I’m training to do IM TX in May but developed a case of runner’s knee last week (I had PFPS a couple years ago and visited a physician and PT - core strengthening exercises helped it go away but recently I’ve been slacking off on those due to the high volume of training). I took a week off from running but when I did an easy run this weekend the pain returned (manageable while I’m running but hard to walk afterwards). I’ve started doing a daily core/hip strengthening regime (planks, lateral leg raises, bird dogs and bridges) and in the meantime will substitute cycling for my run workouts. I’m registered to do a 70.3 this coming weekend but I’m concerned running on the concrete during the race will aggravate my knee again. IM TX is my main goal but I wanted to do the 70.3 to practice OW swimming, nutrition plan, etc. So… my question is has anyone gone into a race planning to do the first two legs only? I hate the idea of dropping out of the 70.3 mid-race but I’d only risk the run if my knee is no longer hurting. Other option is use the weekend to do two long rides.
I talked with a person today who had signed up for the HITS napa half aquabike, but since her back was hurting, she did just the swim.
Just do the parts that help you get to your goal. If you cannot get to a starting line healthy, well, makes for a long day, at best.
My first ever aquabike was like this in 2005 before it was even called Aquabike. It was at Timberman and I am glad I went. Very cool race to see and do - the swim and bike. I am a fan of the Aquabike especially if you are running injured. Have fun, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the race. It is still a great time.
Cheers, John
A couple of years ago I was just starting out and had a coach, who was (and still is, I’m sure!) awesome.
He had me to a swim-bike HIM distance race in June to prepare for a HIM in September. It was on the same course (Welland, preparing for Barrelman) so it was very specific training as well. It was so much fun I went back and did it last year just for kicks while training for IM Muskoka.
There’s a lot to be said for pushing maximum effort for the last 10 minutes of the bike and flying past everyone while they are starting to pedal a little easier /stretch/get for the run. :-p
If you enter with the idea of stopping in T2 (vs. signing up for an aquabike), just make sure to avoid the temptation to “just start the run and see how it goes”. It’s a great way to finish the HIM and be too injured to train for the IM.
Other bonuses of the aquabike are getting to see the pros finish, and no lines at the massage tent.
I did it once. Originally I signed up for the aquabike category, but then when I realized that would have me starting in the last wave of the day, and it was the same price, I switched to the regular race and just told myself I would drop out. I did make it about a mile onto the run course before I pulled the plug. I was not at all prepared to run 12 more miles, but I still didn’t want to do it at the time.
starting in the last wave of the day
UGGG!!! Why would they do this?
It seems to me that the pacing for an aquabike is completely different than a full tri since you don’t have the run.
You want to come in to T2 completely spent.
It seems to me like it should be the first wave after the pros (and perhaps an elite wave if it is offered)
Well, without digging up the results, I recall thinking that the winner of the aquabike wouldn’t have been in the top 20 off the bike in a mass start. It’s analogous to the competition in a sprint when there’s an Olympic, a du when there’s a tri, etc. Sprints, dus, aquabike should even be competitive, but not when they are the “lesser” event available.
“There’s a lot to be said for pushing maximum effort for the last 10 minutes of the bike and flying past everyone while they are starting to pedal a little easier /stretch/get for the run. :-p”
This. Hammering the bike without having to worry about the run is the best part! All the fun with the run!