10 Solid Strategies for Ironman Chattanooga (Maryland)

My coach sent this to me, so I’m sending it to you.   

With Ironman Louisville and Wisconsin in the rear view mirror it’s time to turn our attention to Ironman Maryland and Chattanooga. Both races take place this month with each making their debut on the WTC Ironman circuit. Last night I had dinner with an athlete who is about to take his first crack at the Ironman distance later this month in Chattanooga. We talked a lot about the upcoming race and pelted each other with questions for about 2 hours over pizza. I know the majority of athletes doing IMCHATT are first timers so in the spirit of state wide preparation here are the top 10 tips I deep dished out:
1. Paper or Plastic?
You’ll likely be dealing with some cooler temps as you hop on the bike soaking wet on race morning. Instead of throwing on winter cycling gear go with plastic garbage or grocery bags. Take about 3-4 of them, fold them up into a “chest size” vest. In T1, place them underneath your tri top before heading out. The bags will keep your core warm and also serve as a wind breaker for the downhills and winds on the flats. It will keep you warm. Save you time in T1 and no aero penalty. When you get warm enough ditch them at an aid station. Problem solved.
2. Cut it out! 
Do yourself a favor and find room in your suitcase to pack scissors. Take your bike number and cut it in 2. Trim ALL of the fat from your bike. Place one number on each side of your downtube. You likely spent a lot of money to make things “aero.” Dont negate it with a number flapping in the wind. Or worse, place it on your seat post and risk some nasty papercuts on your hamstrings. Regardless, it just looks clean.
3. No peaking
The majority of you will be following some sort of HR or power guidelines for pacing. Keep the “home” screen of your bike computer focused only on those. NO mph. Follow your plan and ride smart. Obsessing over your average MPH for 116 miles will just lead to your ego taking over and over cooking the bike.  Work your plan and let the day fall where it may. Bike for show. Run for doe.
4. Drugs are bad. Coke on the other hand…
Their is nothing sweeter on the run than flat coke. Carbs, sugar, calories and caffeine. Hit it at mile 1 then make sure you keep going back to the well at least every other mile. Besides the “energy” boost you will likely start to face some mental fatigue on the run. You have been up since 4am. Swam 2.4 miles are biked 116. Its been a long day already so the caffeine will help keep you in the game.
5. Get your roll on
If you plan on rocking arm wamers/coolers dont leave them strung out in your T1 bag. I have seen some people take longer putting on their arm warmers than it took them to get into their wetsuit. Put on your arm warmers. Then fold them down, over, and over. About 3-4x. Leaving 3-4 inches unrolled and pack them. In T1 put them on each wrist (think old school sweatbands for your wrist). Get on your way and then roll them up during the first few miles of the bike. Get to warm. Roll them back down.
6. Your current stroke
The swim will be with the current. Keep your strokes long and strong. The current will be pushing you and with a full stroke you will be able to grab all of the water below that will be pushing against your forearm. Enjoy the swim and likely a new PR.
7. No nutrition left behind
Simple but often over looked. If you drop your main nutrition, either your concentrated bottle or your gel, capsule, bar bag, go back and get it. It might cost you a minute or two but a botched nutrition plan could cost you and hour or 2. Just go get it.
8.  Back it down
Run your first couple miles at least 2 min/per mile slower than you “hope” to settle into.  You’re hotter than you think off the bike and driving your heart rate and core temperature up too fast could ruin your run.
9. Conserve on the Hills
By all accounts Chattanooga run course has some unwelcome hills and the last thing you want to do is increase effort to get up them.  The time you lose climbing hills using the same effort level you do for flats will be well worth the energy saved in your legs.
10.  Keep moving
If there is any doubt about your hydration or core temperature it’s probably a good idea to walk the aid stations while fueling.  But other than that, running, no matter how slow, will be the key to finishing in your hopeful time.  The run is going to hurt, but unless you have a walk/run strategy, fight with all your might to keep from walking.  Once you give in, it keeps getting easier.

