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IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into?

SneakySpeed

Apr 29, 12 15:55

Post #1 of 55 (3520 views)

IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into?	Quote \| Reply

I just signed up on a whim...a little less than 4 months away, it's going to be a tight training plan. I love the challenge, so this shall be interesting. For the vets out there do you have any tips regarding this race?

******************************************

He is a good buddy, but this fucker needs to get taken down a peg or 2...... -IRONwolf

JT_Dennen

Apr 29, 12 16:26

Post #2 of 55 (3463 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Going to be hotter then hell, hope you deal well with heat!

Ultra-tri-guy

Apr 29, 12 16:30

Post #3 of 55 (3451 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

SneakySpeed wrote:

----

Well I don't know how you are going to go but man am I looking forward to the next four months of smacktalk here on ST.

Train hard,stay healthy and keep it fun..

----

crolson24

Apr 29, 12 16:32

Post #4 of 55 (3446 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I wouldn't call myself a vet, but I'll give a few tips anyway. Don't hammer the rolling hills, it'll get you back in the run. Last year was in the 80's, don't expect the same this year, work on your hydration plan. Swim was superfast, probably due to the current, stay close to the buoys for maximum speed. Make sure your goggles fit water tight, I had a small leak and it made my eye red for the whole day. Try and stay at the race venue (galt house i think) or you'll waste a lot of time and energy commuting to the event throughout the weekend. Thats probably all the worthwhile info I've got.

________________________________________________________________________
"That doesn't make any sense at all, you can be second, third, fourth... hell you can even be fifth." - Reese Bobby, Taladega nights

SneakySpeed

Apr 29, 12 16:42

Post #5 of 55 (3424 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Ultra-tri-guy wrote:

SneakySpeed wrote:

----

Well I don't know how you are going to go but man am I looking forward to the next four months of smacktalk here on ST.

Train hard,stay healthy and keep it fun..

----

Smack talking like a BOSS:) You know I'm good for it...

******************************************

He is a good buddy, but this fucker needs to get taken down a peg or 2...... -IRONwolf

Ultra-tri-guy

Apr 29, 12 16:49

Post #6 of 55 (3412 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I think now would be the time to launch the "What is SneakySpeed going to wear?" competition and the winning design can then be submitted to Emilio De Soto for the production of a special "one off " outfit...

----

SneakySpeed

Apr 29, 12 16:56

Post #7 of 55 (3392 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Ultra-tri-guy wrote:

One could only hope and dream...I'm sure I'll have something saucey lined up on race day.

******************************************

He is a good buddy, but this fucker needs to get taken down a peg or 2...... -IRONwolf

tricrazy

Apr 29, 12 17:02

Post #8 of 55 (3370 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

you have 4 months and you are worried.......plenty of time, that is, if you are a wise person!

japarker24

Apr 29, 12 17:05

Post #9 of 55 (3363 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I think people make too much of a big deal about getting to the swim start early to get in the front of the line......................

------------------------------------------------------------
2x IM Finisher. Only 10 more to go!

LEGENDwaitDAIRY

Apr 29, 12 20:25

Post #10 of 55 (3219 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [japarker24] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I am also doing it this year and the bike course has me alittle worried with the heat and hills

Ultra-tri-guy

Apr 29, 12 20:35

Post #11 of 55 (3205 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Livestrong191] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Livestrong191 wrote:

I am also doing it this year and the bike course has me alittle worried with the heat and hills

---

That should only worry you if you spend the next four months training in a cool,dry,flat place....

---

LEGENDwaitDAIRY

Apr 29, 12 20:38

Post #12 of 55 (3201 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Ultra-tri-guy wrote:

Livestrong191 wrote:

I am also doing it this year and the bike course has me alittle worried with the heat and hills

---

That should only worry you if you spend the next four months training in a cool,dry,flat place....

---

Great I live by the ocean and flat. Guess computrainer and trips to ashville area to ride are in my future :)

Kilo Juliett

Apr 29, 12 21:20

Post #13 of 55 (3164 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I did it last year. If you don't stay at the Galt House look into staying across the river in Indiana (Jefferson, I believe) My hotel was literally right across the river. You could see the transition area.

