Ironman Louisville : Official Thread (Page 60)

Gosh I hate being sick. Out of commission for at least the next two days. I guess I should of wore a wetsuit at last weekend's tri.

To everyone riding the IMKY bike course this weekend, have an awesome time!

I SWEAR I read on the IM LOU web site or Athlete Guide or somewhere that it was completely allowed and within the "rules" for an athlete to have a family member/friend stand in the swim start line for them. It was almost like it was encouraged, the way it read. I looked this morning and couldn't find it anywhere so maybe they took that out.

Hey, Justin!  I've had two daughters use aqua-jogging to recover from XC/soccer injuries, and the most important thing is to remain very UPRIGHT while in the pool; otherwise, you're coming periously close to swimming and a very un-runner like motion.  Just my two cents.  Hope you recover soon!  I know what it's like.

Tailwinds,

Todd

Hey guys, thought I would give my input on the swim start. I am a strong swimmer, but I am a heavier triathlete (almost clydesdale, but not quite) and having to start and stop a lot takes a LOT out of me. I am only fast if I get into a rhythm and just go, so with wave starts I sprint out in front early and try to stay out front. With that in mind I figured it would be beneficial last year to get as close to the front of the line as possible so I would be in front of most people and avoid the start/stop melee-fest of the crowds. Since my wife and I were both in the race we employed the strategy of one athlete wait in line at 4:30ish (we were up anyway, can't sleep) while the other goes to transition pump up both our tires and fill water bottles. This put us about 50-100 people back in line initially, but a lot of people just cut in front when they opened it up to go to the dock and we were probably about 200 people back (that's a total guess, but you get the idea) when we jumped in about 5 minutes after race start. Turns out there was probably no advantage to getting there early for us, unless you are one of the first 30-40 into the water you will pretty much have to fight crowds until you get out of the channel and start swimming down current. Once we get out into the main part of the river you can spread out as you like and still take a direct line to the swim exit. Bottom line: only worry about getting there early if you are worried about making the cutoff.

On a side note, the wife and I finally did our first tri of the season (Terre Haute Tri, Terre Haute Indiana: 800M, 40K, 5 miles)! I love triathlons!! It was really encouraging because I have only had maybe 2 rides this year that were over 20mph average (largely due to crappy weather, but still...) and I had the ride of my life today busting out a 23.5mph average! The new race wheels work I couldn't catch my breath on the run and was wheezing the whole 5 miles (see bike split), but still somehow willed my way to a good average. I got 9th overall, 2nd in my age group; the wifey had a great race too and was 3rd overall female despite having her own troubles on the run. Things are coming together nicely!

Congrats to all on some great race results last weekend!

tulkas- Thank you for the good insights on the swim...and FANTASTIC race! Good for you. Sounds like a solid confidence builder as well.

Thanks for the insight on the swim start Tulkas, and congrats on a great race!

Trying not to beat myself up today. Did a 56 mile bike ride yesterday, got really sunburned, and dehydrated in the 100 degree heat. Was supposed to do a 10 mile run today, but I can't get my body to do it, I tried twice. I was going to drive up to my parents house in Maryland so they could have time with their granddaughters on Tuesday, but they called this morning begging me to come up tonight, so since I am on summer break from school until May 31st I will do it for them. Its an 11 hour drive, and its just easier to drive through the night since the girls will be sleeping. Rough for me, since I'm the one driving and pulling an all-nighter, my husband is at an 8-week leadership school right now. So really won't be able to do my run since I now have to pack our stuff and pack the car, but it will be nice to get away from here for a week. Plus my parent's town is very hilly, so I am bringing my bike and will finally get in some hill training.

My parents want to see me in a race, and there just happens to be a somewhat local race there on the 29th, so they paid my entry fee and I will be doing a short sprint. Will be cool to have a sponsor for one day (mom and dad).

TULKAS...Thanks! for the swim info, very helpful.

JILLIAN...Have a great few days riding the hills and congrats on your "sponsors"..lol..;-0

I was supposed to do my 60 mile bike ride this morning but last night I decided to do it monday. Instead I had a fantastic day at the beach...YES...No running..no biking...NADA..Zippo...just plain fun at the beach with the hubby...he even checked my beach bag to see if I was bringing my goggles and cap...lol...and I had them!!!! but I decided to have a rum and coke instead....I needed a day like today!

Have a great week everyone!

Alicia

Haha, classic!  I know how you feel.  Did 3.5 hours on the bike this morning and feeling it not just in my legs.

In other news, it reached 98 degrees in SC today!?!  Glad did my brick early, but was still scorched by the end.  Also got stung by a wasp on the bike today.  How is that even possible?  Going ~20mph and a wasp lands on me, stings me, and flies away?

I did my first race of the year today, the Little Smokies HIM, which is the last race of the Ohio Triple T. Both the bike and the run are extremely hilly. It was very hot and humid, too. The plan was to make this race a training day and that's exactly what I did.

The bike course is extremely hilly with some hairpin turns in the middle and end of steep downhills. The run was just plain stupid with the amount of hills. Very difficult race and i'm glad I have it behind me. I think the heat and the hills on the bike were good training for the big day in Louisville. It feels good to get the first race out of the way.

It looks like everyone else has already started racing. Ohio weather has been super goofy this year with cooler temps and TONS of rain.

DLaw- Good work! I've often looked at the race, but never took the next step to actually do it.

Rough night last night with a storm and two kids coming in our room. One needed a breathing treatment, the other was freaked by the storm. I already had a late start in getting to bed, so I ended up scratching the 4:25 wake-up for the pool. Hopefully the weather will be good enough to swim in our lake in the late afternoon (after my second P.T. appt).

Dlaw - Nice job on the HIM. 

I just did the Dirty German 50k yesterday.  It was a nice day to be running here in PA.  Mild temps and the sun was under control.  My legs were tired as I didn't really taper for it - I enjoyed getting out there and just running around for a while. Taking a rest day today then back in the saddle, well I'm taking a few days off from running ;-)

I'll second (or third) anyone who has previously said only worry about swim start if you truly believe you need the time.  The line goes fast so nerves, crowds, anything else doesn't make sense.

Like someone else mentioned, you WILL BE IN A CROWD up the channel no matter what - it just isn't wide enough.  Once you make the turn back it is so wide that you might even struggle to find someone to draft off of even if you want to.

I was maybe 50% back last year, perfect.  I was staying downtown and got to T around 5:30, took my time in there and got in line around 6.  I actually started walking to get in like about 5:40 but the line is soooo long because people don't stand close together that the line was another 5-10 minutes of walking to the back once you got to the line (which is already 5-10 minutes from T).

So excited to do this race again!!!

Yesterday in a training ride descent a friend of mine was involved in an accident with an on coming car. After hours in the ICU he passed away.

I beg of everyone to please ride as safely as possible. Make sure to take it easy on descents. I know riding 40+ mph feels amazing and the rush is incredible, but please think of your friends and family before you descend at a high speed.

So sorry, dude.  Praying for you.