Ironman 70.3 Miami : Official Thread (Page 4)

I found some images on Flickr and it looks like drafting was the norm for the bike segment.

I'm a slow biker so I'm used to getting passed.  But I have never been passed by so many large groups riding together.  Felt like the TdF was going on around me.  Granted, there were several parts of the bike course that were narrow, but from what I saw I would expect the refs should have been giving out lots of red cards.

The whole experience was rather chaotic.  I don't want to be negative because it's their 1st year.  But I would think WTC/Ironman would supervise/mentor race directors to protect their interest because they branded the race.  I have been to much better run races including ones of this size.

Joe

Trying my best not to complain and/or whine...but it really was that bad. Transition opened 2 1/2 hours late on Friday because the bike racks weren't ready. Yet, somehow they were able to have a Formula 1 racing car positioned on display at the bike In/Out. People were drafting all over the bike course...do they feel any sense of accomplishment after the race??? Anyway, race briefing stated there would be water stations every 1/2 mile on the run (which sounded like a lot, but whatever). But on the run, which included 8 bridge climbs, there was hardly a station to be found once you exited Bayfront Park. The volunteers at the aid stations were running out of everything. NOTHING to drink at the finish line!! It seems like Paramount Productions really gave Ironman a black eye on this one. Lots of people saying they'll never do this race again. Again, I think all this rests firmly on the shoulders of the race director from Paramount.

I have so much to say, but will have to wait til after work...

D+ for this race!! and I really don't care that it was their first time...for God's sake it was a WTC race!!! Have water, gatorade, gels, oranges, whatever on the run!!!! it SUCKED!!! and it was not cheap!!!!!

For an awesome race down here in Miami come to Miami Man HIM, now that is a well organized and well supported HIM!!!

How about how dangerous it was at the swim start with that guy pushing everyone into the water one on top of each other? aghhhh

Anyway, it is done and I had fun anyway but will not be doing this race again. We all survived ;-)...happy training..

Worst - race - ever!    Will save gorry details for race report, but all that you hear is accurate regarding the incompetence of race staff.   No way I will be back.    Miami Man, please take me back in 2011, sorry for defecting   

i pretty much said it all in my report.  but i do have to say this after thinking about it.

the atmospher was amazing.  and scratch the expo which was in a crappy location and the late transition opening. 

i think this could be a great race with some adjustments:

1)  swim just needed more buoys and needed a ramp not wooden stairs
2)  bike course itself was ok, couple of tight roads, but i think this is more due to the wave starts
3)  run, should have been same as the ING 13.1 this would make it quicker, with less bridges and less congestion

i am not including water at aid stations as that is just too obvious.  having said all that race no matter this race is gone for good. 

vabeachnut - how did your bridge crossing go?  8 times, WTF? was your comment some weeks ago, and it stuck to me.  Going from flat to 8 bridges, personally, I would have preferred to cross a larger bridge only twice

i also always try to be as positive as I can but that is impossible to do with this race (and race director).

I wanted to make my first HIM an official WTC event and to my disappointment, I chose this inaugural race.  All the horror stories (combined) are true...I think they were trying to bring the Halloween spirit out in all of us.  BTW: check out my RR and the first pic - real professional signage.

Although I will face the challenge of the smallest bridge turned worst bridge from hell, by the number of course changes, it is obvious that the RD was "winging" it.  What? he announced the course before getting permits?  did he also forget to build us a way out of the water?  did he also forget to rent some extra buoys for the swim course?  did he order signage a few hrs and forgot to spell check? did he also forget to hire a few more marshalls for the bike course?  did he also forget he had 3000 bikes to rack and each one going thru each of the water stations, not just the first one?  did he also for... you know what? FORGET IT!  I'm done with the Nationals.  My dad always tought me to work with your local suppliers simply because they CARE about you and your results - they need your satisfaction to grow their business.  WTC does not need to give us anything!

This is also WTCs fault.  For being so canniballistic against the sport with the use of their trademark and logo.  For not providing the new RD with the right coaching.

Miamiman - this is a great PR oppty for your race. Take advantage while this nightmare is still fresh in our minds. 

its hard to top what everyone has said in their race reports and in this thread.... from aid station supplies (like mi 30 on the bike - a folded table and a dude hanging out WITHOUT water) to hoping my bike would magically find its rack in the middle of the night (to my surprise it did - but the pre-race anx wasn't helpful).  best part - i finished.  race report on its way - with full details.... congrats to all that ENDURED for that race was a true test of will, strength, determination and endurance!

What do you know? Just got an email from the RD with an apology (if you want to call it that) and a request for constructive criticism. All you guys should have the same email as well. BTW, I read all the posts on FB and saw how pissed everyone was...then I saw the ones on Slowtwitch today, and I think they were even worse! Nothing left to say that hasn't already been said. I'm thinking about jumping up to the full distance next year, and if so, will probably go with an independent like Beach2Battleship in Wilmington, NC. Great reviews and ranked #5 in the country by Triathlete Magazine.

On another note, now that the season's over, I don't know what to do with myself. Went for a light swim last night and will probably pedal on the trainer a few minutes tonight. I'm also thinking about ordering pizza again for the 2nd time since Saturday.

Oh I think I have post traumatic stress..lol...I give this damn race an F+...MiamiMan YOU ROCK!!! and I will never "defect" again ;-)....I just pray to God that IM Cozumel goes well!!!!!

Train on...and let's have an awesome 2011 season!

WTC also posted this to try and make it right:

http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/wtc-responds-to-inaugu...

Merry XMas everyone who participated in Miami 70.3!

checkout ironman.com for details

So day after tomorrow, Ironman is supposed to contact all of us finishers of Miami 70.3 with details about our free entry to select 70.3s in 2011.  Cannot really pass that up, can you????  Who is thinking about doing what races?  Anybody going to give Miami another shot?  That's actually how I'm leaning.

Happy Holidays!

Joe

Did all of you who started this race, get your email from WTC yesterday Dec 1?  If you did, what race did you pick?

I understand it isn't official until I get a response but, I picked FL 70.3 in May and am planning on doing one more later in the year, perhaps in a different state.  No more inaugural races for me tho.

In order to start a 20 week plan for that race, I need to start training the day after XMas!  Ain't that wonderful?  Pretty much like having a new New Year's resolution...

Share your thoughts! 

Edited by TrkHilo2k 2010-12-02 1:29 PM

yeah....got the email.... ended up signing up for orlando in may too!

Still nothing about the course for 2011. Is WTC running this thing or NOT?
Need to bid vacations for 2011 and on the fence between Miami or Austin.

Timberman.

I've heard nothing but good things about this race.

How on earth am I going to train for hills in Va Beach?

Has anyone received the free race registration instructions from WTC?

Yes, the email arrived on Dec 1st  you had to reply to it with the free race of choice by Dec 7th

Yes, I did that. But have you received your registration instructions yet?

same here...signed up but no word yet from them.  will let ya know

The email on Dec 1 was only for them to prepare your registration.

I got my email with instructions yesterday and am now officially registered.

Edited by TrkHilo2k 2010-12-11 9:52 PM