 

Sunday – 10 Things I Thought About On My Run

1.  The first step is always the hardest.

2.  No matter how hard I try, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the taste of bugs.

3.  Whenever I see someone walking alone in the dark on the Greenway I start talking to myself so they think I’m crazy.

4.  I love lesbians.

5.  Running hills is where it’s at.

6.  Cyclists that hammer down on bike paths are smarmy.

7.  I much prefer the sound of that quiet little bell over a screaming “passing on your left!”

8.  Just one time I wish I could remember that dog at the end of the street will bark and scare the shit out of me.

9.  Sometimes I miss my skateboard.

10.  Running in this Wisconsin Boxing t-shirt kinda made me feel like a badass.

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UWBoxing

10 Things I Thought About on My Run Tonight

1.  I wonder if all runners go through the same cycle:  Obsessed with knowing everything about running, obsessed about their times and pace, loving running because it’s free and feels good.

2.  Why don’t all runners smile, wave, or say hi to each other?

3.  Is patriotism a necessary evil in the wide scope of humanity?

4.  I really wish I would have changed my socks halfway through the marathon at Ironman Louisville.

5.  Are non-English speaking citizens lonely, or happier than most because they have a small and tight circle of people they trust?

6.  What do dogs think runners are?

7.  Are we really meant to be with one person forever?

8.  I can’t wait to get back into the pool.

9.  Running doesn’t have to be that hard.

10.  It’s amazing how fast you can get out of shape after an Ironman.

Wisconsin Badger Basketball and Ironman

My coach sends me a lot of triathlon articles, but this one may be my favorite.  I’m a huge Wisconsin basketball fan and didn’t realize it while shooting video at the race in Madison, but former player Zach Bohannon was on his way to becoming an Ironman.

Reading made me a little emotional because the way he told the story reinforced why I love Badger basketball.  He downplayed his efforts and gave credit to the team.  I only wish I would have stuck around to see the celebration.

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The Basketball team celebrates Zach’s Finish at the Ironman Wisconsin.

In this article by Mike Lucas, Zach says his reason for doing Ironman was “To say I did it,” but I think it’s more likely because, that’s how he does life.

For most of my childhood and early adult years (even though the teams were pretty bad in the 70’s and 80’s) Badger basketball was my favorite sport.  After listening to games on the radio, I’d put on a heavy coat, shovel snow, then take jumpers on an ice-covered driveway while imagining leading Wisconsin to the national championship.  It wasn’t easy to make shots with thick Winter gloves, but I never blamed the conditions.

Earlier this year, I was in the crowd as Zach and Company lost that Final Four heartbreaker in Dallas, but was incredibly proud to be a Badger fan.  They were largely a group of unheralded players that worked hard, believed in themselves, and had contagious chemistry.

“We weren’t just a team last season; we are friends for life wanting each other to all do well in whatever we pursue,” says Bohannon.

I really believe there’s nothing more important than being around people that support and inspire you.  Ironman can weed them out in a hurry.    

Like decade-long runs at the Final Four, Ironman can be an incredibly isolating and lonely journey.  You battle pain, self-doubt, and have a lot of time to reflect.  At Ironman Wisconsin last year I described the end of that road like this:

“If there was any doubt about why I would do such a crazy thing, it was answered when I saw my family and friends in the Finisher’s chute.  I was on the course by myself that last hour, but was not alone.  I kept running because they were waiting.  Waiting on their son, waiting on their friend.  And there’s nothing more powerful than someone excitedly waiting for you to come home.”

This is how Zach recalled it, “As great as finishing was, seeing the support of all of these people was even better,” he said referring to his family, friends and teammates.  

I’m drawn the the Ironman culture because it’s filled with “normal” people who won’t accept limits.  This holds true for both the athletes, and those who support our quest.  It’s embracing possibility and making the most out of our lives.

There’s a commercial on the Big 10 Network where Zach makes a bold acknowledgment that his goal is to someday be President of the United States.  Ironman is surely a step in the right direction, and I have no reason to doubt he will make his dream reality.

