Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread (Page 2)

I did this race the first year and probably going back this year. I recommend staying at the hosting hotel for the ease of race day.   The bike coarse is extremely hard, but lots of fun.   The run is completely flat.  The biggest issue with the first year like said earlier was the temp got well over 90 with very high humidity and zero breeze. 

To give you an idea the difference in difficulty of the bike coarse I averaged 19.1 MPH in Branson and 23.9 MPH the very next month in Austin.   I Have to go back this year and improve on my first go around. 

The town puts on a very good race with lots of spectators. Running through the downtown area really gives you a boost when you need it.  The only way I would recommend against this race is if you are looking for a PR.  I talked to several guys after the race that where use to going low 5 to mid 5 hours and ended up High 5 hours to low 6 hours.  It may be different with better weather though.

My 20-week plan starts next week. I'm going to use the Fitzgerald Level 6 this time.

How about everybody else? What training plan (if any) are you using? I'm starting to get that good feeling of "officially" starting to train for an "A" race. It really gets me focused and I enjoy the training more when it's geared toward a particular race.

Hopefully others will be convinced to sign up. One of the reasons I picked this race was I wanted to do a MDOT 70.3 so there would be more people. I have done a non-mdot 70.3 and wanted to experience one with more racers on the course.

Everything I have read about the race has been positive, but everyone always says the bike is tough. I think people hear and read that and then see the average finish times and say no thanks.

Thanks Anne,

I just registered using the Schwaggle discount and it was very easy.  This will be my first HIM.  Thanks for setting my mind at ease.  What a great savings for someone who was going to do the race anyway!!

Congrats on your great finish time at IM Texas.  I followed it online last Saturday.   Sounds like there are some questions as to whether the race will occur there next year?

Take care

Mark

Did a couple loops on 465 to the turnaround today.  Here is the data from Strava for one lap if anyone is interested.  It really doesn't show anything you dont already know though!  Very tough, but doable.

http://app.strava.com/rides/9371471

Happy training.

On 2010, race day was unseasonably hot, but this will be my second time doing HIM Branson and it kicked my butt the first time around, so I'm going for revenge. Like everyone says the bike course is challenging, but this triathlon will make you earn that finisher's medal. I would recommend anyone who wants a great experience and challenge to sign up and with the Schwaggle deal it's a no brainer. The swim is in very clear water and the is flat with lots of spectators on the landing. 

Wanna have something to brag about other than a full IM? Do Branson HIM. 

I think the numbers were low also because the 70.3 World Championships (out west somewhere, Vegas I think) were either the week before or the week after.

In week 6 of the 20 week plan. Getting tougher but feeling good so far.

Hope everybody is having good training weeks. Can't wait to hit those hills!!

I did Branson last year as my first HIM.....great race!  The bike is an absolute hoot.....either 45+ bonzai runs downhill or 10mph climbs for 10-15 minutes.....almost nothing in between.  Still, the bike course is absolutely beautiful on a closed 4 lane divided highway through the Ozark Mountains.

I had one training ride over 50 miles because I spent most of my training riding up and down any hill I could find....it served me well and made for an enjoyable race.

I'd do it again in a heart beat if I wasn't a "been there/done that" kind of person.  But I've never been sorry I did that race.