PBT_2009 wrote:
Want to bump this thread with some questions on SN logistics. IMMT coming up, it's my first full. I've read some past threads on SN, seems many have different strategies and approaches with whether to use and what to put in, I have some questions.
1. What are the logistics and how does one find their bag? Asking of both bike and run. Run would seem pretty straightforward however they do it. For bike, do I stop, dismount, and go retrieve myself? Are volunteers somehow waiting with them in hand and I grab on fly then pull over and stop? I am solidly MOP, how hectic will the bike SN area be?
2. As of now I am planning to use SN on both bike and run to resupply on nutrition (tailwind, so liquid mix pre made in bottles in the bags). I can't/don't want to carry all calories with me from the start on either leg and can't/don't want to use oncourse stuff since I haven't been training with it. Would I be better off stopping at both SN to restock on pre made bottles, OR carrying plastic baggies of the powder mix in my pockets for both legs and then use a regular aid station to refill my bottles with water and dump the powder in approx halfway thru? If I have to stop anyways, I'm wondering if the latter option may be better as it removes risk of my SN bag(s) being lost, and I can stop at a less hectic spot. I don't mind taking one minute to stop and pour water and mix into a bottle. Seems on par or better than how long it'd take me with SN stops time-wise.
I have only done IM Canada, but the special needs there was very organized.
Bike: As you were approaching special needs, there was a volunteer with a bull horn asking if you were stopping. If you were. he called out your number and a volunteer would be getting your bag as you rolled up. I stopped but stayed straddling my bike, the volunteer helped me open the bag and even stuffed my jersey pockets for me. It was less than a minute. I had my hydration premixed and frozen in bottles and they were still nice and cold. The stop took under a minute.
Run: Similar to bike, volunteer would yell out your number and another one popped up with your bag. you didnt have to hunt for it. Even if you don't think you will use it, it doesnt hurt to prepare one. I had frozen flat gingerale and salt and vinegar chips in my bag and I was so happy to have it.
The SN stop is also nice on the bike because it gives you a chance during a long solo ride to have a mental break. I found it gave me a boost to have a quick friendly chat with the volunteer, and to have fresh cold bottles of my personal choice of hydration mix. It helped me reset for the rest of the ride.