The swim is super fast. I was faster than double my HIM swim time. Don't worry about getting in line early.

The bike course isn't that bad. It is hilly but not as bad as everyone makes it sound. Just don't go crazy on the hills.

The run is dead flat so as long as you trained enough it shouldn't be that bad (I didn't. The run killed me). The worst part of the run is they make you run right by the finish line when you are starting your second loop. When I say right by it I mean right by it. I thought I took a wrong turn because it looked like I was going to cross the line. It's such a horrible feeling seeing and hearing people finish when you know you're only half way done.

As for the heat, if you live in the midwest it shouldn't be a problem.

The finish line is awesome. Look it up on YouTube. It makes it all worth it.

2013 Schedule
IM 70.3 Muncie | Ironman Lake Tahoe

realAlbertan

Apr 29, 12 22:14

Post #14 of 55 (3130 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

140.6 of hot shittyness.
___________________________________________
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CaptainCanada

Apr 29, 12 22:37

Post #15 of 55 (3115 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

SneakySpeed wrote:

No worries for you. Guaranteed you will KQ.

===============
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Sponsored by Team Snap

SallyShortyPnts

Apr 29, 12 22:39

Post #16 of 55 (3112 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [crolson24] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

crolson24 wrote:

Make sure your goggles fit water tight, I had a small leak and it made my eye red for the whole day.

X2 on this advice. I made a similar mistake on the Friday practice swim and had inflamed eyes the next day.

Wag More, Bark Less

japarker24

Apr 30, 12 4:24

Post #17 of 55 (3055 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Livestrong191] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

You don't have to go all the way to Asheville. Have you done the Pinehurst Triathlon? If so, the terrain of the bike course is very similar. Come up and join me. I ride that course all the time.

------------------------------------------------------------
2x IM Finisher. Only 10 more to go!

Greiffster

Apr 30, 12 7:22

Post #18 of 55 (2917 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Temperature has ranged a great deal for this race. Assume it will be 98 deg. and you get a bonus if it is cooler.

I'm a firm believer in starting this race in the back, for a couple of reasons.
1. Find you a nice park bench near the start, stay off your feet for 45 mins. and take a nap while the cattle are led to the watering hole.
2. You'll find that T1 is smoother when 95% of the bikes are already gone.
3. It is funner to race when passing people, rather than being passed.
4. Check the hourly wind forecast before the race. Winds can change direction during the bike and it may be more advantageous to start later (it was in '09). (Of course it could be worse as well)

The Ohio river tastes like diesel fuel. Just be ready for that. Swim as far out in the main channel as you can where there is the most current. If the kayaks aren't pushing you back to shore, you're not out far enough.

If it is going to be hot, put a spare pair of socks in your run special needs bag. There will be plenty of hoses on the course and you'll want to be cooled off, but it will soak your feet.

asclepius

Apr 30, 12 7:26

Post #19 of 55 (2901 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

a friend is doing it. he is using the matt fitzgerald training plan and hammer nutrition for prep. i know he was able to complete the 1/2 IM on a road bike sans aero bars. for the LA full IM, he got trek tri/tt bike. gl!

terencejk05

Apr 30, 12 8:05

Post #20 of 55 (2842 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [asclepius] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I did it in 2010 and finished right at midnight. It was terribly hot. Some tips:

-Hotel - use priceline. There are only about four 4-star hotels in the city. I went to Lville twice (training ride and for the IM) and used it both times. Once I got the Galt House for $50 a night and once I got the Browne Hotel for $60 a night. Probably the 2 nicest hotels in the city. Priceline is key!
-Swim - I got there early, but people still cut in line. So if you're not shy, get there whenever and just walk up as far as you can and cut people. I didn't do this, but probably 50-100 people did. Swim is the easiest part of your day, take it slow. Biggest advice is to be mind-ful of other swimmers. I'm a good swimmer, but wasn't looking and was kicked in the face by a guy swimming on his back. Took in a big gulp of the Ohio River and coincidentally threw it all up later in the day.
-Bike - Take the 1st half as easy as you can. It gets HOT out there. I hammered the 1st half in 3:10 and finished the 2nd half in about 5 hours (no joke). Take in a ton of fluids, I cramped from mile 60 of the bike until the finish. Probably a few hundreds times, terrible.
-Run- pretty flat and borining. I walked the majority of it. Again, just keep taking in fluids as it can still be very HOT during the run

I'd never been to Lville, so toured Churchhill Downs and the Louisville Slugger museum. Both take about 30-45 minutes total. Other than that, not much to do there. I got down there on Thursday and was pretty bored by Friday afternoon. Enjoyed the athlete dinner on Friday night though.

