I'm popping my HIM cherry at Steelhead.

I am in.

First half-ironman and, coincidentally, my first 70.3.

I have ridden the bike course several times.

There is a course profile on michiganoutlaws.org or something like that (you can find a link on the course description of the steelheadtriathlon.com Web page).

The course is mostly on country/farm roads through fields and fairly rural areas. It seems to me that the first 10 miles or so of the course are mostly downhill... since you return on that same stretch, the final 10 miles are mostly uphill (this may have been a fatigue induced illusion, however)... but for the most part it is gradual, rolling hills.

Some have said the bike course is fast and flat. I have found it to be a challenge... maybe any course of that distance would be a challenge for me, though.

My favorite thing about the bike course? You will ride past a small schoolhouse that has a sign post in front of it reading "Metal detectors prohibited on school grounds." I have posted about this sign before, but I am confounded as to what would lead to the need for that sign.

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beyourownsuperhero

I'm in for my first HIM, undertrained due to two small leg injuries and a month of 6 hour days on my feet in the heat working soccer camps. The weather might be interesting. As of today on the friday before the race it is supposed to ne 78 with a 60% chance of strong T-storms.

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______________________________________________________

Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

I'll be there. Hope I didn't miss all 2 days of summer you guys have up there.

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Richard Nixon, Fit2Tri Multisport Inc.
Fit2Tri,
rich@fit2tri.com
Discount code, slowtwithch

I'm in too.

Any info about the road quality from miles 25-50? I remember last years course was on some freshly paved roads.

I'm just thankful that the last 20 miles aren't all on Bluestar highway. It just never seemed to end.

I'm in. Did this race lasst year, realy fun swim with a pier jump start, flat and fast bike with plenty of support, run is different this year.

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http://www.nunnsontherun.com

I will be there, popping tires, raising the temp into the 90's in the shade, launching water bottles at the start of the bike, pulling you under on the swim. Whatever it takes to keep you from performing your best

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Fear the BonkMonkey

I'm in. This will also be my first HIM. Any estimate on what time it'll take for a Clearwater slot in the M20-24 AG? I'm wondering if I have a chance at one with my likely 40 min swim time.

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My egocentric blog

What do you mean the run is different? Any info on that?

Weather forecasts for 10 days out are meaningless.

At least that is what I say when I don't like the forecast.


(consult accuweather.com instead for a more pleasing forecast).

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beyourownsuperhero

The GF and I are in all the way from Virginia Beach. She is from Kalamazoo so it is a homecoming of sorts for her.

What sort of gearing for the hills? Can anyone compare the bike course to say Timberman or Mooseman in terms of hill steepness and/or length?

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"The more you sweat today, the less you bleed tomorrow"

I'm in.

Interesting rule changes with the penalty zones for drafting and 4 bike length draft zone.

jaretj

Sarah and I are doing it. We just finished a tough 55 mile ride after doing a late-night 8 mile run last night. That hurt. Getting up at 6:00 A.M. this moring to ride long hurt tooo after doing that run last night.

So, whatever shape we'll be in next Sunday, we're there.

I don't know how I'll do, but I'm very excited about being a part of it.

I have done the race before, and it is a sinister course that chips away at you for four hours and then delivers a knockout punch in the last four miles of the run. It's a tough event, and weather (high temps, wind on the bike, currents and waves on the swim) can conspire against you on race day. Then again, when I did it two years ago it was calm and beautiful.

This race is the big show in Michigan: The largest event in the history of the sport in our state and part of a major, world-wide event.

However it shakes out, it will be a big weekend!

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

I will be there... it is my first 1/2 as well. We rode the course a couple weeks ago and with the wind the last 14 miles were absolutely brutal. I can deal with the heat, but with the wind in your face those last miles could be tougher than they already will be.

I skipped Racine to do this one this year in hope of qualifying for Clearwater. As to what 20-25 would take - I'm guessing low 5s would get you a spot.

So are there any special tips you michigan folks have for us out-of-towners? With the run changed this year I'm guessing it's not 4 miles uphill at the end anymore...

I was slow in getting a hotel - so I'll be in the VIP lounge at the Econolodge...

