Ironman U.S. Championship : Official Thread (Page 8)

Just saying Hi. I'm signed up for this race and been a lurker on this site for a while.  Just wanted to let everyone know that while I've been a lurker, I like the information and ideas that come up in the forum discussion.  I don't know that I would have anything to add since I'm fairly new to IM racing (I DNF'd my first attempt at an IM last year) but appreciate those that do post and contribute and I'm looking forward to IMNYC.

Thanks

Good Morning Redsv, Happy New Year and thanks for checking in. What race did you enter last year? If you care to share, as a first timer myself I would love to hear about your experience last year. Maybe you could share it with us first timers to help us?

Looking forward to hearing from you and all the best this year.

KC

Just found this info.  Looks like Escape To the Palisades Half Marathon is part of the Ironman NYC Run Course!!  If I were doing this race, and in 2013 I may, doing this race before hand is a no-brainer. 

Here's a blurb from the facebbok page: 

Dont get closed out, this race will close out before you know it! a Half Marathon on the NYC Ironman run course, with a secure bike check in for those who want to ride over and get a brick training session in. On May 6th supporting the Palisades Interstate Park Conservancy www.escapetopalisades.com and SIGN UP TODAY

Curse you double-post!!

Happy New Year to my fellow IMNY competitors.  I am also racing and just popped in after a 3-month hiatus nursing a shoulder injury.  Starting my training officially this week with a coach and just bought my new ride (Trek Speed Concept 7.5).

Great information posted so far on the site.  Thanks to all.  I live on long Island and work in Manhattan, so if any of you outside of the region (or unfamilar with it), please feel free to ask questions on logistics.  I cant help much with your performance/training as i am hoping to finish in one-piece with a smile on my face and a tear (or 2) in my eye.

Just my 2 cents on the Hudson....I swam in it this past August at the Nautica NYC tri and the conditions were very choppy, but the current was fairly strong (for my wave at least M35-39).  keep in mind that we had some very severe weather the night before.  In general, the chop should not be that bad, but I have some concerns for 2.4 miles if the chop is as bad as it was that morning.  On the plus side, the current is extremely helpful if you catch it at the right time. They (organizers on the FB page) are claiming that the current isnt as strong on the other side and that far upriver, but I'm questioning the source of that, and it isnt that far upriver from the start of the NYC tri.  You'll be better closer to center and away from the shoreline, and THAT will make a difference.  Also, dont sweat the stories of how "dirty" it is.  The Hudson has a bad rep.  have their been pollutants in the River? Absolutely. In fact, the NYC tri swim was threatened after a sewage leaks a few weaks before.  Keep in mind that the Hudson is a Tidal river and essentially washed itself out.  Don't let any thoughts of dirty water make you anxious.  They will work with the DEP and you can access water quality information online at the NYC.gov website (got to DEP).  The water was murky, but it was warm and comfortable.  It will be salty, so prepare yourself for that.  

In any event, I will be back more regularly now as it's starting to get serious...

Happy Training.  be safe.

Dave

By now, you all likely have received the host hotel data from the race director.  those of you planning to book, i'd suggest you do so soon.  I just booked my rooms and they said the phone is ringing off the hook.  The race rate is $259 per night, with no mininum.  The regular rate for August is $359, so there appears to be savings (though average daily rates fluctuate in the hospitality industry).  I think you can do better at a boutique or alternative (marriott marquis), so you might consider that.

NOTE: the rooms are single occupancy (1 bed with an optional rollout).  Seems weird for this type of event, especially if you have family attending as i do.  I asked that they accomodate my request with 2 double beds, but they cannot gurantee.  be sure to ask!

According to the facebook race organizer, they got 1755 feet of gain for 13.1 miles.  That's 3510 for the full marathon!! 

That elevation chart looks gnarly!!  Looks like 9 legit climbs, with a dozen more rollers in between.  And that's just the half-marathon.  You guys better get hill training.