If you haven't already, join the IMKY 2012 group @ iamtri.com. There are hundreds of members and each posts great info about the course, training rides, etc.

Good luck!

Billabong

Apr 30, 12 9:46

Post #21 of 55 (2746 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Livestrong191] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Livestrong191 wrote:

Ultra-tri-guy wrote:

Livestrong191 wrote:

I am also doing it this year and the bike course has me alittle worried with the heat and hills

---

That should only worry you if you spend the next four months training in a cool,dry,flat place....

---

Great I live by the ocean and flat. Guess computrainer and trips to ashville area to ride are in my future :)

I did it in 07 I live in Virginia Beach and just went to Williamsburg once a month to ride the hills there

All I Wanted Was A Pepsi, Just One Pepsi

http://teamredwhiteandblue.org/

Fruitcake

Apr 30, 12 11:13

Post #22 of 55 (2659 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Billabong] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Billabong wrote:

Livestrong191 wrote:

Ultra-tri-guy wrote:

Livestrong191 wrote:

I am also doing it this year and the bike course has me alittle worried with the heat and hills

---

That should only worry you if you spend the next four months training in a cool,dry,flat place....

---

Great I live by the ocean and flat. Guess computrainer and trips to ashville area to ride are in my future :)

I did it in 07 I live in Virginia Beach and just went to Williamsburg once a month to ride the hills there

So, would you equate the hills in williamsburg to those in Louisville?? Very similar "rollers" or is Louisville tougher? I've done Patriot half in Williamsburg and didn't think it was that bad. I know there are some hillier parts of williamsburg that the bike course doesn't cover though?

What about kinetic half's bike course?

FatteLatte

Apr 30, 12 11:17

Post #23 of 55 (2651 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [IronLance] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I haven't done those races, but my Garmin recorded 1272 meters of vertical for the bike ride (4,173 feet). For comparison Hawaii was 1202 meters.

Didn't find it very hilly, it rolls pretty consistently but the last 25-30K is downhill to flat which is a nice way to finish up the ride.

toughie96

Apr 30, 12 12:22

Post #24 of 55 (2583 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

When viewed from above, the bike course looks like a lollipop with finger pointing out from the "stick." Unless you are out in front of the field, this area is likely to be crowded. Combine the crowds with some of the steepest hills on the course and an aid station, you have high potential for crashes. The "finger" is still early in the day, so I would recommend some defensive and alert riding through that area. I think most people overstate the "nastiness" of the river, but each person responds differently...I had no issues with water in the eyes or the taste. The run is flat, and I liked the two loop run...I knew what to expect the second half...I hit the turn around and it was "game on" to the finish.

jmt8345

Apr 30, 12 12:41

Post #25 of 55 (2550 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [toughie96] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Good points. That little finger had at least one big crash last year that I can remember (dude went down into the ravine) and it was pretty busy in what feels like a small space. I swim open water in Lake Michigan and did not find the river that much different or that big of a deal. Oh, pay attention to the bike aid station layout, there is a large gap without aid, then one only a few miles from the finish.

undertheradar

Apr 30, 12 14:02

Post #26 of 55 (1604 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [jmt8345] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

My brother and I are coming from California to do it (his 4th IM, my 3rd) and I'm counting on the heat being brutal, but I'm fully prepared to suck it up.

We're staying at the Sebach Hilton right near transition.

NickG

Apr 30, 12 16:15

Post #27 of 55 (1565 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I heard from a little birdie (nearly 40 IM's) that this is a great course and possibly the hidden gem in the US for IM's. I plan on doing it...just not in the near future. Oh, and be prepared for heat...and humidity.
_________________________

- The key is to lift with your back in a twisting, jerking motion

Bryan0721

Apr 30, 12 16:54

Post #28 of 55 (1549 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Greiffster] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

So for the swim are you saying swim closest to the buoys or just the opposite?