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//semi retired - old school = http://www.iwilltri.com //

I'm in!! I did Steelhead 1/2 last year and loved it. The race venue was easy to get to, they even had a little race expo as well as Wendy Ingraham gave a talk. The beach goes on forever, very nice. The bike course had some rolling hills, not too bad. Not sure about the run course though, I saw they changed it..ought to be interesting no doubt!!

================================================

http://www.ironm4n.blogspot.com

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http://www.konashelley.blogspot.com

Travelling over from Ann Arbor for my first HIM.

Haven't ridden the course, but having experienced some Lake Michigan swims--will all depend on weather on the day of the event.

Weather here lately on the eastern edge of the state has been mostly sunny, high 80's to 90's with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Most mornings cooler--usually in the low 70's. Of course, will probably all depend on the wind coming off of the lake.

Here's hoping for nice weather, gentle rolling hills, and a good finish.

I'm in!

Here's the bike profile:

I'll be there - I've done the swim and bike course, but not the new run course. It is the best race in the United States - No - the best race in the world - Of course I'm biased a bit as I'm the RD. Let's hope and pray for good weather and a flat, calm lake for August 5th. See you all at the swim start. I'll be the guy looking like he has not slept in 2-3 days. Z

I am in for my first Half. I just haven't figured out if I will be the only slow one there or if I am just the only slow one on the forum. I can swim with the best of em but 18mph on a bike for that distance is fast for me and I can't run under a 12 minute mile for a half marathon even if I were being chased! Goal is to finish. 6 1/2 hour finish and I will be first in line to sign up for Wisc IM, 7 to 7 1/2 hour finish and I really have to think about the chances of a DNF and that would be heart breaking. Anyway... you guys save us back of the packers a bagel at the finish. Good luck to all!

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I must be right because everyone else is "On My Left"

I'll be racing and Bri is doing a relay, bike leg, with Tom Z's daughter.

I'm doing a race strategy presentation at the expo on Friday if anyone is interested.

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Marty Gaal, CSCS
One Step Beyond Coaching
Triangle Open Water Swim Series | Old School Aquathon Series
Powerstroke® Freestyle Technique DVD

I'm in. Second time doing the race. The bike course is rolling, but not that hard even for a more or less novice cyclist like me. As long as you watch your pacing. Run was without shade last year, but ought to be more pleasant this year along the as I think it's mostly along the Lake instead of through town.

I'll be there, ready to go.

Bernie

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______________
"Slowbern has always made astute observations."-Casey 03/10/2009
2013-2014 Detroit Lions---13-3 until proved otherwise.

Marty - Can Bri do the swim also - my daughter has to stay home - she starts high school swim practice. Let me know. Z

Are there bears lurking on the course?

See you guys at Steelhead! : )

I am planning on doing it if I am over being sick. Waited all summer for this one! This will be my second HIM so I am looking forward to it very much. I think the bike course has some challenges but most of it is flat and fast. Good Luck to all!

I just joined the forum. I'll be there and be slow -- it's my first HIM and I'm hoping to come in under 6:00 but we'll see. Save me a bagel or something.

I biked the course on Monday afternoon this week. Very nice, generally open roads in good condition. There were no significant hills but enough elevation change to give your legs some variation. I'm a bit worried about the first few miles going out on the bike. There was almost no shoulder and the road was busy. Plus in the first few miles, people will still be sorting themselves out and there will be a lot of passing with 1800 of us out there. I'm hoping that the early hour will mean few cars.

I'm still sorting out my nutrition. I have trouble with sports drinks when I get hot -- they just don't taste good or quench my thirst. I drank only water in an Oly two weeks ago (that 95 degree weekend) and cramped terribly on the run, which wasn't much fun. Suggestions welcome.

This will be my first Half. I am so excited. Leaving tomorrow to visit friends in Iowa. Driving out in my little red car.

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When it's good, it's good. When it's bad, you suffer.
Dan

Triple X will be in the house. 2nd HIM on the White P2K. Jacked up for it. Let's hope the storms stay away!

We are obviously going. Anyone planning on doing the "ride" on Friday at 1pm with Joe? It will be embarrassing if no one shows up. :-)

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Support Crew
This information contained herein has been assembled for your assistance and convenience. It is believed to be reliable, however, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All opinions shown are subject to change without notice.

