General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Boulder 70.3 Rss Feed  
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2017-08-02 9:50 AM

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Subject: Boulder 70.3
I'm already scheming for next year, and am curious about Boulder 70.3. For those that have done it, I'd like to read your race reports and get your input. I DNFd the only 70.3 I've signed up for (Kansas 70.3 in 2008), so I still have a chip on my shoulder. I dream big, so I'm hoping to get to 70.3 level of fitness by this time next year, which I should be able to if I keep training smart.

I've run multiple 1/2 marathons, so I know how to get that part up and running (pun intended?). I will need to do a LOT of work on the bike (that's what killed me at K 70.3). Having a year to plan for it, though, should set me up nicely, I think.

Thoughts?


2017-08-02 10:15 AM
in reply to: robertChiefsFan

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Cypress, Texas
Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3

Well...they used to do that race in May but they switched to August this year to swap dates of the 70.3 with the 140.6.  So you may want to wait a few weeks for the people that are doing it this year to chime in, or ask people that did the 140.6 in August to comment on clime for the race.  I am sure it will have warmer water temps and hotter run temps this year.

There is a lady in town (McAlester, OK) that has done both the 70.3 and 140.6 every year for the past 4 years.  She invited me to do the 70.3 with her and two other guys from town that are going, but my vacation time and race budget were strained so I declined. They love that race and keep going back.  :-)

As far as the run training goes I think I am preaching tot he choir to tell you that the 13.1 at the end of a 70.3 triathlons is not the same things as a half marathon run.  It is more like doing the 2nd half of a marathon than a half marathon.  That wall that you hit on mile 20 of the marathon you hit at about mile 6 on your 13.1 mile run at the end of a 70.3 triathlon.  Yes, hit the bike.  the better you are on the bike training the more you have in the tank to run on, so if you can nail the bike the run is going to be a lot easier than if you struggle on the bike.  

I haven't make plans for 2018 yet, but Boulder 70.3 may be my destination race next year.  Good luck. I don't think you can go wrong with Boulder 70.3.

2017-08-02 11:03 AM
in reply to: robertChiefsFan

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Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3
Regardless of location you need to start doing some serious miles if you want to perform well in a 70.3. Start riding now and get a head start on bike fitness as you head into winter. You can ride outdoors for the next 3 months at least so try and get out there as much as you can. In the winter embrace the indoor trainer and/or hit spin classes regularly. My best biking came after a winter of 3 hard trainer workouts per week.

When spring hits and you've done those hard indoor workouts 3x/week you'll be ready to start doing those longer weekend rides. What really helped me is signing up for some century rides leading up to the 70.3. Just think about it, if you can do 100 miles just think about how easy those 56 mile rides will be.
2017-08-02 1:15 PM
in reply to: reecealan

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Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3
Thank you for the feedback - I very much appreciate it!

I know I have a lot of work to do between now and then, and right now I'm just happy to be back on my feet. Next year might legitimately be too soon to think about a HIM, and that's ok, too.
2018-02-05 12:36 PM
in reply to: 0

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Cypress, Texas
Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3

I was going to do this race in 2016 but it was sold out.  I am in for 2018.  I think I would be happier with a May race than an August race but wanted to do this one either way.  :-)



Edited by BlueBoy26 2018-02-05 12:37 PM
2018-02-05 7:14 PM
in reply to: BlueBoy26

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Bellevue, WA
Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3

I am also in for 2018.  I did IM Boulder back in 2015, and also my daughter lives there, student at CU.  This year I'm doing IM Maryland so Boulder is my half IM.  It's the perfect time at exactly 8 weeks prior to IMMD.

IM Boulder has a different bike and run, but the swim is also at the Reservoir.  I've done a 10K which is partially on the IM 70.3 course.  It should be a lot of fun.  Might be hot!



2018-02-06 10:36 AM
in reply to: brucemorgan

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Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3

I will be training in Oklahoma so I am NOT worried about the heat. 

I went to the University of Wyoming (two hours from Boulder) while my family was living in Tulsa, OK and made trips back and forth quite regularly.  I found that it was much easier to go from training in the hot humid climate to the cooler drier 7200 feet elevation than it was to go the other way. 100 def F in Oklahoma at 80% humidity is harder to run in that 100 deg F at 7200 feet (and I don't think Boulder is that high). So I have one thing in my favor.

I was in Utah over the weekend and went to the Provo Rec Center with my Sister and Brother-in-law on Saturday morning.  I don't know if I was swimming faster because I was excited to be in a 25m pool rather that the 15 yard pool that I have at home or if it was something else but I was finding that my breathing wasn't taking en enough air.  If it was the elevation then I am going to have to swim conservative in Boulder so I am not out of breath.  I will be getting to the area a week before the race so that should help some.  

Ya..it should be fun regardless of heat or elevation.  :-)

2018-02-07 11:31 AM
in reply to: BlueBoy26

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Denver area
Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3
2016 and earlier, the 70.3 was in JUNE (not May - trust me, you do not want a 70.3 swim in May... brrrr!). They swapped the full and half dates and now the 70.3 is in August. 2017 was an exceptionally kind and ideal race day for both races, but very much so for the 70.3. We had overcast conditions and temps in the low 70's. So you will see a LOT of positive race reports and fast times.

If you want some more honest reviews, go read race reports from the 70.3 in June 2015 or 2016, where temps were in the 90s and people suffered a whole lot more.

The swim is fine, a bit icky, but usually a non-issue with weather. The bike is pretty fast without any significant climbing on good roads. The run goes on a dirt road around the Rez (2 loops) and has ~2 decent hills and is COMPLETELY EXPOSED. So if it's a hot day, you will cook.

Personally, the heat and exposure of the run make this race not super fun and I find other 70.3s to race instead. But if you like the heat, you have the opportunity to have a really good race.
2018-02-07 1:23 PM
in reply to: robertChiefsFan

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Subject: RE: Boulder 70.3
Hey Robert! Small world.

I'm in KC as well and raced IM KS 70.3 every year but the first and Boulder in 2017 and 2011. I'm headed back for 2018. LOVED it last year.

I put together a facebook group where I share my weekly tips on the course - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1533666713416165/

Also published a sample 70.3 plan based on Boulder - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ2Vm0VWTvhvYJgfa5Id...

AND wrote a race report - http://www.triathlontrainingdaddy.com/2017/08/2017-ironman-boulder-...

You could say I'm all over Boulder!
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