1st Time Tri, tell me about IM Moo 2006

'Zactly.

The reference in the other thread stated about how it must have sucked being out there all day, referencing the other Ironman and those volunteers.  It really sucked weather-wise during IM Moo '06.  The temp didn't quite reach the 60's Fahrenheit, and it rained all day.  A friend of mine made a statement that summed it up - "it was like someone was following you with a hose and spraying you all day".  It was a miserable day.  I signed up as a running Marshal for one shift.  I decided to stick it out and do a double-shift and kept encouraging those IronPeople after seeing how much fortitude they had to keep going.  It was the least I could do.  They inspired me, so I needed to pay them back somehow, even if I was getting soaked and cold.  They deserved it!

Rain, cool, and windy the entire day.  The swim was ok for me but the bike was particularly tough with lots of headwind, and on the downhills you (I) had to tone down speed due to slick conditions.  The run was actually not too bad because it was easy to stay well hydrated.  The biggest issue on the run for me was wet feet and sore nips due to cold wet shirt rubbing all day, despite oodles of vaseline.  My finish time was just over 15 hours though, so someone with a much faster time may have had a different experience.

As an aside, since that race I try hard not to alter my training because of rain and wind and now feel much more comfortable in these conditions.  As seen in numerous race reports, IM weather can very tremendously, even during the same race.  Best to prepare for this in training.

Definitely a good "heads-up"/warning/tip regarding the nips - serious.

Ahhhh, I see. Thank you.