Sue - Missed you guys in LP.

I'd love to ride with Joe, but I'll be busy putting our porta-johns at the aid stations, or getting ready for registration to start. I'm sure that Joe will have a lots of company on his ride. See you next week. Z

[reply]I just joined the forum. I'll be there and be slow -- it's my first HIM and I'm hoping to come in under 6:00 but we'll see. Save me a bagel or something.

I biked the course on Monday afternoon this week. Very nice, generally open roads in good condition. There were no significant hills but enough elevation change to give your legs some variation. I'm a bit worried about the first few miles going out on the bike. There was almost no shoulder and the road was busy. Plus in the first few miles, people will still be sorting themselves out and there will be a lot of passing with 1800 of us out there. I'm hoping that the early hour will mean few cars.

I'm still sorting out my nutrition. I have trouble with sports drinks when I get hot -- they just don't taste good or quench my thirst. I drank only water in an Oly two weeks ago (that 95 degree weekend) and cramped terribly on the run, which wasn't much fun. Suggestions welcome.[/reply]

Don't know what's hot for you but if you can't ingest sports drink during the event you will definitely want to take some calories in some form during the bike and consider some electrolyte supplements (salt tabs). Personally I use Gatorade with Carbo Pro and take a flask of espresso hammergel with me. For a half I don't use additional salt. Here's a bit on nutrition: http://www.osbmultisport.com/articles/nutrition.html

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Marty Gaal, CSCS
One Step Beyond Coaching
Triangle Open Water Swim Series | Old School Aquathon Series
Powerstroke® Freestyle Technique DVD

I'm in. Now if efernand & Linck would just show up on Sunday instead, the rest of us might have a chance. ;)

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king of the road says you move too slow
KING OF THE ROAD SAYS YOU MOVE TOO SLOW

I'm in, did it as my first half last year. This is one of my final tune-ups for IMWI, can't wait.

Oh, the bike course is for the most part pretty flat, the first and last 10 miles have some rolling hills, but they don't last very long. Everything in between is very flat except for an occasional dip in the road (this is coming from a guy who lives in flat as hell Chicago).

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There are three kinds of people, those who can count, and those who can't.

Do you know what the run will be like? Is it hilly?

I won't be racing, but I'll be watching and cheering you guys on.

Good luck to everyone.

I'll be there. Should be a good time as it looks like Z has put a lot of effort into making this a great race.

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Team Timex 2014
@ajhodges

Z is an awesome race director - he put on a great Escape from Florida race for us - that was Alcatraz style.

Hey Guys. Rode the course last weekend for the last time. Course is in great shape. Even a new section that is recently paved to make it even smoother.

Dont even look at the 10 day weather forecast. It changes by the hour out here.

The new run course is far better than years past. It might be a shade easier than it was before. But I think it is more scenic.

Unfortunately I hurt my back really bad playing basketball a couple days ago. I have spent the alst few days on my couch. It is looking like my race is out the window. One les 35-39er to worry about for you guys looking for slots:)

you can email me at kmantei@qtm.net if you have more questions or go to my site michiganoutlaws.com for profiles and such

Ok, so what's the real scoop on the bike course? So far it's hilly, rolling and flat with some rollers. Well, which is it! I also think Demerly should be banned from talking about the race, since he seems to add to my already being nervous about my first half with his "wrath of God" type weather posts! :^)

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______________________________________________________

Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

My wife and I will be there. The bike course is mostly rollers and from the description it looks like they have taken out some of the Blue highway that had the bad pavement last year. My wife hit a pothole on that section, at mile 42, but was saved by the bike angels in the support van that helped her change the flat. The run is also new this year and will follow the river. It was flat expect for the hill into town both ways on the out and back. Has anyone looked at the surface temp maps for the lake? I looked two weeks ago and it said 76 degrees. I was hoping that the lake would flip and cool off. I looked yesterday and the map said that it was now 59 degrees. Is that right? Did the lake flip just recently? Anybody in the area know?

the course is rolling. IT IS NOT A TOUGH COURSE. It isnt really easy either. There are a good 10 miles that are basically flat. But the rest is small rolling hills. There are only two hills I can think of that really slow you down. At mile 18 or so and at mile 50.

