HIM Questions

[kams]

As my race is approaching, my list of questions is consuming me! Some are silly, some are important. I will gladly take ANY and ALL advice/stories/random thoughts/etc.

1. My race is on 8/4. On 8/31 we have an inaugural local race that I would really like to race. It's 50.5 miles (for our area code 505). 1m swim, 40m bike, 9.5m run. I know everyone is different as far as recovery, but would you consider it doable?

2. Morning bag: what exactly goes in this? Swim stuff? Can I leave my sweatshirt in there and keep it with me or get it back? I usually just leave my bag in transition, so I'm just a little unsure.

3. Sunscreen: I'd like to reapply to my back & shoulder pre bike & pre run. Can a volunteer help me? Should I bring a bottle for each application so I can take it and toss it on the go? The course is very hot and exposed, and burning totally zaps my energy (not to mention it's dangerous).

4. When I check in, should I plan to go to the athlete meeting, or should I just watch the broadcast on the loop in athlete village?

5. Anything I MUST have or should pass up in the merch tent? I think I want a jersey, jacket, and visor. I get a shirt, I'm sure?

6. How many tubes & cartridges would you keep on your bike? I usually carry 2 of each.

7. I've heard that if they offer you an IV in the med tent you should take it, and that it does wonders for recovery. Any opinions?

8. My H is coming with me in the morning, but my parents want to bring my DD a little later. Will they be able to get in later in the morning as spectators?

Could this be any longer? 

Again, answering one question or writing your own tips or rolling your eyes at me - all totally welcome

[clseale]

I don't have answers to any of these questions, but eeeeeek!!! You're so close. I'm getting so excited for you!

[taratru]

You will not need a sweatshirt. Trust.

That's all I got!

[taratru]

And I need an answer to #8. I'm trying to figure out where best to see you but don't want to get bogged down in traffic/closures.

[Susie]

1.  Yes, I think so.  I am doing a double tri (spring + oly) about 1.5 month after my HIM, so similar distance.  I think I could have been ready to do that several weeks sooner.  The first week or two was when I really felt sore, and then just not ready to plunge into anything new yet.

2.  Calvin had a backpack that I put stuff like that in.  I even had a swim parka that I handed off to him.  In his absence I'd have left my stuff in transition.  I didn't do an IM branded 70.3, so procedures might be different.

3.  My sunscreen plan was to lotion up at the hotel before I put my kit on.  Then I had Coppertone Sport spray sunscreen in transition, which I used over my shoulders/arms in T2.  I didn't use it in T1 because I was so wet, I doubted it'd do much.  FWIW, it was a cloudless June day and I did not burn at all.  I didn't reapply on my face at any point.  Having a hat on in the run helped with that.

4.  Sounds race-specific.  Dunno.

5.  Same.

6.  I carried 1 tube, 2 CO2 cartridges, a patch kit, and a couple prayers.  My saddle bag doesn't fit more than 1 tube.  I was fortunate not to flat.

7.  Never considered it.

8.  See 4-5.

[chw57]

Jul 18, 2013 14:49:28 GMT -5 kams said:

As my race is approaching, my list of questions is consuming me! Some are silly, some are important. I will gladly take ANY and ALL advice/stories/random thoughts/etc.

1. My race is on 8/4. On 8/31 we have an inaugural local race that I would really like to race. It's 50.5 miles (for our area code 505). 1m swim, 40m bike, 9.5m run. I know everyone is different as far as recovery, but would you consider it doable? It seems that it would be long enough after the half that you'd be fine

2. Morning bag: what exactly goes in this? Swim stuff? Can I leave my sweatshirt in there and keep it with me or get it back? I usually just leave my bag in transition, so I'm just a little unsure. I'm not sure what you mean by this... I just leave everything except stuff I will need during the race with DH

3. Sunscreen: I'd like to reapply to my back & shoulder pre bike & pre run. Can a volunteer help me? Should I bring a bottle for each application so I can take it and toss it on the go? The course is very hot and exposed, and burning totally zaps my energy (not to mention it's dangerous). bring a bottle of the aerosol spray kind and spray it all over you during T1 and T2.  It just takes a couple seconds. I did this during my insanely sunny race and didn't burn at all

4. When I check in, should I plan to go to the athlete meeting, or should I just watch the broadcast on the loop in athlete village? Unless you have specific questions about the course, I'd just watch the broadcast. 

5. Anything I MUST have or should pass up in the merch tent? I think I want a jersey, jacket, and visor. I get a shirt, I'm sure? I never buy much but visors are fun!

