General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Northerner considering IMTX Rss Feed  
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2014-05-05 2:46 PM

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Subject: Northerner considering IMTX
I really want to do my first IM next year and have it be IMTX in 2015. I am coming from Northern Utah, and want to know the best ways to prepare for the heat/humidity. I am not unfamiliar with it down there, as I grew up in Houston and know how bad it can be. I just haven't lived there for 16 years and want to know the best way to train for it coming from up north. Suggestions from people who have done this race coming from colder/dryer climates would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!


2014-05-05 4:45 PM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX

I too am a Northerner and have done several warm weather races including Hawaii 70.3 twice and Vineman Full twice.  I do most of my cycling (all in the Winter) on the trainer without a fan so am very acclimated to warmth on the bike.  With the bike segment early in the day I think my race conditions may have actually been milder than what I was training at.  The run is really the tough one.  You are getting into the hottest part of the day for the run and that is tougher to simulate.  If you have a treadmill, you can control your training environment much better. 

2014-05-05 5:06 PM
in reply to: popsracer

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX

I second the trainer and treadmill for acclimation.  I live in Northern MI and have done a couple early season IMs.  It's very doable, and you get the mental training.

 

2014-05-05 7:58 PM
in reply to: popsracer

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX
Originally posted by popsracer

I too am a Northerner and have done several warm weather races including Hawaii 70.3 twice and Vineman Full twice.  I do most of my cycling (all in the Winter) on the trainer without a fan so am very acclimated to warmth on the bike.  With the bike segment early in the day I think my race conditions may have actually been milder than what I was training at.  The run is really the tough one.  You are getting into the hottest part of the day for the run and that is tougher to simulate.  If you have a treadmill, you can control your training environment much better. 




X 3

I'm doing it again this year and this is the first week we've had any heat that comes close. It's too late to help so I'll just suffer with the rest of the IM'ers.

On the bright side, it's supposed to be hot again this year. This'll be my 3rd TX in a row and each year it has been hotter or worse conditions. This race is due for a cold day, maybe next year? I'll be there again....I think
2014-05-06 8:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX
Best you can do is focus on solid training for the distance. I don't think there's any real way to prep for the heat & humidity for a May IM, so focus on what you can control. Show up for the race in good shape and let race day conditions govern your pace. I train in the Houston area all summer long, and I'm not sure I agree that much physical aclimination really ever takes place. Hot + Humid = slower pace, at least for me.

The part that does adjust is the mental aspect of training. You know it's hot, but you accept it and endure....just like training in the cold (only sweatier and slower)!

Edited by g_shotts 2014-05-06 8:59 AM
2014-05-06 11:39 AM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX

Originally posted by KatieLimb I really want to do my first IM next year and have it be IMTX in 2015. I am coming from Northern Utah, and want to know the best ways to prepare for the heat/humidity. I am not unfamiliar with it down there, as I grew up in Houston and know how bad it can be. I just haven't lived there for 16 years and want to know the best way to train for it coming from up north. Suggestions from people who have done this race coming from colder/dryer climates would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

I also heard there was talk of moving it to April, which would mean less heat and humidity. Not sure what year they are moving it though. 



2014-05-06 11:41 AM
in reply to: KSH

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX

Karen, it moves to April in 2017.  I believe it's April 22nd that year.

2014-05-06 3:03 PM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Richland, Washington
Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX
Hey Katie, I just sent you a message back!

As I said in the message, imtx is a fantastic course... Nice and flat, usually calm winds.... Just a bit on the hot side.. With planning and a solid hydration/nutrition plan you will have a great day out there!

And if you need my connection at the marriott that will allow you to take your bike trainer in the sauna room, just let me know (totally not joking on that)
2014-05-07 6:09 AM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX

Being lean will help with the heat and humidity as well.

There are some who believe sauna work helps with heat adaptation. I did that one year before an IM, not sure how much it helped but it doesn't take much time.

2014-05-25 1:46 AM
in reply to: KathyG

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Canyon, Texas
Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX
I just tried 'hot' yoga today... it reminded me of Houston. Just a thought.
2014-05-26 3:37 AM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX
Katie

IF you want to start a thread for IMTX 2015 im in . We are 12 months away , but all i am doing are maintaining training for swim and run, bike is the only one im maintaining at 100 miles a week with one of them a long bike on a weekend with hills and sun. I'll start 7 months of IMTX




2014-06-05 11:05 AM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Northerner considering IMTX
Originally posted by KatieLimb

I really want to do my first IM next year and have it be IMTX in 2015. I am coming from Northern Utah, and want to know the best ways to prepare for the heat/humidity. I am not unfamiliar with it down there, as I grew up in Houston and know how bad it can be. I just haven't lived there for 16 years and want to know the best way to train for it coming from up north. Suggestions from people who have done this race coming from colder/dryer climates would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!


Just wing it; let me know how it works out.
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