Hi guys, I’m relatively new to the forum and will be doing my first IM at Moo. I have a few question about IM races in general and/or Moo in particular. I’ll post them in separate threads. Thanks in advance for those willing to share their wisdom.
– special needs bags – at IMMoo, I assume there is one for middle of the bike and one for middle of run course;
is there a volunteer who spots your number on the bike and run and then calls ahead a few hundred meters for another to fetch the bag for you when you get there? on bike, is it like what they do in the feed zone at TdF? (forgot that term for the bag) do I put it over my shoulder and take what I need and throw away rest? on run I imagine it’s easier.
can I tell someone on the course that I do NOT need the bag as I run/bike by?
another question is whether the things I put in there are throw-aways, or can I retrieve the items after the race? the big things may be a pair of shoes for the run bag in case it rains, but even small things I’d like back if possible, e.g. CO2, tubes
someone here talked about if one wants to do endurox R4, it is better to leave things in powder and mix on the course, due to “fermentation.” I am planning to put pre-mix in a 500ml water bottle and aluminum foil it and leave in T2 and run special need bag.
–question: they don’t leave these bags out in the sun, do they? as long as it’s in the shade for 8-10 hours, I’m hoping that’ll be okay;
it seemed to work pretty well on the bike with a hand off without dismount for most, but i just went on by. they really do have tons of everything you need out on the course so think hard about whether you really need it (super-finicky about kcal source), or are just freaking out and feel like you have to have it (crammed full of extra bike shorts, letters, ham sandwiches, etc.).
the concept of putting dry gear in the run bag (be it shoes or socks or a poncho) is fundamentally flawed. take it from me.
i think they put all the bags in the conference center after the race for pick up… obviously not fool-proof though.
Don’t bother with the special needs. It’s a ridiculous concept at IMNA races. If you can’t fit it on our your bike or get it on the course… you don’t need it.
The only thing… if you figure your going to death march the run and finish in the middle of the night… put in an old long-sleeve t-shirt.
– special needs bags – at IMMoo, I assume there is one for middle of the bike and one for middle of run course; Yes
is there a volunteer who spots your number on the bike and run and then calls ahead a few hundred meters for another to fetch the bag for you when you get there? Yes, they do their best to have your bag ready for you when you hit this zone, but realistically you should expect to stop briefly (<30 secs) while they fetch your bag. on bike, is it like what they do in the feed zone at TdF? (forgot that term for the bag) do I put it over my shoulder and take what I need and throw away rest? Unlike the TdF, these are just plastic bags with drawstring closures. Stopping to remove the contents will only cost you a few seconds; trying to do it on the fly could ruin your day. on run I imagine it’s easier. Much.
can I tell someone on the course that I do NOT need the bag as I run/bike by? Yup.
another question is whether the things I put in there are throw-aways, or can I retrieve the items after the race? the big things may be a pair of shoes for the run bag in case it rains, but even small things I’d like back if possible, e.g. CO2, tubes No guaranty getting this stuff back. The odds are better getting your run bag back because the zone is a few blocks from the finish line and you can walk over and grab your bag while cheering the finishers that come in after you. The bike bags are out in Verona and may or may not be safely returned to a pick-up location near Madison for retrieval on Monday. Maybe 50% chance of getting that stuff back.
someone here talked about if one wants to do endurox R4, it is better to leave things in powder and mix on the course, due to “fermentation.” I am planning to put pre-mix in a 500ml water bottle and aluminum foil it and leave in T2 and run special need bag.
–question: they don’t leave these bags out in the sun, do they? as long as it’s in the shade for 8-10 hours, I’m hoping that’ll be okay; No shade; find out what freezer/refrig. facility you will have access to and run a test between now and Sep 11; if you want to freeze a bottle the night before, you can probably make advance arrangements with the night manager at your hotel to use the hotel’s kitchen freezer. Probably not necessary, as you can keep a frozen bottle solid in a cooler for a couple days.