Observations from an IM newbie

Triathlon Forum
1

I just finished my first IM (at WI) and these are my comments. My intention is not to start flame wars, or be judgmental; they’re just my observations.

Overall, it was a great experience. I’m glad I did it.

The organization of the race was great. While reading all of the race instructions before the race, I though the whole process was going to be too regimented. (Register by x-time, be at x-meeting by x-time, put transitions bags in x-room by x-time…) In retrospect, I can see how hard it can be to keep 2000 athletes organized.

There was a lot of “Ironman” brand hype. I could have done without the marketing push.

There was a lot of “Now you’re an Ironman” hype. To me, it’s just a race. It’s not like it’s a life changing experience or anything.

The swim was crazy – 2000 athletes all going off at the same time. I’ve heard stories from last year, and this year, about athletes ending their race early because they were punched or kicked in the first 15 minutes.

I was surprised at how few people had real aero wheels (40mm or more rim depth). There were a lot of people with road race wheels and semi-aero wheels, and not too many discs or tri-spokes.

I was surprised that no one did the climbs while on the aero bars – except for myself and one other guy I saw. A 39x27 (700c) gear was a must.

I was surprised at how many people I passed on the bike down hills. Almost everyone I saw coasted down the hills while I pedaled past them. What’s the use of having a 53x12 if you’re not going to use it?

I felt like I was on a Tour de France mountain stage during the biggest climbs where the spectators closed in on the course so that we had to ride single file. Cheering, cow bells, whistles, drums, a guy playing a trombone, crazy outfits – what great fun.

Did anyone else see that high school girl in her front yard who was like a cheerleader on steroids? (How could you miss her?) I thought for sure she would wear out after the first lap, but she was going strong on the second lap too.

I realized that spectators are really important for encouragement during the run. I saw a member of my masters swim team at mile 13 who I didn’t expect to be there. She was a great encouragement when I was feeling really lousy.

A really cool thing happened on the run. On the first lap, one of the medical personnel at water station 10/23 took notice of me running by at a pretty good pace. When I came by the second time (much delayed because the heat got to me) he stopped me and asked if I was ok. I told him I that I had taken some time to relax in the shade for a while, but had now gotten my race back together and was feeling good. It was unbelievable that he remembered me.

Things that I would have done different: Changed my bike nutrition a little. Taken a 5-minute break during the bike when I got a small leg cramp on the final big climb. Slowed down earlier, or found shade earlier, during the run.

2

I bet there’s a direct link between not seeing people climbing in the aerobars and passing people on the downhills (and all those 5+ hour marathons). I see so many people at races that hammer climbs, not sure why this is.

Sounds like a really great race the way the spectators get into it, makes me want to do it even more.

Many congrats on finishing.

3

Why would it make a difference whether you used aero bars while climbing? The aero advantage you gain is minimal if any going uphill.

4

I’m editing this response because, at first, I misunderstood your response.

I think you are correct. There were many times when someone would be mashing up a hill while I was spinning, and then I would put it into big gear on the down hill while the masher would coast down the hill to recover. Then, I would have momentum going into the next hill. And yes, you are correct again; mashing up the hills ultimately leads to a long marathon. (Although in my case, spinning up the hills lead to a long marathon anyway.)

As far as an aero advantage to climbing in the aero bars, there is none. But with a steep angled tri bike, there is no laid back climbing position, so spinning in the aerobars is the best you can do.

5

that being on the aerobars forces you to do anything. One can spin just as easily sitting up on the tops of the handlebars. Climbing requires power and that power is somewhat lost using the aero position to climb. I’m a long time roadie here and I’m still learning the ins and outs of this whole tri thing but am I missing something here?

6

Actually, I’m agreeing with you. You passed people on the downhills because you kept things in check by staying in the aerobars and spinning, rather than climbing out of the saddle and burning up your legs. I wasn’t suggesting you did anything wrong, but you did things right (in my uneducated opinion).

7

I feel as though I have more power in the aerobars on my tribike, rather than up on the pursuit bars (sitting, not standing). I feel like my hip opens up too much when I’m on the pursuits, I guess it depends on the hip angle you achieve while in the aerobars. You being a roadie may give you different results. All I’ve ever ridden is a tri-bike.

8

Congratulations on finishing your first Ironman. “BRU YOU ARE AN . . . … .!!”

I will adress some of your points:

  1. They need to regiment the pre-race activities because of the numbers of people involved and also because I think years ago many triathletes being the individual free spirits that they were and still are, tended to push the envelope more than a bit. "Why can’t I check my bike in on race morning?

