Ironman 70.3 Racine : Official Thread (Page 5)

This is my first HIM - I have begun training back in early February and everything is going well...

My concern is the swim times, looking at the results for the past couple of years it appears that most are blazing through the water.

In the pool I typically am able to do 2000 meters just under 50 minutes.  I know that should get in under the cutoff time; but wondered about some of the times just seem so fast  - is the current helping (not even sure if there is a big current).

Been logging time on the trainer and getting miles running....Going to have a great time.

I believe that I have a reservation at the Fairfield Inn in Racine.

Looking for some suggestions also on getting to the transition race morning and getting everything set up finally and then do the majority just walk to the swim start?

Don't worry about the swim, you will go faster in Lake Michigan. First, you will have a wetsuit on, which really helps (especially people like me, who tend to sink!).  Second, Racine is a point to point swim with the buoys on your Right, so you can get away without sighting as much as you normally would. Third, I am not sure about a current (there could be one) but you can draft a faster swimmer and pick up time.  I swam about 15 seconds faster than my normal 100's. Unfortunately, I went out too fast and it caught up to me on the run , or was it the heat? lol

As for the transition in the morning, I got there about 5:30 AM and there was tons of street parking. I took my time, and then everyone walks down. I would recommend that you wait until you get to the swim to put on your wetsuit since it's a good walk, and take a water bottle so you have something to drink while waiting for your wave.

My Final bit of advice is to read the old race reports (Ironman 70.3 Racine), lots of good advice and it will keep you motivated! Now we just need the Snow to melt!!!

Rob

I don't think there is typically much of any current, but with it being Lake Michigan, who knows come race day. If you're estimating 50 minutes, definitely work on the swim. Both more fitness and the technique. What are you doing now? Are you or can you get any instruction? Some work with coaches. I've gained a lot just by going to a Masters group the past few months. Much better workout construction and I'm getting some very helpful feedback on form. I had a few HIM swims in the 37-38 min range last year, and hitting ~30 min isn't out of the question some time this coming season. Someone slower could very well make that same type of jump, and could do so more easily.

And yes, the vast majority will just walk over to the swim start.

Thanks for the help/suggestions.  I am following a program I found on-line - 

tri-newbies online training programs
18 Week Half Ironman - Intermediate

It is too difficult to find a master swim class near me as I need to get my swim done early in the morning and then get back home to help get everyone out the door and off to school and then head into work - this morning was 2100 meters and was around 47 minutes.

I may look into seeing if I can schedule a session with someone to help with the swim time; but I know that as the training goes on and I continue to lose some of the excess weight that I will pick up the time.

Last year was my first HIM too at Racine.  My average time for doing the HIM distance in the pool was around 52-55min.  On race day I did it in 43min.  So the wetsuit, current and drafting all add up.  And I didn't work any harder, I felt really good coming out of the water, not winded in the least.  I think I worked harder running through the sand to the transition entrance.

Hey all! 

I am really looking forward to doing Racine HIM! It will be my first ever HIM and reading all of the posts from everyone who has done the race I am even more excited! Everyone seems to have had a really positive experience with several people coming back to the race multiple times. I look forward to racing with you all and reading more about the race on here!

I have finally registered for the race after making it through my first month of training!  I am really looking forward to the challenge and the fun of my first HIM.

Welcome and Congrats Jimmie and Fastfish!  You will really enjoy this for your first of many HIM  

Thought I'd let everyone know that it's finally warming up here and at least the ice is gone from Lake Michigan!!!  It's the little stuff that counts! 

Gang,

How much longer before (on average) this race will sell out??

Hello All!

Seriously considering signing up for Racine (will be my 5th HIM).  As far as I can tell, hotels in Racine seem to be booked for that weekend.  It seems that I can still get a hotel in Kenosha.  

For those in the area, is that a reasonable place to stay (logistically) for this race?

Thanks in advance .

Thanks, Cyndi!!  I will look into that Holiday Inn Express AND stay away from the "cheaper" areas...LOL!

Nailing down a few scheduling issues, but pretty sure I will be signing up ~ sounds like a great race!

Thanks again .

Awesome, thank you!!

Thanks for the tip!  I will keep that area in mind as well.

Thanks for the welcome! I am looking forward to this more than I can say! I know I will benefit from the last three months of training but I wish it was next weekend hahah! 

I am also looking forward to getting a few swims done in Lake Michigan in my wetsuit so it is great to hear at least the ice is gone! It's the little stuff!

Did an OWS today (off the beaches of Aruba mid you).  Very windy and the wake was slowing me down a lot. Also the water was very dense, as in I couldn't see an arms length.  Which is good cause I am getting the gist of the Racine H20.  Other Tri'ts swimming back and fourth too.  We were the only ones waring jammers and caps