Miami Man Official Thread (Page 2)

On Monday you will be emailed your packet pickup form and visitor survey.  Please verify all of the information on the registration form, fill out the survey, and bring it with you to packet pickup.  If you forget it, we will have a copy at packet pickup, but you'll have to find it and fill it out.  You will save time if you bring it pre-done to packet pickup.

Packet pickup and mandatory bike check-in are on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  There is absolutely no packet pickup on race morning.  Actually, no cars will be admitted to the park without a parking pass that you get in your race packet on Saturday.

For those that have done this event in previous years, you'll notice a change in the transition and expo layout, that also forces a slight change in the run course.  Here's what has changed:

1. Due to the Americans with Disabilities Act, our expo must be on a hard surface to accommodate wheelchairs and thus can no longer take place in the grass field.  Therefore, the expo has been moved to the parking lot where transition has always been before.

2.  The transition area has been moved to the grass field.  This has some benefits in that it is a much shorter run from the swim to transition and the length of the transition area is shorter since we can now go wider.  We are even adding more space between bike racks and less people on each rack to make your transition experience even better!

3.  Because of the transition area move, the run cannot come into the finish area from the south.  It has to come from the north.  All of the run course changes are in the area near transition.  The only change on the zoo side is that the U-turn in the long out-and-back stretch at the zoo entrance will now be shorter since the run changes on the L&P Park side have lengthened that part of the course.  Please inspect the run course and swim/transition maps to see exactly how everything flows:

To ensure the most orderly transition possible, each and every bike rack spot will be labeled with the name and category of the person that is supposed to be racked there.  The USAT Officials will give you a time penalty if you are not racked in the correct location.

In order to help you find your rack location, the ends of each rack will be numbered to show what range of bib numbers rack on that row.  In addition to that, the signs on the end of each rack are also color coded and change colors every 4th rack.  This will aid you in finding your rack easier.

As always, if you are not a confident or fast swimmer, stay to the sides at the swim start.  You can even wait 15-30 seconds and then go.  Trust me, in a race this long 15-30 seconds isn't going to matter!  This will save you from getting run over by other swimmers.

If at any time you need assistance, please wave for a lifeguard.  There will be plenty of them around.  You may rest on their boards.  You may also swim to the shoreline and rest there.  As long as you do not get propelled forward while resting on the lifeguard's board or walk forward along the shoreline, it is perfectly legal to take a break during your swim.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, the lifeguards are in charge during the swim.  If they think you are struggling, then please allow them to take you to the shoreline or go there yourself.  We have Ocean Certified Lifeguards, so they are experienced and know what they are doing.  The shoreline isn't that far from any point in the swim and you will be allowed to continue if you are OK after resting for a moment OR you may report yourself to the timing trailer as a DNF and go ahead and complete the rest of the race. 

I've seen several rescues and most of the time the swimmer keeps saying they are OK, and then they go under.  DON'T LET THAT BE YOU!  Your safety is by far the most important thing at the race.  Set it in your head right now that if the lifeguard asks you to rest that you will do so regardless of how good your head tells you that you feel.  We all want your family to see you smiling at the finish line, not lying in the back of an ambulance.

International Distance participants swim 1 lap.  Half Iron participants swim 1 lap, go through the swim exit to record their swim lap time, then re-enter the water and swim a 2nd lap.  If you do not go through the arch and record both laps, you will be disqualified for not completing the entire course.

You need to drink lots of fluids AND EAT! You must eat to keep from becoming sodium deficient. CytoSport will definitely help with this versus water, but you still need to eat! We also highly recommend you take some Endurolytes before the race and periodically throughout the race.  They will be available at packet pickup and at the water station next to transition. Eating and Endurolytes will keep your electrolyte levels in check and prevent cramping.

All aid stations will have 3 sections to keep things simple. You will encounter a table and volunteers with water first (BLUE Table), then a table and volunteers with CytoSport sports drink (YELLOW table), and lastly a table and volunteers with food (BLACK table).  The food consists of Hammer Gel, Clif Bars, LARA Bars, Clif Shots (kind of like a big gummy bear), Sunsweet prunes, bananas, and oranges.  The bike aid station will not have oranges as they are too hard to eat while riding.

At the finish, we'll have bottled CytoSport and Vivo Plus water as well as oranges, bananas, Snickers Marathon Bars, Forze Bars, Sunsweet Prunes, and lunch.

Some of the gels and bars may contain caffeine, so if you have problems with caffeine, then please do not take these items.

The park will not allow anyone to swim in the lake on Saturday.  There are no lifeguards on duty, so if you are caught swimming during the expo, you will be disqualified.