Maybe you can spot Zach in this video I made of the Wisconsin Swim Start.  [follow_me]

 

 

 

 

 

Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start Crowd

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These are all screen grabs from the video I’m working on.  Hope you enjoy.

Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start
They were lined 8 deep to watch racers run up the helix after the Swim.
Ironman Wisconsin Helix
This is a wide shot from near the Swim Exit
Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start
They crowd in tight when you run up to your bike.
Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start
This is on TOP of the building and they lined the entire way.
Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start
Waiting for swimmers to reach the top of the helix.
Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start
Jam packed to watch triathlon.

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Ironman Wisconsin Swim Start
This is on top of the building where crowds lined the walkways to watch bike transition.

Are Pro Triathletes Missing the Boat?

EDIT: Here is another perspective on why pro triathletes may not be getting as much publicity as they should or could.  I know this is all about money, but if WTC is purposely keeping pro athletes from gaining popularity, that’s pretty sad.  

I think one of the coolest things about triathlon is racing with the pros.  Age groupers are fascinated by the ungodly splits, mysterious lifestyles, and mythical training schedules.  All of which is why I think a lot of pros are missing a huge opportunity.

Age Groupers are rabid fans who can’t get enough of their sport, but I’m pretty sure most “Ironmen” can’t name more than one or two pros in their race.  I write and think about triathlon every day, and the Pro Roster at Wisconsin was totally off my radar.

Ironman Wisconsin Konstantin Bachor
Konstantin Bachor, after setting a new Wisconsin bike course record

I’d imagine it has to feel like a traveling circus for many pro triathletes.  Showing up in random towns with other endurance freaks so the age groupers can gawk at their oddities.  But, just like carnivals, triathlons have a built in, and captive customer base.

Occasionally I will strike a conversation with a pro at a race and they have always been really cool, but I am typically unimpressed by the way most handle their online presence.  Some are accessible, but most of the time it feels like the conversations are “inside baseball.”

I went to Wisconsin to “cover” Ironman simply because I love the sport and culture.  I was shocked by how many people recognized me and said they read Crushing Iron.  Open communication resonates, and I certainly connected with a bunch of new friends and readers.

I have written over 500 posts about triathlon and while I’m certain much of it is BS, I rarely hear or get responses from pros.  I don’t mean praise or positive reinforcement, but a quick barb, thank you, disagreement, or whatever.

Last night, out of the blue, I did get a “thank you” on Twitter from Pedro Gomes for posting a picture of him at Ironman Wisconsin.  I didn’t even tag his name under the photo because I wasn’t sure who he was.  But now I know.

Not only did he thank me, he followed, responded again, then sent his email so I could link him some video I shot at the race.

pedro gomes
Pedro Gomes, 3rd Place at Ironman Wisconsin 2014

It’s not a huge deal, but I thought it was cool, so I checked out his website, and Race Report (which included a photo credit for me).  You can rest assured my friends will now be getting a taste of Pedro Gomes 1st place predictions.

A little Twitter love goes a long ways.  I’ve heard from Jodie Swallow, Mirinda Cafrae, Ben Hoffman, and . . . well, that’s about it, but I definitely remember and talk about them.

I just think with all this talk about cutting pros out of races, etc, it would be in their best interests to build followings and marketable brands for coaching, merchandise, or general leverage with sponsors.  I would certainly order a “Gomes Racing” or “I Follow The Swallow” t-shirt.

I really enjoy having pros at races and think it’s important for the integrity of the sport.  But with the growing popularity of Ironman among the carnival goers, it makes you wonder if the pro circuit is losing some of its allure with race directors.

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Ironman Wisconsin 2014 Pictures

The Mass Swim Start at Wisconsin is one of the coolest sporting spectacles you’ll ever see.  If you don’t believe me, ask my mother.

http://youtu.be/vMGMkrQrcqs

This Pro triathlete, Pedro Gomes.  I posted this picture on Twitter with the caption “3rd Place Pro,” and somehow he found it and personally thanked me.  Pretty cool move. pedro gomes

State Street has that European Cafe flavor and it was bustling all afternoon for Ironman Wisconsin.  “My people” never miss a reason to have a party and they were throwing down in Madison.  IMG_4973

I happened to be standing by the Run Out when first pro off the bike, Konstantin Bachor, glided by with a big smile.  I didn’t move until the next runner came by and it seemed like forever.  I truly started to wonder if Bachor was an impostor.  He wasn’t and held on for 4th place.