There's really only one "hill" of any interest. Maybe a 50' climb? There are more important things to concern yourself with than how "hilly" the bike course is (it's not).

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king of the road says you move too slow
KING OF THE ROAD SAYS YOU MOVE TOO SLOW

[reply]There's really only one "hill" of any interest. Maybe a 50' climb? There are more important things to concern yourself with than how "hilly" the bike course is (it's not).[/reply]

Thanks. I am already concerned with other things, like undertraining due to tendonitis and a muscle strain compensating. Like spending a month on my feet in the heat 7 hours a day. Like swimming in a lake that might have swells for the first time. The bike is the least of my concerns but I was confused by the varied descriptions.

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______________________________________________________

Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

Will be there and looking forward to it! my two training buddies and my girlfriend have all backed out on me but I'm doing it.

just watch out for deer, bears, small animals and keep under the 35 mph speed limit. ;-)

Wow - 59 is really cold!! I was under the impression that the lake would be high 60s, low 70s.

Hopefully someone knows the answer to this - do any of you guys swim in that lake on a regular basis - what is the swim like?

Turtleherder,

Today the lake temp is about 74 degrees. It did flip earlier this week when we got some strong NE winds, but the next day we had strong SW winds and it warmed back up within a day. It is nearly impossible to predict what it will be come race day. Strong offshore winds are our nemesis, as the temperature can go from mid-70s to upper 40s overnight.

I'm confident that Z will do a good job of dealing with whatever conditions we have on race day to make it a good experience.

FWIW, I would call the bike course lightly rolling. I guess it depends on what you're used to. Generally, the hills are not as big as IMMOO, although there are a couple that may get you out of the saddle. I ride the whole thing in my big ring, and I don't consider myself a strong cyclist (did I just hear you laugh Ken?). I think that the run course is much improved from the past three years. Although there will still be a stretch of a few miles each way that will be pretty exposed to the sun, there are some new areas with more shade, and not as flat and boring as running through downtown Benton Harbor. It is by no means a hard or hilly course. As Ken mentioned, the profiles are on the Michigan Outlaw website.

Any STers sticking around for the post-race party Saturday night?

Jeff

I'll be there.

Due to the size of the lake the swim conditions can vary a lot. Last year is was in the mid 70s, but its not unknown for a big storm to come through and whip up some cold water from the bottom of the lake and it drop it into the 50s. There can also be some fair sized waves but it was flat last year.

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http://www.nunnsontherun.com

Okay - good to know. SO I guess it is a good idea for us to put a neoprene cap somewhere in the bottom of the race bag for insurance!!

I should be at the post-race party.

A neoprene cap is a great idea... although I doubt you will need it (did I just jinx us?).

Jeff

Quick, say something about the swim being smooth as glass. ;-)

Jeff- I'm putting you in charge of the water temperature for the race. We would like it to be 70 degrees. Also - we need the lake to be smooth as glass with a slight current going north. See you on Monday! Z

I will be there (M60-64AG) to make all you young guys feel better about yourselves. If this old man can pull off a 5:XX race, it will do wonders for my MOO confidence.

Oh, and my g/f (30-34) and smart-ass son (35-39) will be there to humiliate me, too.

Good luck to all of you, especially the HIM virgins.

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David

Tom, if the unthinkable happens and the water is 62 with 3-4 ft. waves, please put together some kind of Elite wave for the top contenders, that will still do the whole swim. ;-) Safety is king, but if triathlon was easy, everybody would do it.

I AGREE WITH THIS ONE

I'll be there, looking forward to my first open swim in Lake Michigan and to meeting a lot of new ST'ers.

Good luck everyone.

E

Z

Would you like fries with that? ;-)

The best I can do is to put out my usual pre-race prediction middle of the week next week.

See you Monday.

Jeff

The past three years we have had the swim (from south to north). Each year the lake has been flat (0-1 ft).

We will do was is best for the safety of everyone. (athletes, volunteers and spectators) We know that some athletes are very good swimmers and other are very poor swimmers. That really has nothing to do with safety. If the boats, lifeguards and water safety volunteers can monitor the course we will swim.

