1)Water Quality. I know the water quality question has been beaten to death, but my question is a little different: Is there something that athletes can do to build up the body’s resistance to the poor water quality we’ll be swimming in? I’ve gotten a tetonis(sp?) shot w/in the last two months as one precaution. What about some kind of prescription medication? Is there a medication out there that would help immunize the body against the bacteria in the water that we will inevitably swallow some of. Whether or not wetsuits are allowed doesn’t cause me concern, only the quality of the water (maybe some debris, too…but mostly water quality).
2)How much shade is there on 53rd Ave/Southern Parkway where the bulk of the marathon takes place? There’s going to be some serious carnage out on the course if temps are in the 90’s (like they have been in Cinci for the last week, and are expected to continue). Shade will obviously help. Is there any?
Good luck to all IMC and IML participants in your final preparations, happy tapering, and enjoy the journey the day brings.
I don’t know the answer to your shade question, but I wouldn’t be too concerned about the water. The Ohio river is the main source of drinking water for the region. Sure you dont want to be drinking it during the swim but getting a mouth full of water should really only concern you if you are worried about drowning.
don’t worry about the water. We’ve had many tri’s in the river here over the years.
There will be decent shade on 3rd st. and Southern Pkwy, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. Both streets are well tree lined.
water quality Ohio: I would venture to say the ohio will be much cleaner than your local swimming pool or coastal beaches for this time of year (kids/cruise ships/party boats). I would not add any drugs or other untested prevents to your body before your race. Take the water quality issue off your mind and enjoy your swim.
I just returned from there today after visiting family. Checked out all the course for 2008. Took my bike & roade parts of the course & did ther sprint triathlon on Sat. The southern parkway does have tree cover for most of it but there are open areas. Once in the city & then along river road out & back one is going to broil. There is no cover at all.
The heat & humity have been brutal. 95+ most of the days I was there with very hi humidity. Yesterday with a easy 45 min run I was soaked.This am running it was already 80 at 6:30 am. with the heat index they were saying it was to be 105. Even the locals were sayign it was hot.
I road 45 miles of the course between noon - 3pm. On 42 there wasn’t any cover from 393 to Goshen. It seems worse than IMH on the bike to me. Anyone planning on doing this race really needs to work on hydration & electrolyte management.