This being my first IM, I have a few questions. Forgive me if I come off as mico-managing the whole thing, but it’s a direct result of my obsessive-compulsiveness:
I’m under the impression that they usually post online the athlete’s guide. When does this get posted?
What flavours Gatorade do they serve on the bike? On the run? Flavours of PowerGel they serve on the bike/run?
What’s the downside/upside of wearing tri shorts through the whole thing, vs. changing into cycling shorts, and then into running gear (I’ve done a century or two in my tri shorts)?
Do you get stuff from the special needs bag back after the race, if everything isn’t used?
Do people actually go to the dinner on the Monday night?
Is there a Clydesdale class at IMC?
How does the Monday sign-up work for '06…I’m supposed to be signing a friend up, but not intending to sign myself up. Separate lines? Do I need to get there early?
I don’t recall. Orange gatorade seems familiar. I’ve never used their gels, but I believe they had an assortment.
Downside: taking the time to change. Upside: saving the time to change. Personally I go with tri shorts for the whole event.
No. SN bags are NOT returned.
Yes, but I never have. (raced twice)
Yes. They weigh everyone during registration and you can opt for clydesdale class at that time.
The registration for signing up someone other then yourself starts at Noon, or 1:00. Be sure you have all their info (name, address, birthday, e-mail, phone) and a check or cc. Last year I walked up at 2:30 and there was no line. GF and I registered two other people and were out of there in ~15 minutes.
Have fun. Thank the volunteers and locals that turn out for the race. Resist the temptation to hammer on the first half of the bike course (it’s mostly flat and usually a tail wind). Richter’s a relatively easy climb; use your momentum on the rollers that follow; Yellow Lake/Twin Lake can be a grind but the fans are good for a few watts; stay aero and off the brakes on the descent.
Scott’s last few points are good ones. Also race does not really start until 90km on the bike which is right about when you hit the last roller on the approach to Cawston. Here the wind can pick up so stay aero and focused. The latter point is particularly relevant as you go in to the out and back section. Stay within your self and dont let your mind go walk about. There is still a lot of hard racing - especially the approach to Yellow Lake, particularly if there is a head wind.
Really enjoy the experience. The town’s people really support the event and make it what it is - a very good IM race. But at the same time try to stay off your feet during race week. Dont waste energy.
Do go to the dinner if for nothing else to get the dvd!
i think it was lemon-lime last year and orange…i think the ll was on the run, and the orange on the bike though…it was 2 flavours…and yes, they get disgusting after a while.
as for gels…there was an assorment, as well as fruit, cookies, pretzels, etc on the run…and bananas and other things on the bike
the monday dinner was awesome last year, the awards did take a long time, but the speeches and other things were great, esp the cops for cancer group.
i’ve been a victim of pushing it too hard before getting to richter…and i’d follow the advice. have a plan and stick to it. don’t be discouraged when people blow by you in the first 90k, you’ll see them later (i’ve been on the other end of that one).
definitly enjoy the day, prepare for warm weather, as it has been quite hot the past couple years. thank the volunteers, talk to the other competitors, and just have a good day. if things aren’t going well…at least try and enjoy the scenery and friendly faces out there.
smile.
good luck…see you there (assuming i survive the LC Worlds first
IMC is an awesome race - I did my first IM there last year. Everything is well taken care of and all your questions will be answered. I can totally sympathize with how you are feeling. I was there this time last year. Feel free to send me a message if you need more questions answered. As for your questions…
Most have already been answered by here is a bit more information from me…
It will be posted soon. A lot of the information is already on the web site. The booklet is pretty straight forward too although if you’ve talked to anyone who has done the race you will probably already know about most of what is in it.
I didn’t take much off the bike course with the exception of ice cold water (it was WONDERFUL). As for the run course the aid stations were great. I was calling them picnics instead of aid stations 'cause the selection of foods and drinks were awesome. (chips, pretzels, cookies, gatorade, gels, pepsi, water, chicken soup, fruit etc…) I’m also a back of the packer and the aid stations were well stalked for me too!
I trained in tri shorts so I raced in tri shorts. I had planned on racing all day in my tri shorts, but with a technical mishap on the bike I opted to change at T2 into running shorts. Yes… added time, but felt much better in clean/fresh clothing. I’d say pack a change and that way the option is there. As for riding in tri shorts - I did almost all my training in them so it was no biggie. The bottom line is what are you most comfortable cycling in? The key is to keep your body as happy as you can.
I agree with the other posters. I loved the Monday dinner. I guess if I had a few IM’s under my belt and had something better to do then I could see skipping it 'cause it was old hat. But as a first IM I say take it all in!! Plus the DVD is awesome. (I didn’t actually get one at the dinner 'cause they ran out but I was able to pick one up at the IMC office the next day with out any trouble). I still bring it out and watch it and it still makes me cry!
Not sure of the sign up. I think if you’re signing some one else up you need to show up later in the day. All the information will be posted - either on the website, or near the registration site. No need to spend the night camping out. The camping is fun if you’re into that but it definitely isn’t required. I’ll be signing up myself and another friend. I think the website already mentions the information you’ll need from your friend to sign them up.
Since it’s your first I’d say savour every moment. Don’t go in with a time goal, just a goal to finish! Be confident that you’ve done the training. Thank the volunteers, chat with fellow competitors, and just enjoy. Know that the tough times will pass. Be prepared for everything so that nothing will surprise you. And don’t panic if things start to fall apart - just acknowledge the situation and deal with it. You often can’t change what is happening to you, but you can change how you react to it. Don’t get sucked in by what others are doing. During the days leading up to the race you’ll see all types doing all sorts of things - some crazy, some not so much so. Everyone is on their own training schedule so stick to yours too. Don’t let the super super super fit freak you out, you just might be passing them after they’ve blown up on the bike. So race your own race. And most of all HAVE FUN! It’s truly an amazing race
I agree with the previous poster on point number 3, I pack a full change of clothes for T2, it is an incredible feeling to peel off your sweaty, sticky, usually full of salt tri suit and put on fresh running gear and socks for the run, sure it takes time but it is well worth it. I even change my sunglasses since the ones I rode with are usually full of sweat.