6. How many tubes & cartridges would you keep on your bike? I usually carry 2 of each. That seems like more than enough. I just had one of each

7. I've heard that if they offer you an IV in the med tent you should take it, and that it does wonders for recovery. Any opinions? I've never had one, but if I'm in the med tent, I would do what they say (and it seems like the best option when you're really dehydrated

8. My H is coming with me in the morning, but my parents want to bring my DD a little later. Will they be able to get in later in the morning as spectators? I can't help with this one...


GOOD LUCK!!! You're going to be awesome!!

[kams]

Jul 18, 2013 14:59:31 GMT -5 taratru said:

You will not need a sweatshirt. Trust.

That's all I got!

Lol, I love you. I do like to have a light long sleeve while I set up transition. It's usually about 5/6am and I just feel more comfortable. I'm weird about my body.


AND, I can't wait to see you (if it works out for you, of course). I can get you Bart's # if you want so that you can connect with him. He'll be paying close attention to where I'm at and how to scout me out.

ETA: also, I will keep you in the loop about parking & stuff as soon as I find out for my parents

[kams]

Susie & chw57

thank you!!!

you know, I'd really prefer spray, but at altitude like that it is honestly not enough. I've been experimenting with many different ways to apply so that I can just spray and after a few hours I burn, it never fails. Cream is really my best option for high altitude. It's annoying ( & slow).

clseale, THANK YOU!!!  (kiss)

[chw57]

Oh duh, I totally forgot about the altitude situation... yeah I wouldn't mess around with sun that intense!

[katandkevin]

Jul 18, 2013 14:49:28 GMT -5 kams said:

As my race is approaching, my list of questions is consuming me! Some are silly, some are important. I will gladly take ANY and ALL advice/stories/random thoughts/etc.

1. My race is on 8/4. On 8/31 we have an inaugural local race that I would really like to race. It's 50.5 miles (for our area code 505). 1m swim, 40m bike, 9.5m run. I know everyone is different as far as recovery, but would you consider it doable? It is doable, but I wouldn't have done it. I mentally needed some time off so I knew better than to sign up for any races.

2. Morning bag: what exactly goes in this? Swim stuff? Can I leave my sweatshirt in there and keep it with me or get it back? I usually just leave my bag in transition, so I'm just a little unsure. I didn't use this. I left anything in my teams tent or gave to someone that was allowed into the athletes only area before the swim.

3. Sunscreen: I'd like to reapply to my back & shoulder pre bike & pre run. Can a volunteer help me? Should I bring a bottle for each application so I can take it and toss it on the go? The course is very hot and exposed, and burning totally zaps my energy (not to mention it's dangerous). I kept sunscreen in transition. I sprayed it on before the bike and run and I still got fried on the run. There were volunteers putting sunscreen on athletes when they came out of t2. In retrospect, I should have used them since I was trying to get out of t2 as quickly as possible.

4. When I check in, should I plan to go to the athlete meeting, or should I just watch the broadcast on the loop in athlete village? I skipped the athlete meeting. In fact I have never gone to one and the only time I will is for IMFL.

5. Anything I MUST have or should pass up in the merch tent? I think I want a jersey, jacket, and visor. I get a shirt, I'm sure? I bought a shirt the has the mdot logo on the back that is made up of the names of all the athletes competing, I also bought a 70.3 sticker for my car and a water bottle. DH bought me a finisher shirt.

6. How many tubes & cartridges would you keep on your bike? I usually carry 2 of each. I did 2 of each and thankfully didn't need either.

7. I've heard that if they offer you an IV in the med tent you should take it, and that it does wonders for recovery. Any opinions? Unless you totally need it I would probably skip it. I didn't go into the medical tent at all.

8. My H is coming with me in the morning, but my parents want to bring my DD a little later. Will they be able to get in later in the morning as spectators? This could be race specific but DH and my kids and fil came for my swim start which was 1 hour after the race started. They had no problems getting to the race even though the pros and earlier waves were already out on the bike.

Could this be any longer? 

Again, answering one question or writing your own tips or rolling your eyes at me - all totally welcome

Keep asking questions. I had a million of the same before race day and i fixated on the little stuff.

[kams]

Thanks katandkevin ! I'm sure I will think of more, especially as the taper madness sets in.

And, you had to buy a finishers shirt?! IM is a cash cow!

THOUGHT OF ANOTHER ONE!

At the bike bottle hand off, do they give you an actual bike bottle, or one of those cheap plastic arrowhead type bottles? Will it launch right out of my cages?

[joenali]

Jul 18, 2013 15:25:51 GMT -5 kams said:

Thanks katandkevin ! I'm sure I will think of more, especially as the taper madness sets in.

And, you had to buy a finishers shirt?! IM is a cash cow!

THOUGHT OF ANOTHER ONE!