If not, we have a 2.1 mile run ready to go for the Whirlpool Steelhead Duathlon. Let's hope for a swim.

Z

I'll be volunteering at the finish line (and anywhere else Christine decides to use me) I can't race due a recently broken hand but I did ride and run the course a handful of times before I got injured-- the run course is more scenic and has a nice shadey section or two --while there are a few hills, there aren't any hills like the one at mile 1 from previous years.. Bike course is in great shape!! You all are going to love this race, it is awesome!!! :-) Alison

[reply]Tom, if the unthinkable happens and the water is 62 with 3-4 ft. waves, please put together some kind of Elite wave for the top contenders, that will still do the whole swim. ;-) Safety is king, but if triathlon was easy, everybody would do it.[/reply]

Keep in mind that the one or two who think they can handle but can't are usually the ones who file lawsuits and then the race disappears.

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Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

when and where has this happened?

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beyourownsuperhero

[reply]when and where has this happened?[/reply]

Don't know in triathlon, at least the lawsuit part. We all know that there are always people who think they can handle more then they can...and always people who are willing to blame their mistakes on others. It's a fact of life with many examples. If it hasn't happened already, it's only a matter of time. Keep in mind nobody thought a person would win a large lawsuit over spilling hot cofee on themselves.

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______________________________________________________

Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

I am not saying, 'let anyone who thinks they can make it try.' I am saying that just because there are a few people who might not make it, or might still try, lets not ruin the race for the top 10 or 15 who are shooting for win.

house. dont be a moron. i am playing. z is a buddy of mine. i was having fun with him. save your lawsuit crap. z will make it the best race possible for everyone

1) Ken, thanks for calling me a moron for responding to someone else. I have seen your posts with Tom and assumed you were joking, but hey thanks again.

2) Efernand- I believe that you don't make decisions or tailor a race of 1800 for 10 or 15 people, especially when you could be putting falsely self-confident people in danger.

3) I wasn't coming out for or against having a swim in cold or stormy water, simply pointing out a possible issue. Anyway, back to the rollcall.

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______________________________________________________

Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

no problem. you lawsuit comment, i assumed, was pointed at eric's comment and mine that followed it.

you are right though.. back to the roll call

That is exactly what you are doing when you shorten/cancel a swim.

As Tom mentioned. The question is whether or not the lifeguards can watch over everyone. 1800 people in rough water is tough to manage, 10-15 is easy.

How about this option. If it's that rough, then instead of the swim, everyone can just walk from the pier to the swim exit. That is walk in your wetsuit in waist deep water. That would be harder than a 2.1 mile run.

I will be there in the back--shooting for 6:30. I just don't want it to be too hot.

I am in. Never done the course. Racine last weekend, that was fun, hope this is as good.

Leaving Chicago 3 am,

Paul W.

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Looking like a color blind super hero!
Damn triathlon.

Hey Rockhopper, keep in mind the mandatory bike racking on Friday and the time change...

Jeff

Good call on the time change. If you live in Chicago area you can pick up your packet this weekend at Running Away and check in race morning. Crap I am having to get up really early then.

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Looking like a color blind super hero!
Damn triathlon.

Another problem with having an elite wave that does the swim and the rest that doesn't is that this is a 70.3 qualifier. Who would qualify?

This is a moot point anyway its going to be overcast, no wind, zero swell with a nice current flowing north.

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http://www.nunnsontherun.com

Were you the one wearing the Peaceful Tribe shirt at Grand Haven? Someone was, and since you were there, it must have been you. :)

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king of the road says you move too slow
KING OF THE ROAD SAYS YOU MOVE TOO SLOW

What do you mean by "time change"???

From Chicago to Michigan one hour time change.

I am considering driving up Friday afternoon.

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Looking like a color blind super hero!
Damn triathlon.

Aha - good point - so the race is on CST not EST.

THANKS!

[reply]Aha - good point - so the race is on CST not EST.

THANKS![/reply]

No the race is on EDT not CDT.

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______________________________________________________

Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

It is true that you can pick up your packet this Saturday at Running Away. Do remember that there is NO ON SITE parking this year. The closest parking lot is 1/2 mile away. We will run shuttles, but if you have a bike it obviously does no good soooo, please be careful riding to the race site. Watch for uneven pavement b/c we have quite a bit down here, wear your helmet, and watch for cars.

