ESI Ironman 70.3 Augusta : Official Thread (Page 6)

I was on a committee that put on an Oly on August 27 here in Vicksburg, MS.  It was called the Gator Bait.  As you are aware, Mississippi was flooded terribly back in early June, into July.  The lake that we swam in already has a gator population that is out of this world and it had been shut down with no boat traffic for 2 months...so you can imagine our concerns.  Anyway, the race went off without a hitch and we only lost 7 racers out of 150 to gator attacks...meaning the odds of one of us getting bit by a gator with 3000 other people out there is really slim to none.  

One other thing is that gators are actually extremely shy, so when 3000 people hit the water acting like idiots, they have a tendency to go to a calmer part of the water. 

Since I'm not racing this year I'll add to the gator stories

From the article at: http://m.chronicle.augusta.com/sports/other-sports/2011-07-16/mother-nature-gators-steal-show-augusta-southern-nationals

A 5-foot alligator introduced itself at the starting line before floating downstream past the Boathouse, a popular spot for spectators. The alligator eventually swam across to the South Carolina side of the Savannah River.
 
"We've never had an alligator," race chairman Dayton Sherrouse said. "When I heard on the radio there was an alligator on the starting line I said somebody's pulling a real fast one. It's a probably a log or something. Then they kept talking about it."
 
Later in the day, organizers learned of another alligator -- said to be about 12 feet -- resting near the start line.

Finally, the athlete guide has been posted (not exactly 2-3 weeks)!!  I can't believe we only have 9 days to race day!!  Is every one ready????

Oh, and that is one good thing about starting in a later wave - all the alligators will be well-fed by the time I get in the river!!!

Karen

In the athlete guide it says "Your bike number must be properly attached to your bike and must be visible". Do I need to bring something to attach the number or is that provided?

Thanks,

Phillip

dang! now this:

Danielle Davidson Ugghhh..,But there are no 
gators in the river!!!!! I saw a five foot plus snake climb out a week ago on sc side.. Maybe the snake ate the gator?

and this

Check out this article, it was in the Augusta Chronicle 

today http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2011-09-16/thomson-man-good-getting-gators?v=1316215333

Wave 16 at 8:32.  Yuck!  I am driving home after the race so that also puts me an hour later.  Oh well, it will be fun!

Sprint tomorrow then Augusta!

enjoy,

Duane

Alright Cube and Slayer, I expect tons of cheering. Cursing is ok too... just make me laugh! I will be wearing almost the exact same thing I wore last year (minus the handheld add a fuel belt. LOL)

Being so late in the start I fear the course will be dead by the time I get to the second loop of the run. Cheer for #2847!!

This is my first HIM also.  Bit nervous, but getting a bit excited also.

The Athlete Guide says you have to wear your bib number on the bike and run course.  I took that to mean that in addition to your bike number (attached to your bike), you must wear your bib number on the bike.  Guess I will wear my race belt and turn it around to my back.  I've never worn my bib number on the bike.  Any other suggestions?

Wave 10 @ 8:08am here.  Bib number is 1146.  Jason here!!!

My husband is bib 2042 (wave 16, ugh!), so I will be there with lots of cowbell.

I hope everyone has a great race!! 

Hi first timers!  This is a great race.  I am a slower racer.  Here is what to expect if you are slow and have a late swim start. 

The swim will be crowded and the gator stories are silly...anything in that water will get the heck out of dodge when they hear all the racket.  The swim will be wetsuit legal and super fast because the current carries you so it really helps make the swim easier.  Make sure you look for the exit because its easy to shoot past it then get stuck having to swim across the current to get to the exit. 

The bike is nice but take it easy going out.  Its flatter on the way out and you will feel awesome but then you hit some rolling hills in the middle and you will have wind in your face the way back and it can tax you.  Just keep in mind the bike gets harder as you go so save yourself for the end.

The run is flat BUT the road is curved and its tough because the shade is on the curvy part.  When you run as slow as I do its gonna be hot, late and er...hot!  Its hard to be a slow person, running in the heat while all the fasties are hanging out, drinking beer and cheering you on.  Just be prepared that mentally the second loop can make you feel kinda crappy.  Because we run downtown there isnt much breeze and all the concrete makes it hotter.  Plan a slower than expected run due to the heat.  Save yourself for the second loop because the heat seems to catch up later. 

This is a great first timer race.  Its an easy course and fun.  You will have a great day if you just take it slow and steady!  There will be lots of beer and folks waiting for you at the finish line!

Alison,

Thanks for the tips.  This is my first HIM and I am so excited for race day!  Your description fits me perfectly!!  I am SLOW and starting late too (wave 19)!!  What wave are you starting in?  I am a bit worried about the heat.  The weather here the past week has been in the 50s at night and barely 70 during the day.  I almost forgot that some places are still enjoying summer until I checked the forecast for Augusta!  I will be out there on the course with you while others are enjoying their post-race beer!  I will just be happy to finish, however long it takes me!  (Well, as long as it is in 8:29:59!!)

Karen

Great advice on the bike.  I ride the course quite often and I always have better times and feel better when I don't try to kill the first 17-20 miles.  The real work on the bike will start on SR 1 at mile 17.  It is a long road but no huge climbs, just steady 2-3%.  You will get a nice downhill after SR 1 that you can really take advantage of.  The next long road you will need to focus on his Gray Mare Hallow.  It has some climbs and is a long road.  Perhaps the most challenging section of the course is when you turn right on Horse Creek Road.  That road should be respected.  Take it easy because there are no real breaks for that stretch.  Pine Log road is a nice section but beware of a  lot of shaking because of cracks and holes in the road.  The end of Pine Log has the steepest hill but it is short.  You can literally hit 39 mph and go to 8 mph in a matter of seconds.  The Final section has two main hills but nothing too bad.  You can really start to pick it up on Atomic Road and Sand Bar Ferry!

The run is flat but do yourself a favor and do NOT look into the commons area (finish line) on your first lap!  It is hard seeing all of your people finished and drinking beer while knowing you still have another lap!

Hey all,

Weather keeps playing tricks with my mind (and in turn, my game plan). A few days ago it said high 80's and mid-90's.

Yesterday, it went back to low 80's, now we are back to mid-80's. Either way, I am ready. Coming from Florida, and just having run the HOT (Hammerhead Olympic Triathlon), my body is about as acclimated as I can get for heat loads. Thanks for the tips on the bike course. I am hoping to drive the bike course on Saturday afternoon as a nice little relaxation session...I am a big visualizer, and have been through all my years of various forms of competition (Football, Mixed Martial Arts/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, surfing).

Silly question, but I am trying to plan ahead...Is everyone bringing their own bottles to start off on the bike, and then toss them at an aid station? Or is it possible to get two water bottles to put on your bike while you are in transition. Trying to figure out if I need to buy some cheap bottles for my rear-holder for the first segement(s) of the race (planning on bypassing the first aid station).

Here is a guy that took the time to drive and video tape the course. This is for last year and I don't think the course has changed at all.

http://youtu.be/YLXZFoc8S6Q

Bib 2198.  Getting ready... 

Duane

Thanks Scotty, I actually have watched that video a few times, but I still think nothing is better than actually being on the road, at least part of it. I know, call me crazy...