I'm feeling really good right now.  My hours start dropping this week, but I may add another tempo run and bike, and then go with a 2 week taper.  I just hope the swim doesn't get cancelled for whatever reason.

For me I've done as much as I can with what time and weather I was dealt.  I think I made the best of it all and I'm convinced that I should be ok.  I'm like you all-I just want it to get here.  What would you all reccommend would be a good 2 week taper?