Since the park is requiring there to be no swim on Saturday, I negotiated early lifeguards and gate opening on Race Morning.  You will be able to warm up, test out your wetsuits, etc. as soon as the lifeguards feel there is sufficient light for them to keep everyone safe.  This should be between twilight at 6:13 am and sunrise at 6:37 am.

The race should be wetsuit legal (below 78 degrees) as it has been in all previous years.  We won't know for 100% certainty until the Head USAT Official measures the water temperature on race morning.  If it is below 78 degrees, then there are no wetsuit restrictions.  If it is between 78 and 84 degrees, then you may wear a wetsuit, but will not be eligible for awards.  In previous years the water temperature has been between 74 and 77.5 degrees, so it is certainly warm enough not to wear one, but it does give a buoyancy advantage.

My recommendation is to assume it will be wetsuit legal (below 78-it will certainly be below 84).  If it is not, you will be told and can leave your wetsuit in transition.  I doubt that will happen though.

Many Florida triathletes do not own a wetsuit since there aren't that many races where the water is cool enough to wear one.  If that is the case with you, you can rent one from www.wetsuitrental.com.  They'll even deduct your rental fee if you decide to purchase the wetsuit from them.

Of course, if you want to go ahead a purchase a wetsuit, Mack Cycle has a wetsuit sale going on now:

Regardless of when your swim wave actually starts, you need to have your swim equipment on and be out of transition by 7:15 a.m.  The first Half Iron wave starts at 7:00 a.m. and we need to have everyone out of transition before the first swimmer enters the transition area.  We, and the first swimmers, appreciate your help with this.

Once the last cyclist is in, the transition area will reopen for participants to collect their bikes and belongings.  This will happen between 11:30 a.m. and Noon, when the bike course closes.

We have always held the Miami Man Triathlon on a Sunday, but wanted to get your opinion on which day you like better for the Miami Man, Saturday or Sunday.  Saturday would mean a Friday Expo, but a full recovery day before starting the next work week.  This survey is only for the Miami Man Triathlon, not our sprint triathlons.

Click here if you prefer Saturday.

Click here if you prefer Sunday.

The International distance bike course u-turns at mile 11 on the bike course.  This occurs just before Krome Avenue, which is the 3rd stoplight on the course, so if you see a 3rd stoplight, don't go through it!

We have also taken several measures to ensure that nobody misses the turnaround.  The following sign will be placed prior to the u-turn warning you that it is approaching:

The following sign will be placed at the u-turn: 

There will also be volunteers at this location saying "International U-turn, 1/2 Iron Straight" and a cone in the middle of the road for you to go around.  Look at the maps, study the course, and know when you should turn around.

The best way to ensure that you know the course and won't make any mistakes on race day is to attend the Miami Man Orientation Ride hosted by the South Florida Triathletes.

Reminder...Come out...bike and run the course lead by Paul Kvedaras.

Date :  Sunday November 7.
Place : Larry and Penny Thompson Park (Eureka and the Turnpike)
Site # 2 (Transition Area)
Time : 7:00am
Ride Starts at 7:30am sharp
Maps will be given out to all participants
Orientation will include : Walk to the lake and an explanation about the swim
Course ride that will include the International and Half Distances
Short two mile run afterwards.
This is an orientation ride and not a training session
All riders must have all of their own supplies to complete the distance that they choose to ride.

Just a friendly reminder to all the riders about following the rules of the road:
* Group should remain tight and on the right side of the road...
* Single file or MAXIMUM two riders side be side - depending on what the leader calls out...
* Stop at every stop sign and red light...
* Never ride on your aero-bars when you're behind another rider..
* Don't pass your leader unless you call out that you're leaving the group or pulling...
* If you get tired and want to pull back, make sure you communicate that to the riders around you...
* All riders should call out or hand signal obstacles on the road, whether you're in the front or back of pack...
* Wear identification...

Look us up on Facebook.com and join our group "Team Hammerheads" and RSVP.

"This is a SFT Club Sanctioned Event"

Train safe,
Ray

International Distance participants will run only 1 lap of the run course, pass by transition and stay left to go to the finish line.

Half Iron Distance participants will run 2 laps of the run course, so after they pass transition for the first time after running a lap, stay to the right to go out for lap #2.  You will see the following sign at the lap split point:

You will pass this sign at the start of your first lap as well, so International Distance participants will run by it twice and Half Iron Participants will run by it 3 times.

In your packet you will find a set of TriTats.  TriTats and Miami Man have partnered to bring you the TriTats body marking system.  Please show your support by wearing the TriTats logo tattoo below your TriTat race numbers.  You will receive the TriTat Pac containing the TriTat race # temporary tattoos in your packets at packet pickup.