  2. Say what you want about the Ironman brand, but it’s been a huge success. The Timex/Ironman merchandizing deal has been the most successful sports merchandizing deal of all time. Many others are trying to do the same thing - hit that merchandizing home run.

  3. The swim can be brutal. This has been discussed and talked about extensively. The mass start is here to stay. I think what the races need to do is somehow make the start lines as wide as they can and tell athletes over and over again to self seed for the swim start. One I dea that I heard tossed around at IMC was some form of compressed wave or box start based on proven swim time and experience. Sounds do-able

  4. The bottom line with all of the expensive aero doo-dads is that they add up to very little. Body positioning accounts for more than 75% of how aero you are.

  5. Despite all the info and all the advice people still hammer up the hills and then when the world does give them a break going down they don’t take advantage of it.

  6. Finally - the fans and the volunteers really make the day. They are awesome and likly the single biggest reason that people keep coming back year after year.

9
  1. Say what you want about the Ironman brand, but it’s been a huge success.<<

And, the beauty of it is, if you don’t want the IM brand and all that is associated with it, there are other options.

Ultramax

Duke Blue Devil

Vineman

Great Floridian

Esprit in Montreal

one in BC near Victoria (I think)

Pineman

2004: CaliforniaMan and the new Texas race

I’m sure there are others. These are just off the top of my head.

10

<< and the new Texas race

there’s a new Ironman distance race in Texas? Any info about this?

11

I only want to comment on the “Ironman not changing your life” comment at this point as I am short on time.

Yes, it will change your life. You have EARNED the respect of other tri-geeks around the world. You have EARNED the tattoo you can now get with pride. IMO most people who play in the AG IM game are all running from something (not to something). Being a six time IronMan is something that I am VERY proud of - and it has changed my life. IronMan proved that I can do anything if I work hard enough for it. I am much more proud of my AG IM finish than I am of my USCF CAT2 wins. I am an IronMan…I love the IronMan brand. Every race I have done is a little more pride.

What you need to do is IMLP…it has a diffrent feel over all than Moo…I am not interested in Moo again…but if god does not take me before I get another chance to go to LP (2005) I will be there…with my clown outfit on! LP has a MUCH closer and warmer feeling and more soul in the race (I think).

(yes that was me with the clown outfit on - jumping off the ski jump with water wings on…that was also me cannonballing off of the ski jump after the National Anthem on race morning!)

12

It’s going to be called the “Iron Texan”. It’s due to make an appearance in October 2004.

Same folks who put on the Small Texan Tri (sprit/oly distance) and the Tall Texan Tri (half-iron dist).

Here’s the link I have:

http://www.brittonbikes.com/texan-tri-series/iron-texan-tri/iron-tx-mainpage.htm

13

Sunday was my 1st Ironman. I thought the whole experience was great, the spectators, the organization, the course, and especially the volunteers. Cooler weather would have been nice, but you take what you get. Ive already signed up for IMWI 04.

I think the WTC needs to push the brand, I dont think they make much $ from the entry fees, its from sponsors and merchandising. I bet that $ helps for better events. I am in event planning and know we get a good bang for our buck with the entry fees.

As far as hills go, Im 210lbs so i cant go up to fast so i always make it a point get some speed on the downhills. And it works, not sure if it is my weight or my downhill tuck?

14

Yup,

You’re missing something alright. With a real tri bike (no long winded definintion here) you are already in the power position when you’re on the aero bars. When you sit up on a tri bike, you actually reduce your power becasue your torso/thigh angle opens up too much and goes past the optimal power angle. Opposite, but similar to when you get in the aero position on a road bike. In that case, ones torso/thigh angle reduces past the point of max power output. On a tri bike (not just a road bike with aero bars and a disc wheel!) The angle opens up past the max power angle and power drops off.

As Dan has noted previously (and I wholeheartedly agree) riding hills on aero bars (on a tri bike) makes the most sense. I will temper that by saying that one must be spinning. If the hill is steep enough that cadence drops to say 60RPM in your lowest gear, then stand up and get up that monster.

As for going down hill, I recommend powering over the top of the hill and start heading down the other side “giving it death” until say 40mph and then stop pedalling, tuck in tight like a downhill ski racer (push your hands forward, slide your ass backwards, put your belly button on the nose of your seat, flatten your back) and enjoy the scenery flash by. (Don’t foget to grin as you pass everyone)

TriDork

p.s. ex ski pro and damned fast downhill on a tri bike.