Billabong

Apr 30, 12 18:23

Post #29 of 55 (1517 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [IronLance] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

The hillier parts of Williamsburg more so that Patriots, I have not done Kinetic.

Here is a good ride, took me a while to find it.
http://bikebeatonline.com/...7/files/jrvsride.pdf

All I Wanted Was A Pepsi, Just One Pepsi

http://teamredwhiteandblue.org/

(This post was edited by Billabong on Apr 30, 12 18:33)

japarker24

Apr 30, 12 19:35

Post #30 of 55 (1475 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [NickG] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

NickG wrote:

x2. All joking aside, this race should be the model for all future Ironman races.

------------------------------------------------------------
2x IM Finisher. Only 10 more to go!

da2000EXdriver

Apr 30, 12 21:17

Post #31 of 55 (1454 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [japarker24] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I certainly hope not. The bike and run courses are fairly nice. The Ohio river is something each year I tell myself I will never do again. I did Canada last year I will miss the crystal clear water when I am slugging my way through the Ohio this year. I think it has to be the flattest run which is nice. This will be my third only because it is close to me.

jbnc77

May 1, 12 5:37

Post #32 of 55 (1405 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [japarker24] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

japarker24 wrote:

NickG wrote:

x2. All joking aside, this race should be the model for all future Ironman races.

X3. I just love this race (3x), and I have done Wisco, Lake Placid (3x), Florida (1x), B2B (1x) and been to Ariz and CDA to watch. I like the TT swim (I don't care about spending an hour in the Ohio river), love the bike course, love the heat and humidity, and love the finish. Nice flat run course too. Plus, I think Louisville is underrated as a city.

--------------------------------------------------------
3T Triple Threat Racing
MVA

Greiffster

May 1, 12 6:22

Post #33 of 55 (1385 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Bryan0721] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

close to the buoys

toughie96

May 1, 12 7:13

Post #34 of 55 (1358 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [jbnc77] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

jbnc77 wrote:

japarker24 wrote:

NickG wrote:

x2. All joking aside, this race should be the model for all future Ironman races.

This is half the reason I'm going back. I had such an unexpectedly good time and so did my friends and family. There is definitely something to be said for sitting at a table at the Maker's Mark Tasting Room watching the finish!

chris_mac

May 1, 12 7:51

Post #35 of 55 (1333 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [undertheradar] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I've done the race 5x, and love it.
PM me if you have any questions.

Chris

lisac957

May 1, 12 9:10

Post #36 of 55 (1302 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I second joining the IAMTRI group as they host numerous course practice weekends leading up to the race. I'm talking an hour+ practice swim in Ohio River with kayak lifeguards, 8 aid stations on the bike course, all fully stocked with water, gatorade, perform, granola bars, power bars, oranges, bananas, sunscreen, butt'r, aquaphor, wet wipes... for a suggested donation of $15.

I drove 12 hours each way to do one of these weekends and am glad I did.

japarker24

May 1, 12 19:47

Post #37 of 55 (1229 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [lisac957] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

lisac957 wrote:

x2. While I did not drive quite as far as Lisa, I did drive 9 hours each way to participate in one of these rides. It was about the only smart thing I did in training leading up to the race. :-)

------------------------------------------------------------
2x IM Finisher. Only 10 more to go!

cyclops

May 1, 12 20:19

Post #38 of 55 (1208 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

you're getting yourself into a good time

sftriman

May 1, 12 20:19

Post #39 of 55 (1207 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [FatteLatte] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Bike elevation profile for IMKY -

http://www.qbike.com/...levation-profile.cgi

I'm taking requests to add more bike courses. :-)

____________________________________________________
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fatntired

May 1, 12 20:30

Post #40 of 55 (1197 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Greiffster] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

you're getting into one of the best/easiest swims ever - couple of my guys did it and really enjoyed it though

ckotte

May 2, 12 5:53

Post #41 of 55 (1141 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

As others have said...great race.

