General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Rss Feed  
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2015-03-24 8:26 PM

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Bismarck, ND
Subject: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
I have the itch to do a 70.3. I am trying to figure out which one to do.

2 questions

Does this race fill fast or do I have time to make sure I can get the training in?

Would this be a decent race for a first timer? I would have to travel 14 hours for it. My only other option would be Waconia MN.


2015-03-24 9:57 PM
in reply to: #5103233

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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
The race does not fill up very quickly, and it is a good race for your first 70.3. However, there have been issues in the past with strong currents in Lake Michigan, and the swim was cancelled. I have to imagine there is a closer 70.3 to you. 14 hours is a hell of a drive for possibly a long dualthon.
2015-03-25 8:34 AM
in reply to: 0

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St. Joseph, MI
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
Steelhead is a great race, very well put together. As said above, the swim can be an issue depending on weather. It's been cancelled twice in the past 10 years because of rough water. The bike course is on mostly decent roads with what I would call lightly rolling hills and only two pretty steep ones. The run is mostly flat with a couple hills, one you have to repeat twice. There are some nice family friendly things to do in St. Joseph as well as good restaurants, wineries and craft breweries fairly close. If you pull the trigger, book early because hotels fill quick for that weekend. I live in the area so PM me if you want more info.

Edited by jgs733 2015-03-25 8:43 AM
2015-03-25 11:05 AM
in reply to: brreems

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5

Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
I did this race last year. I liked it a lot. As others have mentioned, water can get choppy since there's no surf breaker. Fortunately last year it was relatively calm. A few 3-4 ft swells, but nothing major. Bike is a great course. Mostly rolling small back country roads through farm land. The run is on an empty corporate campus and not through a town where there's people out and about to watch. The finish line area is at a beach set away from the main road that can serve as a issue for spectators trying to park. Good first time race, but I'd maybe look into some events closer to you unless you don't mind driving 14 hours to it.

I'm pretty sure there was still space to register the day before the race when I checked in, so don't be concerned about it filling up.
2015-03-25 8:57 PM
in reply to: Jeff B

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West Michigan
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
Originally posted by Jeff B

The race does not fill up very quickly, and it is a good race for your first 70.3. However, there have been issues in the past with strong currents in Lake Michigan, and the swim was cancelled. I have to imagine there is a closer 70.3 to you. 14 hours is a hell of a drive for possibly a long dualthon.


It's amazing the swim cancels still get's brought up. I believe it happened twice in the entire history of this race, yet it's a stigma that get's attached to the swim.

I've done this race the past three years. No issues with the swim an any year. Water has been great. The roads are much improved and the run course has enough variation to keep you motivated. I really enjoy this race.
2015-03-25 9:35 PM
in reply to: guppie58


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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
I love swimming in Lake Michigan, I'm very lucky to live only a few minutes away. As others have said, it's a great area. Tons of great wineries in the area, but you might want to wait till *after* the race to go tasting. Just google Southwest Michigan wineries and you'll find a few good websites.


2015-03-26 9:31 AM
in reply to: ziggie204

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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
Looking forward to doing this race for the first time after completing Racine a couple of times. I've heard some good things about the race and wanted to try something different.
2015-03-26 11:16 AM
in reply to: brreems

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Sioux Falls, SD
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
Originally posted by brreems

I have the itch to do a 70.3. I am trying to figure out which one to do.

2 questions

Does this race fill fast or do I have time to make sure I can get the training in?

Would this be a decent race for a first timer? I would have to travel 14 hours for it. My only other option would be Waconia MN.


If you're from Bismarck and want to do an Ironman branded race, Racine would be 2 hours closer. Have you looked at that race? I've done it 3 times and love it.
2015-03-26 12:55 PM
in reply to: OneEyedWille

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Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
have to agree fun course but not memorable. transition is very long maybe 1/4 mile and the run from the swim is long. the run is pretty shady for a ironman race
2015-03-26 8:25 PM
in reply to: buckeyeguy77

Member
166
1002525
Bismarck, ND
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
Originally posted by buckeyeguy77

Originally posted by brreems

I have the itch to do a 70.3. I am trying to figure out which one to do.

2 questions

Does this race fill fast or do I have time to make sure I can get the training in?

Would this be a decent race for a first timer? I would have to travel 14 hours for it. My only other option would be Waconia MN.


If you're from Bismarck and want to do an Ironman branded race, Racine would be 2 hours closer. Have you looked at that race? I've done it 3 times and love it.


OK. How did you know I was from Bismarck? Racine is the same weekend as Bismarcks race. I was looking for a race that is early to middle August due to my vacation time.
2015-03-27 10:47 AM
in reply to: brreems

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Sioux Falls, SD
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
Originally posted by brreems

Originally posted by buckeyeguy77

Originally posted by brreems

I have the itch to do a 70.3. I am trying to figure out which one to do.

2 questions

Does this race fill fast or do I have time to make sure I can get the training in?

Would this be a decent race for a first timer? I would have to travel 14 hours for it. My only other option would be Waconia MN.


If you're from Bismarck and want to do an Ironman branded race, Racine would be 2 hours closer. Have you looked at that race? I've done it 3 times and love it.


OK. How did you know I was from Bismarck? Racine is the same weekend as Bismarcks race. I was looking for a race that is early to middle August due to my vacation time.


Says so under your name

Sorry to get off topic, are you going to Aberdeen SD on May 3rd for that indoor Tri? Since it's fairly close to you?



2015-03-27 8:48 PM
in reply to: #5103233

Member
166
1002525
Bismarck, ND
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead
No, I won't be going to Aberdeen. I will be in Fargo for the half marathon the following weekend.
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