The TriTats system is very easy, enjoyable, ads an element of safety and makes you look much more professional.  The night before the event (or at packet pickup), you will follow these easy steps:

1. First place your race # TriTats on your left and right biceps and on the outside of your left leg (between the calf and shin) and place your age group identifier tattoo on the back of your left calf. 
2. Then, select the location for the TriTats tattoo below your race # on one of your arms.
3. Important:  skin should be clean & free of sunscreen, oils or makeup.
4. Remove clear, protective top sheet from TriTat temporary tattoo.
5. Press tattoo firmly onto clean, dry skin.
6. Hold a wet paper towel, sponge or washcloth to the back of tattoo, hold and make sure to wet it all the way through the paper.  Wait 30 seconds (don't hurry).  Peel off paper backing. 

To learn more about TriTats and their new body marking system visit them at:  www.TriTats.com

There are three race numbers in your race packet that you are required to display during the event.

The bicycle frame number must be attached to your bike with the race number clearly visible from both sides of the bike. The bike number is self adhesive, so wrap it around your frame or seat tube onto itself.

The sticker is the helmet number and must be affixed to the front of your helmet.

The run number must be displayed during the run segment on the front of your body. The USAT Officials will issue you a time penalty if you do not clearly display your race number on the front of your body.  Everyone will be issued a Miami Man Triathlon race belt that you can attach your number to.  You can then grab it and put it on as you are starting the run, saving time in transition.

This is a very family friendly event. Spectators can watch the swim from a great spot along the nearly 1 mile edge of the lake. Afterwards, they can go on over to Zoo Miami (discounted admission provided by tram driver) to check out one of the nations best zoos while they cheer on competitors who are on the run course. The first tram is at 9:45 a.m. There is also a children's playground right next to the finish line.

Spectators MAY NOT go to the start with you.  There is not enough room for nearly 2000 athletes and spectators there.  They will have a much better view of the swim on the lake edge near transition.

Here is the full tram schedule:

TRAM LEAVES ZOO AT: 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 1:30
TRAM LEAVES EXPO AREA AT: 9:45, 11:15, 12:45, 2:15

Please display your parking pass obtained at packet pickup on your dash so that you will be allowed to enter Larry & Penny Thompson Park on race morning.  There are 4 entrances to the park.  To relieve congestion, you will only be allowed to enter through your assigned entrance.  In addition, to relieve congestion, please follow the directions & map on your parking pass to get to your assigned entrance.  These directions will most likely be different than how you came to packet pickup.  This will prevent 2000 cars from being backed up on 184th Street in 1 direction.  Your exit from the turnpike may be different.

ALL ENTRANCES CLOSE AT 6:45 A.M. so don't be late!

THE ROADWAY IS USED DURING THE RACE FOR BIKES, THE ZOO TRAM, AND MEDICAL. THEREFORE, IF ANY PORTION OF A VEHICLE OR IT'S BIKE RACK EXTENDS INTO THE ROADWAY IT WILL BE TOWED AT THE OWNERS' EXPENSE.

• Ride on the right side of your lane.
• Keep three bike lengths between you and the cyclist in front of you.
• Pass on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right.
• Complete your pass within 15 seconds.
• If passed, you must drop completely out of the zone, to the rear, before attempting to re-pass.

Remember you are racing in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and there are trained referees on the course to ensure fairness in the competition.  There will be NO WARNINGS if you commit a foul during competition.  Triathlon is an individual event and you must take personal responsibility to understand the rules and avoid penalties.  At the end of the race all citations by the marshals are reviewed by the Head Referee who then decides if a penalty should be assessed.  The Head Referee's ruling is final in the case of Position Violations and there are no protests or appeals of Position penalties.  Marshals commonly cite the following violations:

• Illegal Position or Blocking - riding on the left side of the lane without passing.
• Illegal Pass - passing on the right.
• Overtaken - failing to drop back three bike lengths after being passed and before re-passing.
• Drafting - following a leading cyclist closer than three bike lengths and failing to pass or exit the draft zone within 15 seconds.

Though Position Violations carry a time penalty for each occurrence, if you are cited for three violations, you will be disqualified.

Always have your chinstrap securely fastened!  The chinstrap rule is the easiest to follow, but some folks always seem to forget - that's a DQ!

Remember to treat other athletes, volunteers, and officials with courtesy and consideration.  Failure to do so is called Unsportsmanlike Conduct and you will be disqualified.

Please...no IPODS or other personal listening devices. Use of a personal listening device will result in a variable time penalty.

Always wear your race number on the run and always ensure that your race number is plainly displayed on your bike in an unaltered, unobstructed and readable state. Failure to do so will result in a time penalty.

All that being said, I hope you have a great race, lots of fun, and achieve all your goals.