Only thing to add is if you suffer from allergies be prepared. That area is nasty for people who suffer from allergens, etc.
http://cmkracing.blogspot.com

jehotrod

May 2, 12 6:45

Post #42 of 55 (1098 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [undertheradar] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I did IM Louisville in 2010. I train in Columbia SC which (i thought) was the hottest place on earth until I went to Louisville! Just get prep'd for Hot and Humid! Swim was good - there is NO current so don't rely on that and I even went way out towards the middle of the river looking for it. Bike killed me because I did exactly what I was told not to do in Louisville - I hammered the first 20 flat miles like it was a damn sprint. Then proceeded to hammer the rolling hills. Then ended up on the side of the road at mile 78 for over an hour and a half cramped and dehydrated just laying there praying a wild animal would come eat me and end that misery. But, I scraped myself (and my ego) up off the road and got back to transition. The run (what little bit I remember) was flat.. Heat wasn't a factor at that point because it was dark and I was dilusional from cramp pains. The finish is unbelievable! Made it all worth it! I'm heading back this year to do it all over again! BUT I promise you I will be taking it very easy on the bike! Stay at the Galt House if possible.

FatteLatte

May 2, 12 6:49

Post #43 of 55 (1094 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [SneakySpeed] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Just a cautionary note about people saying the run is flat - it is flat-ish, but it's not pancake so be prepared for that. Definitely no IMLP or IMC on the run, but there was enough grade change last year that I was cursing the people who said it was flat going in.

trimick

May 2, 12 7:22

Post #44 of 55 (1072 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [FatteLatte] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

FatteLatte wrote:

I was just getting ready to say this. Off the top of my head there are three hills on the course. One over the bridge. One under the train tracks by University of Louisville. One on Southern Parkway when you go under the expressway. Plus going out you are going uphill and come back you are going downhill. It isn't hilly but it isn't pancake flat.

toughie96

May 2, 12 9:14

Post #45 of 55 (1034 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [trimick] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

trimick wrote:

FatteLatte wrote:

Come on folks...Louisville is FLAT! The "big" hill up the bridge is all of 43 feet elevation gain over 1.5 miles, done right at the start of the run. Once you come down the bridge, the max elevation change is like 20 feet...yes, you go up 20 feet and then down 20 feet and then back up 20 feet and back down...it all adds up to 220 feet of MASSIVE VERTICAL change during the run. Hell, I get that much vertical just using the squatty potty!

trimick

May 2, 12 9:32

Post #46 of 55 (1017 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [toughie96] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

toughie96 wrote:

trimick wrote:

FatteLatte wrote:

I never said the hills were big or hard. I just said it wasn't pancake flat, which is true. There are two hills on the loop with a net elevation gain on the way out and a net elevation lose on the way back in.

mjlrun

May 2, 12 10:04

Post #47 of 55 (996 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [toughie96] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Not as flat as IMFL.

GonnaHurt

May 2, 12 10:40

Post #48 of 55 (975 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [toughie96] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

toughie96 wrote:

When viewed from above, the bike course looks like a lollipop with finger pointing out from the "stick." Unless you are out in front of the field, this area is likely to be crowded. Combine the crowds with some of the steepest hills on the course and an aid station, you have high potential for crashes. The "finger" is still early in the day, so I would recommend some defensive and alert riding through that area. I think most people overstate the "nastiness" of the river, but each person responds differently...I had no issues with water in the eyes or the taste. The run is flat, and I liked the two loop run...I knew what to expect the second half...I hit the turn around and it was "game on" to the finish.

+2. This is a problem for some people: learning to take high speed decents on their side of the road. Considering it wouldn't matter where I started the single file swim, I ain't gettin out of the water first. Therefore, the bike (like many) is the good part of the race. I simply don't understand why people get in the middle or center of the road on a downhill assuming nobody is going to go faster? It's extremely dangerous and yelling "on your left" doesn't work real well when someone has an aerohelmet on with wind chiming thru. Needless to say, that particular hill you speak of is dangerous.