This note brought to you by your caring volunteer coordinator hoping you have a safe and happy race day. Oh and it won't be Z who looks like he hasn't slept, it will definitely be me. With his good looks and high energy level, you can never tell if he is sleep deprived.

~Christine Borah
The already sleep deprived Steelhead 70.3 Coordinator

I'm in......can you promise me another bike frame (raffle) at the post-race party?

Good Looks!!! No that's Mike Ryan, the real race director! Christine, be sure to get some sleep this weekend! And remember to same some rum from St. Croix for the Saturday night after race party!

I was glad to see Ziebart doing IMLP this year once again. He looked really good out there I thought except for the outrageous socks.

I'm signed-up but still on the shelf with a busted knee. However, I'll be there cheering on the legion of MSU Spartans racing for the tri team! Go State!

I bet it is going to be more like a 4:30 or less.....

I'm in. Driving up Saturday from Dallas. Kind of a home coming. Grew up in Grand Haven. Anyone interested in riding the course on Tuesday or so. Easy pace of 18-19. just want to get the lay of the land.

Dave, you let me beat you and I'll see what I can do... ;-)

see you next weekend.

Jeff

Nah, sleep is what I will do when I am dead. :-) Anyways, there is a big party on the river this weekend...much better than sleep. :-)

Had a great swim at 6 this morning. Water was glassy and 75-AAAHHH!

Back to roll call. Anyone else racing next Saturday?

~Christine

"I'm signed-up but still on the shelf with a busted knee. However, I'll be there cheering on the legion of MSU Spartans racing for the tri team! Go State!"



Racing with a VIM!

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beyourownsuperhero

I just want to reiterate that the time zone in all of Michigan (including, therefore, St. Joe/Benton Harbor) is EASTERN TIME!

And it won't be EST it will be EDT, Michigan participates in Daylights Savings Time.

so follow Eastern Time.

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beyourownsuperhero

How does it help to pick up the packet in Chicago? If you rack the bik sat morning won't you just get the crummiest spot?

Are you sure there is no on site parking? I thought the thing we got said something about paying money to be close or else parking for free the half mile away. Am I remembering a different race guide?

I was planning on driving the morning of the race. Now that I got reminded that there is a clock change I am scrambling for a room somewhere. I might stay somewhere on the way there and take a shorter drive in the morning. Do they have designated bike rack spots? If they do you'll be where they put you.

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Looking like a color blind super hero!
Damn triathlon.

Yes, I am VERY sure there is no on site parking. WAIT...did you say you are willing to pay money...oh, how much? :-) No seriously, we have 10 lots for athletes only to park in and our volunteers will direct you to those areas on race morning. If you are here early, you get to be a 1/2 mile from race site. If someone is late or messes up the whole time difference thing, than there are lots that are up to .9 miles away. There will be 2 shuttle stops picking up athletes and dropping them at the park. After a certain time, those shuttles will be taking athletes to the swim and MAYBE stopping to pick up late comers.

~Christine Borah
Steelhead 70.3 Coordinator

I'm in for my 2nd Half...I did Racine two years ago...can anyone compare the bike and run course to Racine?

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"Fortitudine vincimus"

Racks will be numbered

Individually?

Thery were numbered individually at Firecracker a few weeks ago (same venue and RD) and although it was not as large of a race, it was very well organized.

Yes, the racks will be individually numbered. And I can't wait to put on each little sticker. :-) Over 1800 stickers while standing in a hot parking lot...anyone want to come help me? Anyone?

:-)Christine

Thank you for all of your (and your volunteers) efforts!

Now that sounds like a FUN volunteer job! :-) I can help you if you'd like, you can add it to my growing little list of volunteer responsibities! Just save me some of that famous St Croix Rum :-)

Hi Alison! How is your hand? I'll be looking for the bright pink cast! :)

~Kelly

You are welcome! I am amazed at the amount of work that goes into a production like this, but am also loving how much fun it is. Have a great race on Saturday Eric! I'll definitely be cheering for you if I see you!

