Ironman 70.3 Racine : Official Thread (Page 9)

I rode about 95% of it on Sunday and all looks good.  There weren't any detours or construction, but the roads in some areas were in bad shape (bumpy), but overall I would say it's pretty acceptable.  Plus, those bumpy areas will be better when they extend out the bike lane on race day.  The course is relatively flat as people indicate, but I wouldn't say pancake flat because there are a handful of rollers that will keep you honest.  My only complaint about yesterday is that it is Mid-June and it was 55 and windy which made it feel more like the way April should have felt (but didn't)!

This is where we stand for dinner on Saturday night before the race, I am still accepting ideas for a location to eat. We had a great group od about 30 or so last year so lets get that group going again!

1. Chasingkona/Ben/2

2. abake /Anne/2
3. jgarrett/Jane Garrett/4

4. eddievolleyEddie/2

5. guppie/Suzanne/1

6. JHag/Jeremy/2

miami9296 - 2011-06-13 9:00 AM Hey there all you Racine 70.3'ers...

Just wanted to take the time to wish all of you GOOD LUCK in the rest of your training, and of course on race day!
I will be there on race day to cheer you on, since I have decided not to compete this year.

This was a decision that I took awhile to come to, and struggled with, but in the end, this year, I just need to step back and take a break as it's started to take a toll on me....it causes me a lot more anxiety than it should and I know that's not going to make training or race day any easier.

Could be all the stuff I've been going through outside of training over the last couple months...so I am hoping if I just take some time off, it will make me want to continue with it down the road.

Thanks for listening....

Aw, I am sorry to hear you are not competing but sometimes it is the best decision NOT to race. I hope I still get to meet you!

100% agree!!!  This is my first HIM and I just can't imagine ever doing a full IM at this point in my life.  I admire people who can take that commitment.  For me, the HIM is about the heaviest athletic commitment I've done since my marathon last year. I've had to take a step back myself and realize I can't get soooo stressed out about every detail of training.  I want this to be fun not torture.  

45 degrees!!!!!  Holy Moly that's cold!!!  That's a little scary.  I hope the temps will be a little warmer come race day.  Is that a safe temperature to swim in?  Sorry, newb question.

Couple of considerations for the bike course for those who havent done it before.

Right out of transition is a rather steep but short hill, make sure you rack your bike in a gear you can climb in right away b/c "that's your warmup".  Course has some mild rollers on it through out the ride and the pavement is rough-to-very rough in several locations (it'll jar your teeth).   Also this time of the year, early morning wind is usually off the lake (east or northeast) so that'll mean a headwind for most of the return leg of the ride. 

This will be my first ironman and i heard that you can potentially qualify for the world championships. How do you qualify for the world championships in vegas? Is there an opportunity to go even if i do poorly? Do a lot of people not take there spot?   haha just curious if i stand a chance.

Thanks

jgarrett - 2011-06-14 8:42 AM Not sure if it is safe to swim in that temp! I had a nightmere about it the other night. Last year the water was 61 degrees and that was bad! I have no desire to do a full at this point either. I have two little kids and teach full time so the training is crazy. This will be my 3rd HIM, I did one last week. I must remember that it is the journey, not the destination. Think of all the people we have met online and the fun we have in training. How sad is it that I framed my finishers medal from last year! Hope all are having fun in this nice weather, at least it is nice here in West Michigan!

Not sad at all, I will probably do the same.

I like how active this thread is!  Let's see if I can organize my thoughts:

Bike Shipping: TriBike Transport is probably the shipper since they have a partnership with Ironman.  I don't know what the destination shop would be though.

Medals: I don't think framing a medal is dorky - I fully intend to frame my first Ironman medal.  For the rest of my medals I have those little 3M stick on hooks and attach them to the wall in my office and hang my medals from there.  Everything is an accomplishment (sometimes it's finishing and sometimes it's just that I bothered to get out of bed for the race, haha)

Qing for Vegas: You have to be fast - look at last years top AG finishers & that will give you an idea of how fast overall you would need to be.  Sometimes people don't take their slots so they roll down - not really a dependable way to get a slot but sometimes it works!  I will be interested to see how many roll downs are happening in these 70.3 races - I'd guess not a ton since the venue is new.  Previously people were pretty sick of FL before so it seemed common to skip it.

Bike Course:  Auuuuugh!  A hill at the beginning?!  That killllled me at Breakwater in Petoskey last year.  That's an evil way to start a bike, haha.  Guess I gotta suck it up though...

Teachers have real lives?! haha

What a mess about the bike shipping - I'll keep my ears open

In regards to bike shipping, there are two local shops.  The largest is Racine Cyclery, www.racinecyclery.com, and there is also 3rd Coast Cycles (www.3rdcoastbicycles.com).  You may want to contact them for info about bike shipping if Ironman doesn't get something setup in time. 

Tri-WI triathlon team has scheduled a tentative course ride for Racine on Sat 7/2/11 for those that might be interested.  Usually wheels out at 7:30 or 8:00 am.  We usually have some light support on the course with a few treats, usually break the ride down into a couple of groups based on speed, Usually have a "no-drop" group, etc.  Non-members are welcome and a small donation is not necessary, but appreciated.  More details as we get closer to the date!  

I have scheduled a training race rehearsal that day, so I will also be swimming before the ride for 15 to 30 minutes (depends on how cold the water is.....) and running 8 to 10 off the bike on course.  So if you are interested in swimming or running that same day, I know there will be other folks out there.  

30 days till Race day!  How's your training going?  

Team website:    http://www.triwisconsin.org/

@ badgerintx - could you keep us posted as to the start time of the course ride on the 2nd?  I'm planning on joining the group.  Thanks!