I didn't find the hills to be as difficult as some people state. Apparently one of the pro women didn't either as she was passing me, but she was hot so I was at peace with that. They're not necessarily rolling, but manageable. The "finger" as people call it was the worst and it's too early in the course to try to blast it if you could (in my humble opinion).

The heat last year wasn't as bad as the prior year(s) from my understanding, but was still in the mid to high 80's which is hot enough to run a marathon in. Fluids, fluids, and more fluids is what I told myself (the day after the race). I should have drank more on the bike and done a little bit better getting in some calories.

Flat, fast run (unless you're me). I wanted to take it ALLLLL in so I slowed down to enjoy the day :)

Back to my original comment: why do people always move to the middle/center on a downhill? I assume they're simply worried they'll get off the course and take a tumble unless they have some road to work with, but regardless, it's dangerous. (BTW: I didn't crash, but did have to do some special maneuvering to avoid those that got a little wobbly.

squid

May 2, 12 18:00

Post #49 of 55 (888 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [jehotrod] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I train in Columbia SC which (i thought) was the hottest place on earth until I went to Louisville!

I grew up and currently live in Louisville. I also lived for 3 years in Columbia back in the 90's. Columbia is the hottest place on earth. My apartment complex pool stayed open until October! That's crazy!

triterp

May 2, 12 18:15

Post #50 of 55 (876 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [undertheradar] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I did Lou last year for my first IM and really enjoyed it. We stayedat the Seelbach which is only a couple blocks from the finish line. Downtown is so so, besides 4th St live, not much else.
Swim is nice and yes I did cut in line but got payback when my timing strap fell off when jumped in. Thankfully they float! Don't worry about the current, there is none so just swim. There is only 1 hill where I got out of the saddle but it only goes for about 40 yards. The run does have a few very small hills and watch out for the beggars, one of them was giving a couple of the ladies a really hard time. I was really excited to see Churchhill Downs but the area around it is a dump.
We got lucky because it only reached 90 and was bearable humidity.
Best of luck.

Experior

May 2, 12 18:42

Post #51 of 55 (575 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [Greiffster] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Greiffster wrote:

1. Find you a nice park bench near the start, stay off your feet for 45 mins. and take a nap while the cattle are led to the watering hole.

x100.

----
Michael

squid

May 3, 12 6:38

Post #52 of 55 (525 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [triterp] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Downtown is so so, besides 4th St live, not much else.

Actually there's quite a bit away from 4th St. Live, unless all you want to do is drink beer and eat pub food (not that there's anything wrong with that). East Market St. is a quickly developing section of town with many shops, galleries and restaurants. Make sure you go to The Louisville Beer Store http://louisvillebeerstore.com/. Main St west of 4th st has alot going on too. 21C Museum and Hotel (nice bar and restaurant) was voted top 10 hotels in the world by Conde' Nest Traveler. There's also the Louisville Slugger bat museum and the Muhammad Ali Museum

tom1376

May 3, 12 6:50

Post #53 of 55 (516 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [trimick] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

X3 - depends on perspecitve. Florida is FLAT, the Louisvillie course while it doesn't have any steep hills or anything it does have some inclines that are noticeable after 112 miles on the bike. I train in Tampa, Florida. For hills or some sort of incline I have to go to Clearwater for bridges or San Antonio. Clearwater is 30 minutes away and San Antonio just a bit further. For those of you who have been to Tampa, that's what I would call flat. Growing up in Charlotte, NC - if I still lived and trained there, I would probably call Louisville flat.

FatteLatte

May 3, 12 7:14

Post #54 of 55 (508 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [squid] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

squid wrote:

We checked out this BBQ place twice, once pre-race and for dinner after the race, it was phenomenal. A bit of a drive from the race site but well worth it. The waitress doubted two emaciated triathletes could eat all the food we ordered, and was thoroughly impressed when we took it all down:

http://www.frankfortavenuebeerdepot.com/

squid

May 3, 12 18:48

Post #55 of 55 (429 views)

Re: IM Louisville-What am I getting myself into? [FatteLatte] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Oh yeah. there's also a lot going on in the Frankfort ave and Bardstown rd. areas. Those guys at FABD have their smoker going 365 days a year. They have a putt-putt golf course inside the bar