~Christine

Hey Kelly! The hand is doing ok, but definately is testing my patience :) At least I can work out a little, so hopefully I won't lose all the summer's worth of training... if all goes well, I hope to run Twin Cities Marathon, but I doubt I will be able to do any tri's until '07.. Are you ready for Steelhead??

Did your Doc give you the Gore Cast Liner?

http://www.gore.com/...er/procel/index.html

If not, you need to march back in there and demand it. I broke my wrist several summers ago and it was my saving grace to still be able to swim, go to beach, sweat, etc.

Good Luck.

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"The more you sweat today, the less you bleed tomorrow"

That was Kevin Grogan in my speedo doing LP. He's alot faster them me! Z

YES!! I did get that and it is sweet!! I was actually able to do some one armed drills today!(with the good arm:))it is great not worrying about sweat either..... right now my main limiter is the swelling-- after 30 minutes of running or CT riding, my hand really swells up, but that should get better in time....

I know what you mean about testing the patience! The last time I was injured was a stress fracture and that took me out for 8 weeks. I'm sure you will bounce right back, as strong if not stronger than ever!

As for being ready for Steelhead, well....my training is probably not what most would consider HIM race ready...but since the birth of my son 2 1/2 years ago and my husband's schedule, I've learned to become very creative with my training. All of my riding for the past two years has been on the CompuTrainer - except for race day. I'm on it every Sunday morning by 5AM, doing the Steelhead course and throughout the week during his nap. My running is done with my son in the jogger and then I head back out after he's down for a nap when my husband is home. We have a Bowflex so I can get some weigh training in, usually after Zachary's in bed. As for swimming, well....race day is the only swim I get in. So, as you can see, my training is not what one would consider the 'norm' for a half ironman or really any distance, but it beats the alternative - which is not being able to race at all. I wish we lived closer to family and my old stomping grounds - I'd be doing all my riding where I used to and loved so much. Hopefully when Zachary gets a bit older, I can hit the road again more regularly. He is my favorite running partner, though. :)

Take care Alison, and I'll see ya next week! Christine too!

I am in. It'll be my first HIM and I'm really excited about it. Everything I heard points to it being a fantastic event.

Fred

Count me in too!

By the way, Z, any advice for a man who will be hurrying through Chicago traffic Friday to make the 10:00 packet pick up deadline? I'll be leaving at noon to drive all the way across IA and IL and I'm not sure how bad the Chicago traffic will be. I hate to get there that late, but if I run into trouble, is the 10:00 deadline flexible at all or is there a cell phone # I should have?

Looking forward to it!

I'm in. Anyone want to go for a short swim Friday morning after I get up? Dinner & beers friday night?

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Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

[reply]I'm in. Anyone want to go for a short swim Friday morning after I get up? Dinner & beers friday night?[/reply]

I might be up for the swim...depending on the time!

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Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

ok this is from a minneapolis racer - I will be staying with friends thursday night in Elgin (west of Chicago).

What is the best way (specific roads) to get me up to St. Joseph's?

I will be driving up Friday am and hope to make it under 3 hours - but from looking at maps there are a variety of routes - I hear there is lots of construction...so if anyone has drive up to MI recently from western chicago - can u tell me what roads you took?

Did the ironmalive "athlete tracker" ever get setup for Steelhead? I remember hearing about that.

thanks.

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//semi retired - old school = http://www.iwilltri.com //

To those driving from Chicago, my in-laws told me about sniper shootings on 80/94 on the Indiana side. Be carefull driving.

On another sniper note I was driving up I-65 just a short time after they closed the highway because of the two shootings two sundays ago. I got detoured, saw cops on overpasses and didn't know what had happened until the news that night.

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Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

There is no way out around chicago that wont take forever. Morons out there decided to put every single road heading out of chicago under construction.

anyway. when i fly from midway airport I just take 94, the hop on the skyway (I90). the get off at the I94 exit. Think it is exit 21.

Stay on 94 into Michigan. Then get off on exit 23 heading North. It is Red Arrow Highway or Business 94. Just stay on that road for 10 miles or so. You will eventually pass the ST JOE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STADIUM. A couple more miles you will end up in downtown St. Joe. Still stay on the same road. Once you cross the draw bridge take you first left. that will get you to parking for race day. Your second left will take you to the race site on JEAN KLOCK Rd.

let me know if this is confusing

They caught the sniper last weekend. Turned out to be some pin-headed 17 year old.

