Powerman Florida & Sprint December

Just did some causeway work in Melbourne in preparation for my sprint race on October 5th.  I was happily surprised that my HRM didn't scream at me this time!  Finally!!!

Is Sugarloaf in the mix for this race?  Please say, "No!!!"  

I'm thinking of driving over once or twice & riding/running through to get a feel & see how screwed I am.

Cool, this event has caught my eye so I added the bike & run routes to BT Tracker.

The Sprint bike is not correctly stated, it's 19.2 miles vs the ~16.5 on the website.  Mile 16.5 is where you would turn right back onto St Joe for another lap if doing the full Powerman.

ggwellness, excellent bike training for this would be up in the Clermont area.  For example, here's a ride of ~20 miles that goes around Sugarloaf that has a lot more hills than the Powerman route.

Thanks for the training route!  I'll be adding that to my schedule.  I just started hill work yesterday.  My physical therapist laughed at me & told me I was riding on "speed bumps" not hills.

They kicked my azz!  But, I maintained my average speed of 17.8 over the 8 miles I rode, so I guess they must have been speed bumps.  

I'm doing my 1st sprint next Sat, so after that I'll start serious work.  I'm also gonna do some spin classes as recommended by a coach.

Who knows, maybe I'll make it...maybe I'll just tip over & fall off 'cause I'm goin' too slow.

Ya never know until you tri! (or in this case du)

I am planning to do the Sprint. 

I ride from the starting point often.  You will definatley want to get some hill workouts in many times between now and then. 

Additionally, I believe the run will have hills as well, so be prepared.

More "speed bumps" today on a different course here in sunny North Central Florida.  I'm making sure I do them in high gears so I really work it.  They weren't too hard actually.  I was surprised. 

But...on the way home I found that my legs were a little burnt out. 

More work to be done!

If anyone's interested, here are the routes as posted by our pal Donto (thanks man!!):

Powerman Run

Powerman Sprint lap, full Powerman takes a LEFT at 2.6 mile mark for anther lap.

Powerman Bike

Powerman Bike Route (Race)
One full lap for the Powerman Sprint distance. Full Powerman bike is 2 laps turning RIGHT back onto St Joe Rd at mile 16.5 for another loop then the onto the finish.

benc84 - 2008-10-26 6:43 PM Wow I really want to do the longer distance but I am worried because you guys say that practice on hills is a must.  I really dont have that luxury as of yet.  The sprint looks really easy.  I hate to do such a short race... we will see

I just did the route yesterday.  If you are used to flat florida, the 19 miles for the sprint will be by no means easy especially between 2 runs that will be hilly as well. 

I have riden at San Antonio many times and this route has some of the better/longer/steeper climbs of the area. 

I would say that in a race setting, the 36 miles would not be wise unless you have some hill time under your belt. 

That is true but I would surely argue that much more energy and effort is expended going up and down those hills than is expended on the same distance of flat ground. 

I'm still a bit nervous, but have been working the hills best I can around here. 

This weekend I really surprised my training partner by blowing by him on a long slow climb while he struggled since he's only been doing the flats.  

I've been training some smaller hills, but have been doing them in big gears so I'll be ready.  Hope my strategy will pay off!  

This week I'm planning on joining a spin class for some additional training stress as suggested by many hill climbers.  

According to the course map, the run doesn't look as hilly as the bike.  Hope so...I'm focusing more on the bike than the run for hill training.

Seems to me the run is what is gonna make or break you... the bike is a one and done which seems tough but.. id be more worried about the 2nd run.

Maybe I'm just a wussy girl, but here's my take:

I'm here to FINISH.  It's my 1st hill race.  If I have to WALK the damn hills I'll WALK the damn hills for the 2nd half of the run.  

I'm gonna FINISH the race unless it knocks me down.

I'm not looking for times or ranking here, just to know that no only am I a triathlete, but I am one that can conquer hills.

I'm just a novice, though - no ambition - no competitive spirit - just out there to prove that I'm no longer a sick, out of shape, wimpy girl who lays around on the couch.

Hope everyone has a blast kicking on the hills!

yikes, i'm really concerned now on which one to sign up for.   i'm thinking along the same lines  as benc84 here.   the sprint distance seems rather easy and not a significant challenge for me.   however, i've never done any hill biking and if the hills are what you guys are saying, i'm not sure about it.   i have no hills to train on here and i'd really hate to get out there and get my arse handed to me.

hmmm....not sure what to really do.

If you have not done any hills, definately do the sprint distance.  It is actually 19 miles.  I did the course a few weeks ago.  Maybe the 19miles does not seem that bad but 36miles in hills between two runs is alot to take on without some training. 

By the way, I am really bummed but I will likely not be able to do the event.  I already paid and am looking to see if I can get my $ back or transfer it to someone.  If you have not paid yet, hold on and contact me, maybe we can work something out. 

Take my place and save $30. 

I am now injured and can't do the event. 

I signed up for the Sprint.  The cost is now $65. 

I will sell it for $35 and it could be paid via paypal.

The director told me I need to contact him today. 

Thanks.  PM me if you are interested.

I'm out.  Just know I won't be able to tolerate the hills - strength isn't what it should be.  Maybe next year.

Have fun guys!!