At the bike bottle hand off, do they give you an actual bike bottle, or one of those cheap plastic arrowhead type bottles? Will it launch right out of my cages?

They should give you a bottle.

[taratru]

Jul 18, 2013 15:10:56 GMT -5 kams said:

Lol, I love you. I do like to have a light long sleeve while I set up transition. It's usually about 5/6am and I just feel more comfortable. I'm weird about my body.


AND, I can't wait to see you (if it works out for you, of course). I can get you Bart's # if you want so that you can connect with him. He'll be paying close attention to where I'm at and how to scout me out.

ETA: also, I will keep you in the loop about parking & stuff as soon as I find out for my parents

I toooootally get it.  It's like my jammy pants thing.  


It would be great to have his # if he doesn't mind internet stranger texts.    I'm getting SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! 

[kams]

Jul 18, 2013 15:31:23 GMT -5 taratru said:

I toooootally get it.  It's like my jammy pants thing.  


It would be great to have his # if he doesn't mind internet stranger texts.    I'm getting SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! 

Yes, just like your jammy pants


ygpm in 2 seconds with his #. He knows you're my girl! Ill still be in touch with details, too

Let a little of your excitement rub off on me, please, because I'm scared shitless!

[katandkevin]

Jul 18, 2013 15:25:51 GMT -5 kams said:

Thanks katandkevin ! I'm sure I will think of more, especially as the taper madness sets in.

And, you had to buy a finishers shirt?! IM is a cash cow!

THOUGHT OF ANOTHER ONE!

At the bike bottle hand off, do they give you an actual bike bottle, or one of those cheap plastic arrowhead type bottles? Will it launch right out of my cages?

They give you a race shirt but they are always insanely small and I look like a stuffed sausage in it. We got a hat when we crossed the finish line and got a pretty cool backpack with the race swag. I wanted a shirt that said finisher on it since it was a big accomplishment for me. The mdot one I just thought was cool.

[kams]

Jul 18, 2013 15:43:45 GMT -5 katandkevin said:

They give you a race shirt but they are always insanely small and I look like a stuffed sausage in it. We got a hat when we crossed the finish line and got a pretty cool backpack with the race swag. I wanted a shirt that said finisher on it since it was a big accomplishment for me. The mdot one I just thought was cool.

Omg I have a closet full of sausage casing shirts!! Thanks for this info. It's a big deal for me, too, so I want plenty of goodies

[coconutbug]

I'm so excited for your upcoming race!!

1. The 505 is doable, though it depends on whether you're burned out and want a longer break or are ready to just hop back to it after Boulder.

2. I think I usually put my flip flops and jacket/sweatshirt in the morning bag. It's whatever I'm shedding before I head to the water.

3. I think you could get one of those small sample or travel size sunscreens, but I usually just spray.

4. It's rare that I learn something new at athlete meetings. I would just watch the broadcast.

5. You should get a free shirt, but the jersey, visor, etc sound fun.

6. I usually have 1 tube, 2 cartridges, and a patch kit.

7. No idea, but if they offered me an IV, I would take it (because I'd assume they are offering it for a reason).

8. They should be able to, though I don't know that particular course. My H has always been able to find me later on in the morning.

[trigal]

1. My race is on 8/4. On 8/31 we have an inaugural local race that I would really like to race. It's 50.5 miles (for our area code 505). 1m swim, 40m bike, 9.5m run. I know everyone is different as far as recovery, but would you consider it doable?

Go for it!

2. Morning bag: what exactly goes in this? Swim stuff? Can I leave my sweatshirt in there and keep it with me or get it back? I usually just leave my bag in transition, so I'm just a little unsure.

This is for the stuff you wear race morning, but don't race in. If you have someone with you, you can just give it to them.

3. Sunscreen: I'd like to reapply to my back & shoulder pre bike & pre run. Can a volunteer help me? Should I bring a bottle for each application so I can take it and toss it on the go? The course is very hot and exposed, and burning totally zaps my energy (not to mention it's dangerous).

Sunscreen is often in the transition area, but it can't hurt to have your own. Yes, a volunteer will help you.

4. When I check in, should I plan to go to the athlete meeting, or should I just watch the broadcast on the loop in athlete village?
Either would be fine. They're just going over the rules and anything weird about the course (like no-pass zones or something like that)

5. Anything I MUST have or should pass up in the merch tent? I think I want a jersey, jacket, and visor. I get a shirt, I'm sure?
I generally don't buy the jersey or other race stuff. You'll get a nice wicking shirt (t-shirt or tank) and a race hat. You'll probably get one of those sling bags too. That all seems to be standard for 70.3 races.