Good luck driving from Elgin. You may want to consider leaving a little later, like 9ish to avoid some of the rush hour, unless you're leaving super early (i.e. before 6 am). Second thoughts, leave by 6 if you can. I'm not an expert on the suburban traffic flows, but you may want to consider taking I-90 to I-290 to I-294 South, that way you can avoid downtown altogether, especially the Dan Ryan (I-94 South of the city). I-294 will take you directly to I-94, then follow Ken's directions to exit #23 in Michigan.

I-294 can be bad sometimes, but usually the delays aren't too bad.

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There are three kinds of people, those who can count, and those who can't.

[reply]They caught the sniper last weekend. Turned out to be some pin-headed 17 year old.[/reply]

Yeah, I know about the I-65 one. It still kind of freaked me out. Especially since there was a loud bang as something struck my car that morning. Turns out it was a rock, but it freaked me out at home watching the news that night.

The Chicago one is still at large.

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Proud Founder of the Jamis Mafia- Daring to be different.

[Did the ironmalive "athlete tracker" ever get setup for Steelhead?]

It's in the works. We should know by race day. :-)

Hopefully it'll work better than it did for Vineman. I was concerned that a friend of mine didn't finish, until I realized that most people didn't have finishing times.

No need to call - we will be there till 10:00 PM. Remember you lose one hour coming from Chicago, so that is 9:00 PM Chicago time. Z

Went through that crap yesterday. What a nightmare. Humid here in MI the last few days also, but tolerable.

yeah, that's why I'm worried. The earliest I can leave for a 9 hour drive is noon and that's with Chicago traffic being just fine. I can maybe pick up the speed but if traffic is bad, who knows how much longer it will take.

I'm "all in" for the 3d straight year!! This is a fantastic race.

I did Racine last week. I don't know if the course has changed the last couple years, but Racine was flat and very fast this year. Steelhead has some challenging rollers for MOPs like me but not a lot. If you're a good rider, you'll have no trouble. The run used to have an obscene hill at mile 1 but i've heard they 86d it in the new course. Without that hill, the run was basically flat but in the post-industrial urban wasteland in Benton Harbor. Not much shade, but it sounds like the changes in the run course this year will provide more shade too.

As long as the weather holds, this is set to be another great race. Thanks to Tom Z. et al.

I'm in.

Bumblebee colored GURU.

I am in too. Oh yeah.

Herbert

I'm doing it... hopefully the transfer I'm getting from another member on this board goes through. As for qualifying M20-24.... someone said low 5's. I would have thought something like 4:20ish to 4:30s at worst... then again, it depends on how the conditions are come race day.

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"Hey man hey man... your mom still make that Thai food?"

I'm in! This will be my first half IM and am looking forward to jumping off the pier....and then having a really slow swim.

I'm in!!! I am doing Racine on July 22nd and then Steelhead on August 4th..then taper for Wisconsin IM.

I'm up for a swim on Friday....no beers until Saturday for me.

lots of first timers doing this race and i am one of them. looking forward to it and hoping the wind isn't against us the last 14 of the bike.

i didn't read all 6 pages of responses, but it makes me nervous that the RD wants a calm august 5th, considering the race is on august 4th.

Race was on August 5th in 2006 - most of this thread is from last year! Let's hope for good weather on from August 1-6 for 2007! Z

glad i read carefully. i thought this was a bit wierd that a roll call was going out so early and people were talking about the weather and being 10 days out.

shouldn't have skipped the coffee this am.

"i didn't read all 6 pages of responses, but it makes me nervous that the RD wants a calm august 5th, considering the race is on august 4th."

For some reason, a few posters before you started replying to last year's roll call, scroll halfway up the page you, hence the "incorrect" date. I know this is a popular race (and this isn't particulary addressed to you), but I'm thinking we could maybe wait until at least 6 weeks before doing a roll call...

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There are three kinds of people, those who can count, and those who can't.

It's Herbert's fault - he must have not had his coffee this morning! Z

First half for me but looking forward to it and just hoping I can finish the run

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Veritas Endurance Coaching

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