Ironman Wisconsin Konstantin Bachor

The 3 big hills at Wisconsin aren’t “that” bad, but they are nice little climbs in the middle of a challenging course.  I was lucky enough to hang out at the third one where people are absolutely bonkers with their support.  There’s nothing like laughing while you grind your way up a tough hill.

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I grew up in Wisconsin and only last year realized the true beauty of the state capitol.  It is absolutely massive and the perfect backdrop for this finish line.

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The crowds were genuinely overwhelming and made it very hard for me to get good video footage.

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These were from my walk around on Saturday night.  The calm before the storm, including a rare nighttime shot of bike transition.

IMG_4901 IMG_4903

 

 

VIDEO: Ironman Louisville 2014

Here’s the official Crushing Iron video from Ironman Louisville 2014.  This is been a pretty heavy year for me and some close friends (maybe more transitional) and I think this video sums up a lot of the feelings.

I really appreciate the support of everyone who travelled to see us tackle a very difficult day.  Mom, Chris, Rebekah, Pete, Jim, and Allie were there every step of the way, and we all know spectating an Ironman is no walk in the park.

A special thanks to my brother Chris for capturing so many amazing moments with the camera, and to Sarah, who graciously watched my dog Mattie for the weekend.

Here’s to Robbie and Elyse who trained their asses off to rock Louisville.

 

 

 

My Day Spectating Ironman Wisconsin #IMWI #IMOO

This is just a quickie, but I had to say a little something about this phenomenal day.  I showed up around 6 am with my mind on the money shot.  I had thought about this for months.  I wanted to get an incredible overhead view of the swim gaggle as they set out to sea.  There was only one problem.  There were so many damn people there I couldn’t get a good shot.

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Eight deep everywhere I looked.  I was running around like a guy looking for his toe covers in transition.  It was a madhouse!  I’m going up and down the stairs, back and forth, all over that damn Helix and I couldn’t find one shot worth shooting.

I was starting to get seriously bummed.  I drove 10 hours from Nashville and I wouldn’t get the one shot I wanted most?  I even pleaded with the Ironman VIP area to give me 10 minutes in Swanksville.  I mean it’s not like I don’t give them endless attention and praise nearly every day of the year.  But, they wouldn’t let me in, and in fairness it was volunteers, I’m sure the head honcho would have graciously offered the Catbird seat, but I didn’t have time to wait.

I finally landed in a stairwell and shot the incredible start through the glass.  I think it will work out find, but not idea.  Here’s a sample.

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I knew there was a nice crowd last year while I raced, but I just had no idea how nuts this place was.  Without any “real access” my shooting was severely challenged.  Hopefully I can make something of the video, and thankfully, with a crazy stroke of luck I met two Crushing Iron readers who totally hooked me up for the bike.  Tom connected me with Ryan who took me right to the 3rd of the “Three Bitches” somewhere out in the middle of nowhere.

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These people are kind of crazy in the greatest of ways.  Screaming things like “I bet you wish you were still in the water!” as cyclists focused every ounce of energy on climbing that hill.  Costumes ruled the day and I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I watch literally hundreds of fellow Wisconsinites so excited to strange men and women get to the top of the hill.

ironman wisconsin bike course

After the bike, Ryan dropped me off and I went right to the Run Out and within two minutes I saw the first pro, Konstantin Bachor, hit the pavement.  He was ELEVEN minutes ahead and had just set a bike course record of 4:31:13.  He smiled, ran by, and gave me a friendly slap to the head as if to say, “See you in a few minutes.”

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I rolled up and down State Street mesmerized by all the energy and excitement.  It was a perfect day, loaded with a comfortable Wisconsin sun and spectators were soaking it in.

ironman wisconsin run

It’s going to be very hard not pulling the trigger tomorrow.