Ironman Louisville : Official Thread (Page 59)

I did this strategy last year as an 1:50-2:00/100m (for IM distance) swimmer.

It was fine.  i will do the same this year.  

Not that there is anything frong with that. Frong? Oops.

It is rather random. The race directors encourage slower swimmers who think they will need more time to start near the front. However, there are fast swimmers who want to crank it out, who also will start near the front. Then there will be medium ability swimmers, like me, who will start near the front. So "random" is a good term.

I'm up at 3am everyday as it is, so most likely I'll be up even earlier on race day - I will be getting there when I get there; however, it will be early, naturally. 

I'm on the slow side of average so in case anything goes wrong it will be nice to know I have an extra few minutes. 

I did EM last year without a wetsuit and it was AWFUL - That swim was by far my worst swim ever. I was anticipating a slow swim that day as my swim training had been non-existent but then they took the wetsuit away from me last minute and then there were course issues.  My time was slllloooowwww.

At least with IM Louisville I know ahead of time that I can't wear my wetsuit.

Thanks for all the replies, "random" is pretty much what I was thinking.

Another thought.  Will the time in your finisher pic not be the correct time due to the swim start lapse or do they try to accomodate at the finish line by changing the clock?  It seems more reasonable just to leave the clock alone, but deep inside I hope they change it.

Jillian...don't do it. What you are describing I would consider to be in bad form. However, if you get there, they can hang with you and hold your spot when you go back and forth to the porta-john, etc. I think you'll find 4:45-ish is soon enough.

You might not want to be in the top 20 in line anyway.

Being the last person in line does have intrigue, but that's a lot of people to sift through.

I know people.

Just kidding. You are right. At the gates of transition at 4:50-ish to get in when avail.

Time to ride. Peace.

Thanks Sam, I want to show good racer etiquette on race day. I will get there early and they can hang out with me in line. I have a nervous bladder so I will be back and forth from the porta-john. Also, thanks for the blanket tip, I'll bring one to sit on in line.

I wish this was a mass start but it is what it is! I am not a fast swimmer or the slowest swimmer but I will try to get there around 5am. However, I understand the transition area does not open until 5am, what about last minute things? like pumping the tires, etc....the transition is far from the swim start correct?

I have also heard that many racers do have people waiting in line for them...hmmmm I don't think that is right but people will do whatever it takes I guess....

Anyway...your thoughts about transition, swim start, etc are greatly appreciated!

Alicia

trirun- It's really not a big deal. You can get into transition around 5:00 a.m., check/pump tires, etc. as needed, then walk to the swim start, which isn't too far (I didn't think). The walk went fast. Remember, 98% of your transition needs are already squared away, by way of your bike bag, run bag, and you will have your morning clothes bag if you need to. So, the only thing you will need to do in transition is check/pump your tires (basically).

Does this help?

Had my first P.T. appt. this morning. Seemed to go well. I feel like I'm moving in the right direction. Now I'm going to head out for a ride...well maybe inside, I have to check the radar. Then...off to work!

YesTriSam,

Your info is helpful!! I was just wandering how far the transition from swim start was ;-)

Hope you had a nice ride outside!!

hope your Achilles is better ;p

Hey all! Glad to see everyone's beginning of the year races are going well! My season is off to a good start with a first in my age group at my local sprint tri April 17th, and a 26 min PR in the marathon on April 30th (which was my bday! What a great bday present to myself!)

I'm going to Louisville this weekend to ride the course with the IAMTRI group. Is anyone else going to be there? I'm driving down by myself (a 5 1/2 hr drive) and I don't know a single soul there, so I'm a little nervous. I'm sure they'll be nice, since they're triathletes, right?

Happy Training!

Ashleigh

Hey all!  I have a question.  Because of a knee injury (appointment to get it looked at tomorrow) I haven't been able to run in 18 days.  Naturally, I'm chomping at the bit to get going since Louisville is a little over three months away.  Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for aqua jogging?  I don't have any flotation devices and doubt I go anywhere to get some anytime soon.  Just curious on everyones thoughts.  Thanks..Justin

BGANNAWAY- Welcome!

Ashliegh & Adam...JEALOUS! Good luck, be safe, and enjoy!

Justin- Often local pools have Aqua-Joggers. You might have to ask the life guard however. It's almost as fun as being on a dreadmill or indoor trainer, but not quite the same thrill.