6. How many tubes & cartridges would you keep on your bike? I usually carry 2 of each.
Two is fine.

7. I've heard that if they offer you an IV in the med tent you should take it, and that it does wonders for recovery. Any opinions?
They are pretty strict with IV's. They used to give them to lots of people, but now they are more careful, so I would say that if they think you should have one, then take it. It's not like handing you a bottle of water. If you're getting an IV, then you're in the medical tent and that is not good. Try to avoid the med tent, especially if you're just a little dehydrated. IVs are for serious dehydration.

8. My H is coming with me in the morning, but my parents want to bring my DD a little later. Will they be able to get in later in the morning as spectators?
That totally depends on the venue. Check the athletes guide on the website. Sometimes they have a spectators guide too.

Could this be any longer? 

Again, answering one question or writing your own tips or rolling your eyes at me - all totally welcome

No problem! I've been to quite a few Ironman races (70.3 and full), so I'm pretty familiar with what they do.

Have fun!

[zoidberg]

You know, I was going to try to go there and at least see you cross the finish line. I have a good friend in Denver and I thought, "hey, why not?"

But it turns out that is the weekend that we have to do our second move.

It's the thought that counts, right?

[Susie]

Jul 18, 2013 15:25:51 GMT -5 kams said:

THOUGHT OF ANOTHER ONE!

At the bike bottle hand off, do they give you an actual bike bottle, or one of those cheap plastic arrowhead type bottles? Will it launch right out of my cages?

I can only speak for mine, but at ours you yelled water! or Heed! depending on which you wanted.  Water was these Poland Spring sport bottles:

They do NOT stay in cages well, especially downtube cages that aren't straight up & down.

If you took Heed, they came in actual bike bottles.  They were Hammer branded, and kind of flimsy, but they were standard bike bottles that were fine for their purpose.

You had to throw a bottle to get one, I think to encourage people to hang onto them and not litter on the course.  There was a hockey/lacrosse type net set up to throw your empty at/into.

[kams]

Thank you all so much - you're all easing my ping-ponging mind.

And zoidberg , I SO appreciate the thought - it absolutely counts! Internet friends are THE BEST friends!!!!! And don't worry, my Facebook will be overloaded with pics & info and you'll likely be so sick of it that you'll hide me until September

[zoidberg]

Jul 18, 2013 22:23:50 GMT -5 kams said:

Thank you all so much - you're all easing my ping-ponging mind.

And zoidberg , I SO appreciate the thought - it absolutely counts! Internet friends are THE BEST friends!!!!! And don't worry, my Facebook will be overloaded with pics & info and you'll likely be so sick of it that you'll hide me until September

I promise that I will excitedly listen to ALL of your HIM talk if you patiently put up with my medical crazy talk.

[kams]

Jul 18, 2013 22:28:33 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

Jul 18, 2013 22:23:50 GMT -5 kams said:

Thank you all so much - you're all easing my ping-ponging mind.

And zoidberg , I SO appreciate the thought - it absolutely counts! Internet friends are THE BEST friends!!!!! And don't worry, my Facebook will be overloaded with pics & info and you'll likely be so sick of it that you'll hide me until September

I promise that I will excitedly listen to ALL of your HIM talk if you patiently put up with my medical crazy talk.

Ill listen any day, and it's not at all crazy! I am excited for your future posts about your sub30 5k & your marathon, which Im certain are coming soon

[zoidberg]

Jul 18, 2013 22:31:28 GMT -5 kams said:

Jul 18, 2013 22:28:33 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

I promise that I will excitedly listen to ALL of your HIM talk if you patiently put up with my medical crazy talk.

Ill listen any day, and it's not at all crazy! I am excited for your future posts about your sub30 5k & your marathon, which Im certain are coming soon

I had a new measure of improvement on Wednesday!

When I first started running I always used to listen to audiobooks on my runs. Loved it. After moving here, I just couldn't do it anymore. Running was taking so much mental and physical energy that I just didn't have any left to pay attention to the story. I had to switch to a constant stream of pump-it-up workout music to get through.

But Wednesday morning I ran with an audiobook again for the first time in almost a year and enjoyed it! Yay!

[kams]

Jul 18, 2013 22:36:35 GMT -5 zoidberg said:

When I first started running I always used to listen to audiobooks on my runs. Loved it. After moving here, I just couldn't do it anymore. Running was taking so much mental and physical energy that I just didn't have any left to pay attention to the story. I had to switch to a constant stream of pump-it-up workout music to get through.

But Wednesday morning I ran with an audiobook again for the first time in almost a year and enjoyed it! Yay!

I LOVE this! And you're so early in your recovery - just imagine what's to come!!