Timberman - Half Iron : Official Thread (Page 6)

to skitri - I'm right there with you - first HIM and I want it to hurry up and get here, I'm as ready as I'll ever be,  I just heard an expression: "The Hay is In the Barn" - meaning you can bale hay all year and store it in the barn.  Then the first snow falls and covers the hay that's left in the field.  At that point the hay that is in the barn, will somehow get you through the winter, and the hay under the snow is not going to make any difference.  We've trained all summer (filled the barn), now it's taper time (the first snow) any training between now and the race is just to keep things loose and moving, to keep us feeling like we are ready.

AT least at my entry skill level

Thanks for the "heads up" on the swim waves.  I am in wave 6.  The HIM I did in Austin last year I was used as a flotation device for the faster men's waves.  But this time look out...I am not going to be pushed around so easily!  LOL  I am so glad that this race is nearing.  I am excited.  I did an olympic distance tri last week.  Bike was good (pretty hilly course and avg. 20.6mph), my swim was about 4 minutes slower than my average 34 minutes, hummm not sure what happened there, I was not even aware when I started that there was a floater down river being fished out...no he was not related to the race.  I knew the run would be a struggle as I have a 2nd degree calf strain that is healing.  All in all, I still did okay and just had fun.  Caught a wicked sinus infection this week and feel like I got hit with my 3's and am ready to go.  Good luck to everyone who is racing.  

-D.J. 

Less than two weeks left now!  Last weekend of heavy duty training...the work is done.  Now maintenance until race day!

How is everyone doing??    

Taper on...Sat. was 1100 yd ocean swim, then 10.5 mile run at HM pace, Sun. was 60.5 mile ride with 20 min. brick run, all at approx. race pace.  I've got a nagging abdominal issue (sports hernia, probably) that has been hanging around since late January, but it doesn't prevent swim/bike/run, so not going to deal with it until the off season...otherwise, all systems are 'go.'

Shipping my tri bike and my wife's (only) bike out to NH tomorrow afternoon.  Yikes...

Again...asking all those who have race before.  The one thing I've heard is it's a great race but the logistics are awful.  I'm kinda noticing that with the schedule of events.

How far is Gunstock Resort from Ellacoya Park? Doesn't look that far, but... How do I drop my bike off and then go to Gunstock for mandatory meetings, etc...?  I was planning on riding my bike to transition since we're only staying 3 miles away and I have a sinking feeling parking at Ellacoya is going to be BAD that day.  Wouldn't mind hearing Tim Snow presentation for first timers but that starts the same time Bike Check-in opens and I just like getting my checked-in as quickly as possible...for some reason as soon as I check my bike, my anxiety fades and I can enjoy the day.

Just don't want to be riding back and forth too much.

You will need to check in and pick up race packet at Gunstock before you check in your bike at the transition area. They will ask that you show your wrist band and have a race number on your bike. Last year I got a lift to Gunstock race morning and shuttled down to start. I also stayed close by 6 miles) and road my bike to the hotel after and avoided the craziness of the shuttle and bike truck line for a return to Gunstock. I suggest getting dropped off at the start around 5:30am. 

The morning shuttle runs had no traffic issues. The shuttle back after the race is a nighmare.

I like the rental approach for all of the benefits mention. I have a similar approach a friend of mine will also be competing and staying in the same hotel. We will take one our our cars to Ellacoya early and leave the other for both families to take to the finish.

So far, looking like rain for all five days my wife and I will be in New England (we'll be with family in Portland on Monday-Tuesday).

much too early to worry about the weather.  It changes so fast.  I'm in northern CT and Mon-Wed were suppose to be oppressively humid with thunderstorms and rain and it only rained lightly on Tuesday...rest of the time beautiful sunshine.  Don't get too caught up in what you can't control.  Twice i've gone to bed with the report of the beautiful day forecasted for my race the following morning only to wake to monsoon season!!

I know.  Bummer!  I am hoping that the forecast changes.  Last year it rained for the race and our little vacation afterwards was a wash as well.  This year we are staying up there until Wednesday morning.  

Where did you find the info on what wave you'd be it?

Under the Course tab on the main page you will find "swim waves" at the top.