Anybody here done this race. I’m curious what to expect on the bike and run courses. How bad is the wind? I know the beast is killer, but are the rest of the climbs more like rollers?
I’ve been doing hill repeats, and a lot of LT work, so I think I am on track.
Thanks in advance,
AF
Can you ride in a sauna? For me st croix was a lesson in heat exhaustion. Had a great swim and bike, but heat started cramping in the last part of the ride (well, partly due to riding out of my range). I walked half of the run b/c my head was a gazzilion degrees. Put ice on my head, down my pants and used the sponges, sucked on some pretzels and after getting the salt and cooling down my legs came back - ran strong for the last few miles. If I did this race again I would make sure to consume more salt during the bike. I took 5 of the hammergel electrolyte pills which was not nearly enough. Anyway, the ride is great. The beast is steep but it’s over quickly. There’s a lot of up and down after the beast so keep some gas for the end. Bring a good visor for the run and don’t hammer the bike. The extra time spent on the bike is nothing compared to what you can lose if you heat bonk on the run.
For the heat, “tri” (oh SNAP!) this: put on some cold gear when its hot outside (i.e. leg/arm warmers in 75 degree weather). This will get you ready for a run at 1130am in the tropics. I train in maryland (college), but live in FL. I was easily running 12-15 mi in MD, but when i ran at 3pm (hottest part of day) in FL, i could barely run 3 mi before doubling over in cramps. Also, use high electrolyte pills/drinks, and make sure youre hydrated! Have fun in St. Croix, I really wanted to do that race, but money is an issue in college, so instead im doing florida halfiron.
This should answer most of you questions.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=66063;search_string=search_string;#66063
Joel